Your kids are really well behaved!

Well, we are just outside of Rockford, Il and have finished eating breakfast. While in the Cracker Barrel, two separate people approached the teachers and commented on what well behaved kids we had. Way to go guys! The kids had a good time but are looking forward to getting home to their own beds.

Wow...broadway anyone??

We are watching High School Musical....and the whole bus is singing.....boys
too!!:)....I think we're Broadway bound!

Is this thing on?

  How often do I joke about the elements?......Periodically. Shantz out!

It's open mic get on the 7th grade duet. We've heard some Top 40 including Bieber, and some crazy jokes. This is highlighted....literally by the techno light given to Jacob by our tour guide. The kids were especially amused by Mr. Shantz's stand up comedy routine.

Homeward bound....

They have seen every site on schedule and more...they've been fed...and now we are en route!   We figure we logged somewhere around  35-40 miles on foot over the past few days....and so exhaustion and tired feet have set in!   We are looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!

A group of 'Monkeys' @ National Museum of Natural History

Museums and More

7th graders arrived to the tomb of the unknown soldier and stayed to watch the changing of the guards and wreath laying; then they toured the Kennedy memorials and the saw where General Lee lived. The subway ride was a new experience and all found it intriguing. Currently they are exploring the various Smithsonian Museums. Our last stop of the night will be the Newseum.

Subway - they loved the ride!

tomb...delayed

Well this morning was eventful...or uneventful depending on how you look at it. The 7th grade bus was having trouble starting. We put our wreath layers on the 8th grade bus and sent them on their way. Meanwhile 7th grade waited and followed within the hour. Now at the tomb of the unknown soldier.

It's Sheer Madness....

Intermission of the play "Sheer Madness" at the Kennedy Center.... kids are loving the interactive murder mystery show! 

Immaculate Conception

I Saw Barrack Obama!

No...that wasn't the president. Nonetheless, the kids kept trying to spot him as we toured the capitol.

Not so offical group photo....

Snuck a quick pic while the photographer was getting kids organized for official commemorative photo!.....we're off to Shrine....

Capitol....

Front of Lady Freedom...

They LOVE the sunglasses here!

off to breakfast

We had a sleepy start this morning but the kids have been really good about getting up and out of bed when the adults come knockcing. Today we visit Arlington and the theater. But first - Hard Rock Cafe for breakfast.

Air Force Memorial

What a great day...

What an incredibly busy but awesome day!  We went to My. Vernon, Holocaust Museum, White House for photos, and lots of memorials!..... we are headed back to the hotel....and they are chatty but TIRED....or maybe that's just me!:).   It's been a really successful day and I think they learned a lot....I know I did!     Our tour guides, Carol and Dan, are fabulous and the teach and share history like a it's a story you want to hear more of!   The kids are getting a wonderful opportunity on this trip!   Until tomorrow......

Iwo Jima and Airforce Memorials

On the South Lawn of the White House

Teachers are having fun too! :)

White House Pic stop

Remember...

Remember is the message that resounds at the National Holocaust Museum. The kids found the message intriguing and horrifying. Many went through the artifacts and photos  and then learned through "Daniel's Story", a personal account of a child who could have lived in that time. Onto the White House.

Mt Vernon pics....

Great visit!

Yes, that is where he really died....

We just finished at Mt. Vernon...the kids say their favorite part was seeing the bed Washington died in and the 4D movie. Pictured is the front of the estate and pics of the kids behind the house looking out onto the  Potomac River.

Mt Vernon

Getting ready to watch the welcome video on the history and wonder of Mt. Vernon. Did you know Washington was 6 foot 2 and considered a giant of his time?

Oops...we're here!

Got into the shower this am and thought.....oops I forgot to say we arrived....and all is good!......So......all is good and we arrived!  Kids went to bed quickly after check in....and so did we......happily!   Off to breakfast.....My Vernon, Holocaust Museum, memorials, etc today!  Here we go....

Betty Ross' house

DC bound....

We had a very full day in Philly...had dinner and now we are on the bus to DC......kids are tired, but they still seem to have high vocal energy:)....more when we arrive and get them tucked in!

A few pics of the Constitution Center

Rocky anyone?

Running of the Rocky steps at the Art Museum......

Some famous.....some who want to be....