Jenny and Allie!

Day 221: Jenny and Allie wanted to see the monuments at night, and I can't blame them--WWII is my absolute favorite at night. It's magical!

Day 220: The CSI portion was just as interesting today! You have the opportunity to be a detective and try go through a crime scene step by step, while seeing the different techniques they use on all those shoes we love!

Day 219: I walked past the Museum of Crime and Punishment the other day and of course was drawn in by the CSI and NCIS paraphernalia that covered the windows. After doing a little research, Jenny, Allie, Amanda, and I decided it sounded like it was worth the $18, and we were not wrong! We spent a good 3 hours learning about the history of crime, from the public humiliations of beheadings and stocks, to the car chases of Bonnie and Clyde, to the sick ideas of Ted Bundy, to the assassinations of Presidents, and it was both educational and enlightening. There were hands on exhibits making it fun for everyone (I spent a good 20 minutes in car chases) and we saw a side of history that understandably isn’t highlighted. After realizing we hadn’t even made it to the CSI level, we decided we’d need to return Sunday, but not before discovering the America’s Most Wanted studio downstairs! One of the hosts came out to explain the show, and he told us stories of the criminals and calls that come in every Saturday night from every day citizens who are willing to make a difference. Once a call comes in, the people on the show ask questions of the person, trying to identify if the criminal is indeed living near them (dogs names, hobbies, interests, tattoos, things that they don’t mention on the show, but could be easily identified by a neighbor, etc.) and if there are enough matches, they’ll call down to the local police and send them in. It was pretty neat to see how the show works and how it works so well. P.S. Did you know there is a murder every 1.2 minutes?

Day 218: This picture is going to have to be pending cuz’ I didn’t get a good one with Allie and Jenny while they were visiting me in D.C., and they definitely wanted to make the blog! I was thrilled to have them come visit, especially since they were first timers! They saw every single on the long list Jenny made before coming (props to her!), plus Murphy’s and more! Thanks for coming girls, it was a blast and I hope you come back sometime!!

Day 217: Ben makes better breakfast sandwiches than Au Bon Pain.

Day 216: I’m not really a Favre or Viking fan, but I do enjoy seeing Minnesota make the front page in D.C.!