We all got a lesson in respect when we visited Arlington cemetery on Memorial Day weekend. Although I believe it’s always a very serious place, it’s perhaps even more somber on days specifically designed to honor soldiers who’ve given their lives to keep us free. We walked among dozens of other people as we made our way to the Tomb of the Unknown Solder. But you could hear even the soft shuffle of our steps because it was so silent.

The normal changing of the guards was altered on this day, to bring forward wreaths that had been given to honor the fallen veterans. We witnessed a constant procession of these wreaths, in awe of the precision practiced by the soldiers. What an honor to be one of those selected to guard this memorial.

Washington DC series:
View from Washington Monument
Mount Vernon
National Archives - Declaration of Independence
Sculpture Gardens
Arlington Cemetery - Unknown Soldier

A few weeks ago, we visited Fort Folle Avoine in northern Wisconsin. It’s the site of an old fur trading camp from the 1800’s.

The weekend we went, interpreters of all ages showed a living history of the time, including this historical sport of lacrosse.

It was a very cool experience - I promise more photos to come!

For More Wordless Wednesday, please go here or here.

Located on the National Mall in Washington DC, the National Air and Space Museum was one of our kids’ favorites. It was the hands-on displays that interested them the most. This display quizzed the kids on types of aircraft.

This video-game synthesized the experience of landing a plane on an aircraft carrier. Craig could have joysticked all day long.

And this display allowed the kids to pretend they were gunning an enemy plane.

Great museum, and like everything on the mall, it was free.

Washington DC series:
View from Washington Monument
Mount Vernon
National Archives - Declaration of Independence
Sculpture Gardens
Arlington Cemetery - Unknown Soldier

A few months ago I started to research Letterboxing - a fun “treasure hunt” activity that you can do throughout the world. This summer we’ve already found a few letterboxes, and we’ll probably hide a few as well. I’ll post more photos about our excursions in the next few weeks, but for now I’ll just share some letterboxing tips, as a part of Kailani’s group writing project.

1. Visit letterboxing.org and research the letterboxes that have been “planted” in your area. Look for the date the letterbox was last seen, to give yourself a better chance of actually finding it.

2. Consider letterboxing when you’re already visiting a geographical location, or choose to letterbox in areas that have several letterboxes hidden. It can be disappointing to travel a distance only to find the letterbox has been removed by someone who doesn’t understand the protocol.

3. Empower your kids to choose the letterboxes they would like to find - purchase city maps that help them to follow the clues.

4. Make a stamp (we carved on the end of a cork or eraser) and purchase an ink pad and small tablet for recording your visit in the letterbox. The tablet is used as a journal to record the letterbox stamps you discover.

5. Bring basic supplies like bug spray, sunblock, and baby wipes (for wiping down legs after walking into questionable weeds!)

6. Follow the Leave No Trace code of etiquette. Letterboxing only works if everyone makes an effort to keep the site just as they found it.

Works for us! We love it. Our kids are ages 9 and 11, which I think are probably the perfect age for this activity. For more fun ideas, visit Rocks in My Dryer on Wednesday.

(This is a copy of the Declaration - the original was in a low-lit booth that was nothing but blur without flash.)

We have a new perspective on the 4th of July, having now seen the real Declaration of Independence and the National Archives. Craig noticed representatives from only 12 of the colonies signed their names. How fun he noticed! Rhode Island was missing.

We watched the movie National Treasure after we returned home, and it was so fun to see all the familiar places!

It was well-worth the long line to get in.

Happy Independence Day!!

Washington DC series:
View from Washington Monument
Mount Vernon
National Archives - Declaration of Independence
Sculpture Gardens