D to the C, part שבע

"Seven" in Hebrew is שבע
(read right to left) and, not-so-incidentally, is the number in Scripture that represents completion. (On the seventh day, God rested after Creation, etc)

So, I thought it fitting to wrap up the marathon postings about our DC trip with a miscellaneous smattering of photos and brief anecdotes. You can thank me for wrapping it up later... :)

This is a picture of one of the statues on either side of the non-tourist entrance to the National Archives. Both Scott and I took pictures of this, as we see the importance of studying the past. Have you ever heard the quote (attributed to George Santayana, I believe) that "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it" ? That is true of the mistakes in the past, and knowing history also helps you greatly appreciate and understand who you are, what you believe, and why you believe it.

We got to stand in line to see the documents from the founding of our nation at the National Archives. I know they take great pains to preserve and protect the originals, and yet I am so thankful for printing presses and facsimiles. You'll see what I mean when you compare the next three pictures: First, an original printed copy of the Declaration of Independence, followed by a facsimile of the original handwritten Declaration, followed finally by the actual original handwritten Declaration of Independence. Flash photos were prohibited, of course, on the first and third, but the middle picture was from the display outside of the protected area housing the originals.


p.s., we were assured that there was absolutely no way that there is a secret map on the backside of the original, a-la-National Treasure.

This is the Supreme Court building. We got a neat tour and description of the chambers and Court history. A pro-life group stood in silent peaceful protest on the left in this pic with their mouths taped to show that the unborn do not have a voice in matters of "choice."

Here is a view of the back of the Capitol from the entrance level of the new Capitol Visitor's Center. The Visitor's center is elegant and matches the rest of the Capitol well, in my opinion.

Closeup of the Capitol Rotunda Dome.


Little Monkey takes the Capitol a-la-King Kong.
(one of the texted pics we sent home to keep the kids involved)

Nancy Pelosi's office (for now)


The Capitol Dome from inside the Rotunda. Gorgeous. Also weighs 9 MILLION pounds. No. joke.



I'm sure our backgrounds have been thoroughly checked. We got to "tour" the White House (which is just a do-it-yourself walkthrough of a couple of rooms) and one of the Secret Service agents was certain that Scott looks just like one of their fellow agents.


Note. to. self. When taking a self-photo, remove the sunglasses to prevent your goofy arm from showing up on your lenses.



Scott should have access to this stairwell in the National Cathedral, shouldn't he?

The restaurant at the National Spy Museum. EXCELLENT Lobster Mac 'n Cheese as a side dish, btw.

Fancy Soda:
Ginger Ale, Lime, Blueberry, and Mint.
Very refreshing. No alcohol, duh. Available at Zola's.

This is the church we visited for their Wednesday night service. It's the home of 9 Marks ministries -- a great resource for churches!

Sesame-encrusted somefishwe'dneverheardof&can'tremember
served fresh at the Oceanaire Seafood Room. Delish, even though I can't remember what it was.

Quite possibly the best burgers we've ever had. 3.6.9 miniburgers with gorgonzola cheese and onion straws from Matchbox in Chinatown.