Manassas Battlefield

Last weekend I went to Manassas Battlefield with Blake and our friend Pat. And it was FREEZING!

How cold was it?

We walked around the battlefield for as long as I could stand it, but I didn't last very long.

A Zeus-like statue of Stonewall Jackson.

Rainbow

We had a wicked rainstorm last weekend, but God gave us a lovely (double) rainbow afterwards!

Sneak preview

Today is the official reopening of the National Museum of American History. Luckily, through my mad connections, I was able to attend a sneak preview of the museum last Sunday. (If you'll remember, I also got a hardhat tour of the construction site a few months ago.) We were only able to access parts of the museum, as they were still working furiously to complete everything. But it looks stunning.

The main atrium with the abstract flag.

People waiting in line to get into the Star-Spangled Banner exhibit.

The Mall entrance and the "grand staircase." So light and airy!

A view from underneath the staircase. Note to women: Don't wear skirts!!

Workers are putting the finishing touches on the American Presidency exhibit.

The Greensboro lunch counter. See if you can spot me in the mirror!

We affectionately refer to this statue as "sexy George."

One of the best WWII propaganda posters I've ever seen.

Everyone's favorite puffy shirt (displayed next to Oscar the Grouch).

I left the museum around 5:00 and encountered this:

Lovely!

National Aquarium

Since we had today off for Veterans Day, Blake and I drove to Baltimore to visit the National Aquarium. Honestly, I was a little disappointed, but maybe that's because everyone had built it up so much and I had high expectations. It was still a fun day though, and I didn't have to go to work, so I can't complain.

The centerpiece of the aquarium was this large tank filled with various types of rays. And one three-legged turtle.

We went to the half-hour long dolphin show. Always a good time.

A pig-nosed turtle with a soft shell.

Clown fish.

Parrots in the "rain forest."

After leaving the aquarium we saw a jellyfish in the harbor. Crikey!

Outside the aquarium was the Lightship Chesapeake.

And the submarine Torsk.

Blake doesn't like having his picture taken, so I hope he forgives me for this.

Great Falls

Today I went hiking around Great Falls National Park. It's only about a 20-minute drive from the city, but it feels like you're out in the rugged wilderness. Here are a few pictures; you can see the rest here.

Autumn leaves

Now and then

I love living in Old Town. I think it's so fascintating to see how buildings change over time. Like this one:
It looks like it used to be a fertilizer store/warehouse, and now it's a Christmas shop! You'll notice the building says "Ceres Fertilizers"...Ceres is a small town not far from where I grew up, named after the Roman god of agriculture.

Let's get science-y!

You all know science is not my thing. But occasionally I like to wander around the National Museum of Natural History. They have dinosaurs! And jewelry! They recently opened a beautiful new Ocean Hall, and who doesn't like marine animals?

As you can see, it gives the feeling of being underwater. The screens around the top show constant video footage of marine life. I think the architecture of the hall is my favorite. Apparently the arches in the ceiling had been covered up for years. I also love the blue skylight.

The jaw of a great white shark. Compare to the size of the person standing behind it.

The architecture of the building definitely gives off an old-museum feel. LOVE IT!

I also took some neat pictures of the stairwell.

Take-off

Blake and I recently rented bikes and rode down to Gravelly Point, which is located on the Potomac adjacent to Reagan National Airport. It's a popular spot for watching planes take off.

It's also got a nice view of the Washington Monument in the other direction.