Resident Tourists: Smithsonian National Post Office Museum

I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit I had no idea there was such a Smithsonian in existence, though I suppose I shouldn't be surprised seeing that it is a government department with a detailed history worth preserving and sharing.

This was the first time Henry and I took the bus, which was a learning experience. The necessary bus stop is relatively close to our home, and the ride was short though pretty crowded. I did realize buses do not run at the frequency of the subway, which was more pronounced on our way home when we waited about 20 minutes (with looming rain storm) and then the bus was a further 15 minutes late. Bigger lesson learned was that you have to request stops--here I thought these people were making special requests to hop off...nope. We only went one stop past ours thanks to someone else needing to get off, but lesson learned. And we made it home before the clouds broke and skies poured!

Having a three-year-old who is a big fan of the mail system (so much that he dressed up as a mail carrier last Halloween), I knew an early visit was in order.

Mailboxes from around the world.

They have an interactive exhibit that allows you to design your own postage stamp and email it to yourself, though it comes through as a Cinderella stamp--"because they are beautiful, but unable to be used as a valid stamp." 

Henry's creation :)

The stamp exhibit would be a stamp collector's dream-it's the largest in the world.

As expected, the museum houses a history of transporting the mail--from the Pony Express, to stagecoaches, to rail, trucks, and air.

Several cool artifacts are kept here, including Amelia Earhart's flight suit, the Unabomber's handcuffs, and a mailbox that was across the street from the World Trade Center on September 11.

Henry's favorite exhibit was the giant semi-truck, which was part of illustrating the transportation of mail.

After a few hours of walking around, lunch was in order. Union Station, a large transportation hub with many dining options, houses the Shake Shack, which locals deem the closest burger to In 'n Out. Admittedly I was suspicious of such claims, but I enjoyed the burger and while I wouldn't say it was better than In 'n Out, it was quite tasty and Henry gobbled up his grilled cheese. And, they offer a frozen custard dessert as well as beer and wine on their menu so frankly, that wins some points against In 'n Out! I am sure we will be back when the burger cravings hit hard.

Resident Tourists: Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

Henry and I have hit up our second Smithsonian Museum-the Museum of Natural History, which I was pretty excited about, knowing how much Henry would enjoy the dinosaur and insect exhibits.

Like our other visits, we took the metro (first wrong exit experience, but no big deal, hopped back on after realizing my error) and made the short walk inside. The beauty of going midweek, like anything, is the lack of crowds that really add to the enjoyment of experiencing the exhibits. And once again, we only scratched the surface when it came to the volume of exhibits and attractions to see. Easily the highlight of the trip was the butterfly atrium where you can walk in and be surrounded by hundreds of butterflies--so many you have to watch where you step and be evaluated by staff member in a decontamination room before exiting. My photos don't do it any justice--it's definitely something to experience first hand. While we weren't lucky enough to have any land on us, we watched plenty of these small and large creatures land on other unknowing attendees' derrieres, backs, and shoulders.

The insect exhibit is pretty awesome too-they have several tarantula feeding times and allow people to hold a variety of bugs. This is where I fail as a mom because I want to be brave and show Henry how cool it is be able to hold caterpillars and hissing cockroaches--except I really don't WANT to hold a cockroach, hissing or otherwise! And I certainly will never hold or feed a tarantula. He's going to have to get that example from his dad. But, I wasn't a total failure because I am just selective about what I'm willing to hold-caterpillar...sure. Not nearly as threatening or sinister as the others! There was actually a great selection of other insects to view as well-varieties of beetles, spiders, camouflaging 'leaf' bugs (really need to brush up on my insect vernacular), and even crabs and scorpions.

We also walked through the mummies exhibit which fascinated Henry--I can't wait to explore that one a bit more with him.

On our walk home, we spotted this squirrel going to town on these pumpkins. #MoPumpkinsMoProblems

A belly shot for anyone who is interested--I'll be 9 months next week and will finally see a doctor and hopefully get a c-section date scheduled. I've had two strangers ask me if I am having a girl...so we'll what's in the cards sooner rather than later!