Time with Couch Part 2

Day 3, Monday was all about the Smithsonian. We started the day at the Air and Space Museum with about 300 other people who were also waiting for the museum to open. We could have stayed there all day. It was mind blowing the progress in aviation over the years. Nate and I decided it would be a good idea to do a flight simulator - we quickly regretted our decision as we were literally spinning upside down and had to hit the emergency red button! We then opted for a more sedate simulator where we sat and looked at the 3D images. My favorite part was seeing the X1 plane that Chuck Yeager flew when he broke the sound barrier at 700 MPH. Seeing the actual 1903 Wright Brothers' plane the Wright Flyer was not something I expected to see preserved in such amazing condition. Learning that Lindbergh's kept his head out of the plane window in the cold air to keep awake during his solo flight to Paris. He stayed awake for over 50 hours straight. All of these scientists and inventors who came before us just so that we could take a Southwest plane to take vacations - and send man into space too!

We had lunch in the National Gallery in the Garden Cafe and it was a traditional Spanish buffet. They had a really neat game for the kids to find the art throughout the museum. So, Nate lead us through the galleries and we were able to see so much beautiful art it was overwhelming. It was impossible to see it all. We were taken aback by the fact that they allowed people to take pictures of the art. Even though it was without a flash - we just couldn't believe it. But of course we jumped right in and took pictures too. Architecturally speaking, the National Gallery is truly the most beautiful museum I have ever seen.

After 6 hours on the mall we headed back to the hotel to get ready for dinner at 1789 in Georgetown. The restaurant started in 1962 and is in a home over 100 years old. The guys had to wear their blazers. The service was spectacular and the food divine. One of the best meals ever!

Tomorrow we are off to the Capitol, White House and maybe the Museum of Natural History....