Wandering about

One day, after a couple particularly depressing/lazy/unmotivated days, I dragged myself out the door, got on the bus, and went to the National Mall...cause after all, I am in Washington DC!!!!!!

Anyway, I went to a museum for a few hours and then started walking around cause it was a cool day, and just too nice not to ignore the weather. And I found myself wandering towards the Capitol.

Beautiful. There is a large pool in  front of the Capitol and I saw there for about 30 minutes, just taking in the sights and enjoying the lovely weather. 

There's my feet...

There's the Capitol....

There's a duck...

And there's one of the ginormous pigeons that I am convinced are going to fly off with a small child one day because she's holding a pretzel...

Then I decided to walk up to the Capitol and enjoy the architecture

A very fancy drinking fountain

I love the trees around here.

A nice archway to walk through to get to the grounds...

...If you're a squirrel...

Was potentially breaking the law....because I was standing when I took this photo.

Part of the Senate offices.

The backside of the Capitol

The Supreme Court Building...it's being cleaned and repaired right now.

Shakespeare Library behind the Capitol

I walked around a good deal and it was so delightful to be in that part of town. Everything is so dignified looking and I am excited to take long strolls down the tree lined streets during fall and enjoying the beautiful sights of this place. 

Museum of the American Indian

Growing up, I loved studying about Native Americans. My mom can testify to that. And so the other day, I went exploring to the Museum of the American Indian (which I kinda chuckled at the title since everyone is always up in arms about being politically correct). I loved it! It was so cool to go and learn about these amazing cultures. 

The outside of the building is pretty nifty. It's like a sandstoney texture and a waterfall (which you shouldn't chase...ever!), lots of plants, and amazing sculptures.

Then we go inside....

The Dome! There are three levels in the museum and each floor has a couple different galleries on it.

Underneath the dome on the ground floor are four boats from different Native American cultures.

I loved the art work.

Beaded Converse...

I found a new beaver to add to Dad's collection

This statue was made in St. George, Utah...I find a little bit of home every now and then

A favorite childhood book. 

This of course, was just a small glimpse at what the museum had to offer. I loved revisiting and learning new things about these cultures and was kind of grateful that I was broke when I went to the museum...otherwise the gift shop would've needed to restock a few things.