We stop at the National Museum of Natural History and look at
the gemstones. Faith checks out her birthstone, topaz.

Thea and a beautiful emerald necklace

Crossing 12th Street to get to the National Museum
of American History

We eat lunch in the overpriced cafeteria in the NMAH's basement.
Thea snags a fry from Faith.

Not sure why Thea is glaring at Faith when Thea is the one
who filched the fry...

Faith's off in her own world...

Oh! Welcome back!

The girls want a turn with the camera.

Becky and Dan say cheese

Will you let me eat my pickle in peace?

Playing with a camera feature that automatically detects
a smile, and then snaps the picture.

Faith's satisfied smile while choking her sister triggers the photo

Thea's failed attempt at not smiling

En route to the Tidal Basin we stop
by the Washington Monument

It's all about perspective

Faith with some cherry blossoms she found
fallen off a tree

Thea and Faith sitting by the edge of the Tidal Basin,
which is ringed by the cherry trees

The Jefferson Memorial on the opposite bank

Faith and the blossoms

Thea resting with the sun on her back

Becky relaxing for a few minutes

Heading back onto the Mall, with
the Capitol ahead of us

Wandering through the Haupt Garden in back of the Smithsonian Castle.

Mom and daughters

A tourist wanted to take our picture, probably thinking
we'd come from somewhere farther away than Baltimore

Thea and Faith being goofy with pansies

They really wanted to wade in this fountain outside the
National Museum of the American Indian but it's not allowed

Dan, Thea and Faith rest and cool off in the
Summer House on the Capitol grounds

Heading back to Maryland on the Metro