After we toured the Smithsonian Museum of American History, Terry, Mitchell, Leslie, Laci, Matthew and I went to see the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History while Lauren headed back to see the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum for the second time. When I came to D.C. in 1996, I wasn’t able to see the Museum of Natural History, so I was looking forward to this adventure. Matthew, who loves all things dinosaurs and mummies, couldn’t wait, either. This trip was the hardest on him because he is so young and small. The walking and touring got old quickly for him, but he managed to hang in there and enjoy it the best he could. I was happy that this museum held things that interested him. Here are some of the highlights of this fabulous museum:

Three kids strike a pose at the entrance to the museum.

A life-size replica of a jellyfish! Yikes!

Sisters in front of the jellyfish display.

Starfish!

Whale, starboard side! Or is it port side? I always get those mixed up.

Sea turtle, like in Finding Nemo!

This elephant was amazing to see.

Matt was pretty excited to see these animals close-up. They had hundreds on display, I just photographed our favorites.

Ah, a little piece of home in D.C. (We have the real thing here.)

My cub with a cub.

I’m not sure if Laci didn’t want her picture taken, or if she is worried about the giraffe’s comfort? I’ll let you decide.

This porcupine was interesting to observe. I’m glad he is stuffed!

There was one huge floor devoted to evolution. It is disheartening to see the elaborate displays paid for by our tax dollars all to indoctrinate us in a myth. *sigh* Okay, rant over. This picture of the ape was incredibly life-like. Leslie isn’t too pleased with it though.

These statues were shiny where children sat on them.

It’s not every day you get food from a cave man.

Matt was in dinosaur heaven! Here he is with a T-Rex skull, pretending to be eaten.

Run for your life!

Triceratops

You could watch these scientists as they looked through sand for microscopic fossils. The TV monitor showed us what he was seeing through his microscope.

After we saw the dinosaur bones, there was a display of real mummies to see. I did find the exhibit interesting, especially in light of the Bible, but I just couldn’t bring myself to take photos of them. It seemed sort of an invasion of privacy, I guess. Not to mention they aren’t very pretty. If you would like to see them, I’m sure you can do an online search to find photos.

This is my only photo of Mitchell! He was always off exploring on his own, usually ahead of us. I caught them all together when they took a break in this interesting chair.

One of our favorite exhibits was the butterfly room. I had seen this on Instagram and wanted the children to see it also. It did cost $6 per person for entry, but it was worth it. All of us except Terry went through it. I captured some lovely photos of the butterflies, but you may have to look closely to see them in some of the pictures.

We tried to stand still so that they might land on us, but Leslie was the only one who accomplished this. I love this photo of her!

One thing I had to see was the famous Hope Diamond! It is on a display that turns 360 degrees slowly. This is the best photo I could get:

It was a thrilling day at the Natural History Museum. The children had to save up their own money for souvenirs. Matthew got this cute hat for only $6, which, in the souvenir world, is pretty cheap!

Thank you for traveling along with me. See you soon!