Our Final Day

      We slept in, expecting to make it to the Bureau of Engraving around 9 am.  Well, we made it to the location, all ready to go, and did not bother to look at the schedule for Saturdays.  No go.  As a federal office, the building closes on weekends.  We were freezing (the weather dropped) and we were stuck out in the cold (literally).  Moral to the story, always check dates and times.

       Thinking quick, we headed over to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.  We were too early, and sat in the snack bar for a few, reading and planning.   The museum has programs for all who are interested, but recommends not bringing anyone under about 13 years old through the main museum.  I wasn't going to rat my son out.  We entered the museum, and I did my best to help him understand the material we were presented with.  The museum is not overly graphic.  It is much the opposite.  The museum is purposely detached and scholarly, rather than emotive and simple.  It was above his head, largely, without my interpretation.  He has has a deep interest in any moving picture display, much more so than static displays.
        After leaving one moving picture show, we encountered a group being guided through, and he was interested in falling in to listen.   So much information, such an effective way to get it.  Being in no hurry to get through, we followed the group through the entire museum, listening along, and learning as we went.  Definitely recommended.
       Maybe I should have started him here, but this is how we finished:  The museum has a semi-permanent display known as "Daniel's Story".  I had visited in when it came to Kansas City in 2000.  A nice entry to the study of the Holocaust from the eyes of a child.  Interesting.
       We had a difficult time trying to find a place to eat.  We decided to just eat McDonald's at the Air and Space Museum.  Expensive:  yes.  Easy: yes.  At Air and Space, there was a hands on display section that he truly enjoyed.  At one point, there was a demonstration on the dynamics that make airplanes fly.  The boy one a free book by building and launching the best paper airplane.
      Back to displays, including World War II aircraft, Vietnam aircraft, and a video on Medal of Honor winners.  Completely wrapped him up.  We went down and took some pictures with the commercial aircraft displays, and different pieces. A great time.  We shut the museum down, and headed back just as it started snowing.  The walk back to the hostel wasn't warm, but it wasn't bad.  Another great day dinner at our favorite diner, and off to bed.  it was  great trip.