Friday, July 20, 2012

Homeward Bound

We started the day with a tour of the barracks at Ft Lee. We toured both old style as well as the new dormitory style. We also went to the armory and saw where they stored thousands of weapons. They were great hosts.

From there we spent a fun day at the park. It has been a great week and we are headed home. See you soon!

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Monticello

Today we visited Thomas Jefferson's home and gravesite. He was a fascinating writer, president, architect, scientist, inventor, and free thinker. The things he was most proud of are listed on the marker at his grave:

1. Author of the Declaration of Independence
2. Author of Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom
3. Father of the University of Virginia

His home was amazing and interesting to say the least.

Tonight we are going bowling and out to eat. Tomorrow is our big day at Kings Dominion and the scouts are very excited about that.


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Is it me or is it hot here?

Another day of 100+ degree temperatures, but we pushed through it. We were up early and disappointed to find most of the museums don't open until 10am! We made a very brief visit to the Library of Congress before going to the Capitol steps to meet our representative, Rob Woodall. He was kind enough to talk with us for about 30 minutes. He was very complimentary of the boys' appearance and the fact they were in complete uniforms.

We then walked to the National Archives and saw the Declaration of
Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.

From there we went to the Ford theater to see where Lincoln was assassinated. We then went over to the White House and walked around the ellipse where we saw the Boy Scout Memorial.

We weren't done yet. We also visited the WWII, Vietnam, and Lincoln memorials. We took refuge in the Lincoln monument during a brief but heavy thunderstorm.

Everywhere we go people stop us to ask where we are from and to share stories about their scouts. Today alone we met 3 Eagle Scouts and they encouraged the boys to stick with it.

We boarded our buses and headed back to Fort Lee. We stopped for some Mexican food with Señor Scott along the way.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Another busy but exciting day

Today we visited the Naval Academy at Annapolis. Scott had pre-arranged a tour and a newly commissioned Marine conducted it for us. She did an excellent job and the boys enjoyed it. From there we drove to the New
Air and Space museum near Dulles airport. It was awesome. They have an SR71, the Enola Gay, and the Space Shuttle Discovery along with hundreds of other air/spacecraft. The boys also enjoyed the simulator rides.

From there we went to the Iwo Jima Memorial to watch the USMC Silent Drill Team. Then on to dinner and a nighttime tour of the monuments

Monday, July 16, 2012

A Day of Reverence

Today we visited Arlington National Cemetery. We watched the ceremonial changing of the guard. The US Women's Olympic basketball team placed a wreath on the tomb of the unknown soldier. We also visited
JFK's gravesite. After that we went on a guides tour of the Capitol building and were able to sit in the gallery for senate proceedings. We then spent a couple of hours at the Air and Space Museum. After a long day, we went to Joint Base Antacostia-Bolling to stay for the next 2 nights.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

A busy day, and we're not yoking!

It was warm today but the boys had a great time learning about the beginnings of our country. We had great tour guides that kept it interesting and the scouts involved. We are staying one more night at
Fort Lee before we move on to DC.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Fort Lee, VA

This will be our home for the evening. We arrived safe and sound and are ready for some sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow at Yorktown, Jamestown, and Williamsburg.

Airborne!!!

Fayetteville, NC

We toured the museum and watched the film "Descending from the Clouds'"

Parents contemplating...

What shall we do with all of our free time this week?

Off to a great start!

We are off and on our way to Washington, DC. We are currently in South Carolina and stopped for a quick bite at Wendy's. Our next stop is the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, NC.