Today we took a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. It was really interesting to see how they make money and to learn the different ways they try and prevent counterfeiting. There were stacks of money worth 64,000,000 dollars just chilling in the building.

  

The poster in the back measures one's height and it shows the value of the same height in stacks of $100 bills.

  

 This is the picture of the inside of the rotunda in the Capitol Building. There was artwork everywhere depicting major historical events.

 

 This is a view of the Lincoln Memorial. It was a beautiful building to see and it was awesome to read the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address. When we walked around to the back we were also able to see the Arlington Cemetery including the entrance to the cemetery and Arlington House.

 This is the view of the inside of the Lincoln Memorial. It was very packed with other visitors.We were inspired.

Today started off with an exciting trip to Mt. Vernon. The weather was perfect! While we were there we went on a tour of the mansion, saw many of Washington's inventions, visited the Washington tomb, and much more. 

After we departed, we went to the Air and Space museum. We saw many historical artifacts and were often in awe of the Majestic presence of the space equipment. We also enjoyed pretending to Be scientists and astronomers while exploring.

 Then, we visited many national monuments, including, the MLK Jr., FDR, WWI, and WWII. We were torn over which was the overall favorite because they were all so different; however, there was something to be enjoyed at each one. (Finding Kilroy at the WWII monument was one of the favorite events of the day.)
We look forward to telling you more about our adventures tomorrow! Thanks for following our trip! -Juniors

The Junior class @ The National Arboretum with the beautiful, pink flowers in full bloom!

Another quick shot of us @ the giant pillars from the original Capital Building in D.C.

We were bestowed the honor of being the first class to visit the 9/11 Pentagon memorial.

A last quick shot of almost all the class in front of General Robert E. Lee's mansion's incredible view of D.C. Sabbath at the Arboretum was a blessing. The remnants of the Choraliers sang a few songs, and Mr.Anderson gave a talk about loving one another. As we continued throughout the day, this thought stuck with me at the Pentagon Memorial and Arlington Cemetery. The sermon was on 2 John, and as I observed the changing of the guard it made me think. If we were all taking the words of God seriously we wouldn't have to have a tomb to the unknown soldiers, or any for that matter. What our soldiers have done for our country is a valiant thing. War may have shaped the face of human history, but it was never God's original plan. I think you understand my point. The class is having a good time and it is so cool to be in D.C. We are looking forward to Mt. Vernon tomorrrow!

Independence Hall!

Here we are admiring the birthplace of our country.

Let freedom ring! The day was full of adventure, loss, and wonder! We are currently in our final hotel the Courtyard Marriott. This morning we left Philly and headed to DC! And in the heat of trying to get off of the metro Mrs. Zackrison was stuck on there and had to parade around the metro stations to get back.

From Red Eye to Gettysburg and Beyond!

After an all night flight we were rewarded by breakfast at Cracker Barrel. After breakfast we drove to Gettysburg and saw

a painting that was 40 feet high and 300 plus feet long. We then went out to the battlefield were Satchel, Caleb, David, and Jeremy attempted to recreate Pickett's Charge. After that we went to the Gettysburg cemetery we attempted to recite Lincoln's address but our efforts left much to be desired (we blame that on the tiredness :) ) After that it was a several hour drive to King of Prussia a suburb of Philadelphia were our Motel is located and enjoyed supper at the food court in the King of Prussia Mall.

Looking Forward

Juniors are looking forward to the following: Nikki - MLK Monument & the Spy Museum Caleb - Philadelphia and the Holocaust Museum Alek - Air and Space Museum Bailey - Spy Museum Satchel - Gettysburg Ali - Smithsonian Museums Jacob - American History Museum and National Archives David - National Arboretum Jeremy - Holocaust Museum Daulton - Spy Museum Lexie - Holocaust Museum

Check back for updates on the Junior Class trip to Washington D C. The trip begins in 12 days.