Museums a Plenty

This past month has been one of intrigue, fascination, and admiration. Science, Religion and Politics have been discussion topics at the dinner table as three very iconic individuals have made an impression on the munchkins. Ben Franklin, Pope John Paul II, and Thomas Jefferson. We have had the opportunity to visit the Franklin Science Institute in Philadelphia, the John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, DC and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello home, in Charlottesville, VA.

Little Man B is a HUGE fan of Ben Franklin and his Institute. This is our second visit and he wanted a picture with this famous BEN! The statue is called "The Franklin" which sits just inside the entrance.

We went to the Institute to view the traveling exhibit entitled "BODY WORLDS." BODY WORLDS is a one of a kind exhibit. It involves human specimens who have been preserved by a process of Plastination invented by Dr. Gunter von Hagens. Several family members who had recently seen the exhibit thought it would be worth the time and money to share with the munchkins. It was an absolutely amazing exhibit and so educational for everyone. It just makes one realize how intricate and fragile the human body is constructed.

Eager for a family activity on a dreary Saturday, we headed up to the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, DC. We thoroughly enjoyed the collection of Papal items, gifts received from all over the world, and his life story depicted throughout the Center. It is a wonderful tribute to a truly amazing man. The boys really liked the replica of the Swiss Guard in the display case. They both thought the uniform was cool!

I had the pleasure of joining Big Sister on her field trip to Monticello. Here she is with Thomas Jefferson. Not sure whose hands are on his shoulders...one of those mischievous male classmates perhaps? Walking the grounds of Monticello, hearing personal anecdotes of Jefferson as a private citizen, and learning about his many interests gave me a greater appreciation for our 3rd President.

The house that Jefferson built

Big Sister sitting in a Jefferson chair