Smithsonian Sunday

No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving something behind.
--George Washington Carver

This past weekend's weather was brutally cold, and after being cooped up all day Saturday, we needed OUT on Sunday.  But where to go on such a frigid day?  Luckily, we live a stone's throw away from the Smithsonian Institute, the world's largest museum complex and research organization.  With so many museums and exhibits, we could stay warm and cozy there all winter long!


Now at the risk of this blog turning into a mad lovefest (see past post on libraries), I must say that I loooooove museums.  I can get lost in a great museum for hours.  I think one of my dream jobs would be to work in the education department of a museum.  Heck, I'd do that job for free.


Skyler's been learning about great American leaders at school and came home last week talking about George Washington Carver.  There's been a lot of talk about peanuts and plants during dinnertime.  Coincidentally, The National Portrait Gallery was holding a Portrait Story workshop featuring the great Mr. Carver. Perfect!  We bundled up, DVR'd the playoffs (thanks, Kurt, for being such a good sport!), and headed off on our adventure (yeah, that makes it sound so quick and easy...truthfully, on weekends it takes us 2+ hours to get everyone fed, dressed, packed up and ready to go...)

The day was....

AWE-INSPIRING--I accidentally took Sky and Chase to the wrong floor/wing while looking for the workshop.  When we got out of the elevators, we found ourselves in this amazing hall.  Turns out it was The Great Hall--a space, which among other things, served as the first national museum, displayed the Declaration of Independence, and contained guests at President Lincoln's second inaugural ball. Goosebumps.  Sometimes the best discoveries are made when "lost."  What sweet serendipity.

FUN and INSPIRATIONAL--In honor of George Washington Carver, we worked on bean/legume mosaics in the shape of a peanut plant.  Skyler loved working on the mosaic meticulously, Chase had a blast bombarding the program director with questions (including irrelevant ones like, "Do you know what?  Do you know my shoes light up?"), and I even got a chance to get my craft on.  Storytime included a reading of A Weed is a Flower: The Life of George Washington Carver by Aliki.  I challenge you to read that book and not feel completely inspired.

FASCINATING--The America's Presidents exhibit displays portraits of 42 presidents of the United States.  When I wasn't chasing after Evan and keeping him from running headfirst into the artwork, I was intrigued by the depictions of the artists and humbled to be surrounded by our nation's leaders.  

YUMMY and ENERGIZING--No better way to end the visit than with a snack in the architecturally stunning Kogod courtyard.  All three kids had a blast running around, and the older kids pointed out every young couple they spotted embracing:  "Oh look, mom, they're kissing!" (said in not-so-quiet whispers)

Other quotables from the day:

Evan, seeing the above portrait:  "Shuuz, shuuz!"
Mom:  "That's right, President Lincoln's shoes."
Evan, pointing wildly now:  "Dada, DADA!"
Mom:  "Dada?!?"  (I really needed that belly laugh)

Mom, after the visit:  "So what was your favorite part about the museum visit?"
Skyler, contemplating a bit: "Um, the ice cream, yeah the chocolate ice cream!"
Mom, trying to sound neutral:  "Really, the ice cream?"
Skyler:  "Oh, and running on the marble!"
Mom: "And you Chase?"
Chase: "Yeah, the ice cream!"

Sometimes, that's the way it goes.