Favorite Friday... Early Presidents and Living History

Spent the day in Washington. So much history and culture. What an amazing place to spend time. 

My head is a flood of thoughts today. I feel gratitude for the men who were part of organizing this great nation. I feel overwhelmed with the opportunities I have to learn about it and with the responsibility to teach my children. I feel strength when I read the words spoken by former Presidents and recognize their impact in my own life. Really, today I am grateful to be an American. I am grateful to God for His goodness. 

Happy Birthday 200th Mr. Lincoln! 
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE. Think about it.
The Gettysburg Address is the next thing Et and I will be memorizing for school.
I love this memorial. It is so majestic and so simple without it being a contradiction. I think I would like to have that said about me someday. :)
It was so windy! It was one of those days you'd rather have chapped lips because your hair would stick to your lips if you put anything on them. Windy and cold!
If you have never been to the Korean War Memorial it is hard to describe the power you feel looking at these statues. I feel such a reverence when I am there.

The WWII Memorial was dedicated in '05.  The fountains were not running, but I can only  imagine what it would be like.  There is so much symbolism in this monument.  
The windows at the top are not at all clear. Still, the views are amazing!

If you look west you can look down the Mall at the WWII Memorial, the Lincoln and past the Potomac to Virginia. The only thing that could make it more beautiful would be with everything alive and green.
To the south is the Jefferson Memorial which overlooks a tidal basin. We didn't get to see it today. In the spring perhaps when the cherry blossoms are in bloom we'll pack a picnic and make a visit. 
The view at 500' looking east down the Mall toward the Capitol Building. Look at all those museums needing to be explored. So much to see, so little time...
The White House to the North; Looking out this window you can see the DC Temple way out in the distance, so beautiful, white and majestic.  We're talking way out there. (I am motioning with my hands to show how far.) Pictures didn't catch it well, but from the top of the monument the Temple sits among a sea of trees with nothing else around, like a light or maybe a candle. Made me smile more than anything else up there. Can you hear the metaphor taking shape in my mind? I'll spare you today. :)