Rain Will Not Stop Our Fun

Despite a somewhat rainy day in D.C., the kids from Parker continued to make memories on day 2 of the trip. Our visit to the Newseum was easily a favorite by all. There were so many interesting artifacts and exhibits that Ms. Brehaut never even left the sixth floor! From the Ron Burgundy interactive newsroom to the authentic news helicopter hanging from the ceiling and the 9/11 photo journalism exhibit, there was so much for the kids to see and do. Along one entire wall, the museum displays the front page of newspapers from around the country and the world. Many students were surprised that so many newspapers even existed!

The drizzle held off during our group photo opportunity outside of the Capitol building long enough for the souvenir to come out picture perfect. It was then on to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History where students explored the exhibits on human evolution, insects, geology and oceans. A few even bought "squid" hat souvenirs. We have no idea why. The day turned more reflective at the Holocaust Museum before an early evening visit to the White House where many photographs were taken. Although there were no sightings of President Obama or even his dog Bo, the kids really enjoyed relaxing for a bit along Pennsylvania Avenue and taking in the views.

Dinner featured a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" for Ms. Anderson by as many patrons of the Ronald Reagan food court as we could muster. To end the evening in style, we traveled to the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and took part in Sheer Madness. The blend of improv comedy and theater was catered to the mostly middle school audience and was very, very funny. The kids laughed, interacted with the actors, and voted to craft the ending. We had such a good time that the character "Tony" added Parker alum to his fictious history. 

Goodnight!