Walkabout DC

Today we set out to see the sights on foot, starting at Arlington National Cemetery.

We crossed over the mile-long bridge toward the Lincoln Memorial, then along the reflecting pool to the WWII Memorial.

 We stopped briefly for pop rocks and water break.

 

 

Caleb holding up his penny in front of the Lincoln Memorial

By the time we got to the Lincoln Memorial we were pretty warm as there was little shade on the bridge.  But found refuge on the back side of the memorial where there was not only shade but a nice breeze.  We rested and cooled off there for a few minutes.

 

 We stopped for lunch on a bench along the reflecting pool.  Caleb spent his time chasing ducks.

 

 

 

 

 

From there we walked up toward the White House.  I loved walking through this part of town.  The architecture in this city is just beautiful!

 

The kids for some reason both thought the White House looked small.  I supposed compared to some of the other monuments and things we had seen so far it does.  Still, I wouldn't want to have to clean it.

We took an ice cream break, then finished the day at the Old Post Office Pavilion (tower on the right below).  It's a building that I think has an interesting history and architecture.

Here is a tribute to Benjamin Franklin out front:

Being the 3rd tallest structure in DC, the Old Post Office clock tower provides excellent 360 degree views of the city, including some beautiful rooftop gardens we would have never otherwise seen.

 This red-roofed building is the IRS.  For some reason I find that interesting.

Besides the clock tower tour, you can also go below the clock to visit the official United States Bells of Congress which were a bicentennial gift from England commemorating the end of the Revolutionary War.  They are rung weekly and on special occasions.  Unfortunately our presence there was not a special enough occasion...