To The Capitol

Tomorrow (Wednesday) we go to Washington DC, especially to see the National Air and Space Museum and the Natural History Museum on the Mall. Also planned are visits to the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam and WWII Memorial, and at least to see the Capitol Building and the White House.

Not sure how much of this we'll get done, because a) we'll only have one day or so, b) we're on foot, and c) the kids are with us. But we'll try.

I think it's vitally important and incumbent on us parents to not only provide the best educational opportunities for our kids at school, but to also take every chance to supplement it at home and away from home. BrainyBoy is still a bit young to understand a lot about the Government and the history of the country (although he certainly knows more than most 3rd/4th graders) but just for he and Tink to see where things happen and where the people live and work that shape -- not only our world today but their world tomorrow -- is vital.

I am very much looking forward to seeing the looks on their faces as they stand underneath the statue of Abraham Lincoln in his chair. I want to see them stare up at the Bull Elephant in the Smithsonian, the same as I did so long ago. I want to see them standing by the Reflecting Pool with the Washington Monument behind them.

I want them to start to learn how important these things are to our country. Symbols, yes, but also words. "Four score and seven years ago". Not just words...ideas. Ideas that shaped men and our nation. Now and forever.