National Archives

We were thrilled to be able to tour the National Archives Building today and see original records of our democracy, "The Charters of Freedom". We also saw a Civil War exhibit and the public vaults. The mission of the National Archives and Records Administration is to ensure that Federal officials and the American public have ready access to essential evidence and records that document the rights of citizens, the actions of Government officials, and the national experience. The five public vaults are themed by phrases from the preamble of the Constution: We the People=records of family and citizenship

To Form a More Perfect Union=records of liberty and law

Provide for the Common Defense=records of war and diplomacy

Promote the General Welfare=records of frontiers and firsts

To Ourselves and Our Posterity=keeping records for future generations

The Constitution of the United States

Declaration of Independence

Bill of Rights

Two cool kids that bought shades from a street vender. Barrett and Alex were lagging behind a bit and the next time I looked around they both had their wallets open buying these funny cop glasses to keep the sun out of their eyes.

It was 103 degrees today in D.C so getting ice cream was a nessesity.

Taking a break from the heat and a load off the feet, under a shady tree.

Klaus, Sara, Katja, Kate, Quinn, Daniel, Barrett, Alex