A Hot Summer in Washington, DC

During the summer, we spent a few days with my sister and her family in Maryland. Part of that trip, of course, included a trip to the nation's capital. When we first decided to make the trip earlier in the spring, we did not anticipate that the DC Metro area and its northern neighbors would be experiencing a major heat wave, especially in June. The heat was brutal! We kept the children hydrated with cubes of ice, lots of chilled water, and popsicles. All in all, it was bearable, but the next time we go, we will make sure it's either in the fall or spring. 

Anyway, on day one of our arrival in Maryland, we toured the White House, the National Monument, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. We would have done more if it weren't so hot outside. I don't have much to share since most of our time in DC was spent fighting to avoid solo protestors yelling on the sidewalks, dissenting crowds in front of the White House, as well as fighting to stay hydrated and cool, while keeping the children somewhat happy and focused. Our best part of the trip (because we were finally inside and cool) was inside the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Unfortunately, by the time we made it inside, we had only a few minutes left before our meter ran out. Nevertheless, we toured two floors of the museum and gained a lot of insight and experience from it. Enjoy the pictures below. 

The White House 

She was already done at this point. The popsicles had run out, and so had her patience😌 

Inside the NMAAHC. We were finally cool and smiling😊

The step show video was the highlight for the girls.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture opened on the National Mall on September 24, 2016. From what we were able to see and experience, it is a wonderful and much-needed addition to the collection of museums on the National Mall. 

All in all, our trip to Washington, D.C. could have been a whole lot better had we gone during a different season. I do know for certain that we won't be going again in the summer (and particularly not in June). The last time we traveled to the area, before this trip, was in the winter of 2020. Before then, it was in the spring of 2018.  Both trips were amazing! We got to enjoy the cherry blossoms and cooler temperatures. Those were definitely the best times to go, so we'll stick to that!