🏛️ Day 3: Capitol & Library Day
Charlotte's Capitol & Library Day! 🏛️
"What an AMAZING day! This morning Daddy and I heard the government shutdown was RESOLVED! 🎉 We took the Metro to see the White House and took photos. Then we visited the Lincoln Memorial and WWII Memorial - so beautiful! After McDonald's lunch, we went INSIDE the U.S. Capitol Building! We had special tickets and saw where Congress meets. Then the Library of Congress - WOW! It's the most beautiful library in the world! I got a mug, umbrella, book, and magnet at the gift shop!"
🎉 GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN RESOLVED! 🎉
✅ Great News - Everything Reopened!
• U.S. Capitol Building tours REOPENED (Confirmation #202509292058274 VALID!) ✅
• Library of Congress REOPENED - We visited and it was AMAZING! ✅
• All federal buildings and monuments OPEN ✅
What a relief! We got to see everything we planned!
📸 Today's Amazing Adventure!
🌅 Morning Activities
Took amazing photos in front of the iconic Capitol dome!
🚇 Metro Ride to White House
Experienced DC's efficient metro system
✅ White House Exterior Photos
📍 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW - Got our photos with the President's house!
✅ Lincoln Memorial Visit
Saw the giant Lincoln statue - so impressive!
✅ WWII Memorial
Beautiful memorial honoring WWII heroes
🍔 Lunch Break
Perfect quick lunch before our afternoon adventures!
Refueled and ready to explore more! 🍟
🏛️ Afternoon Highlights
🎫 Confirmation #202509292058274
Saw the Rotunda, Statuary Hall, and where Congress meets!
The dome is 180 feet high - incredible!
✅ Library of Congress Tour
📍 Thomas Jefferson Building
The most beautiful library in the world!
Main Reading Room was absolutely stunning!
🛍️ Gift Shop Shopping Spree!
• Library of Congress mug ☕
• Umbrella ☂️
• Book 📚
• Magnet 🧲
Perfect souvenirs to remember this amazing day!
🏛️ Inside the U.S. Capitol Building
Reservation #202509292058274 for Hohyon Ryu + Charlotte
The tour was amazing! We saw everything we hoped for!
Location: East Capitol St NE & First St SE
We stepped inside the heart of American democracy! The U.S. Capitol Building is where Congress meets to create the laws that govern our country. The magnificent white building with its famous dome sits on a hill - this was done on purpose so everyone in Washington can see the "People's House" and remember that the government works for us, the citizens.
The breathtaking Rotunda has a dome that reaches 180 feet high - that's like stacking 15 giraffes on top of each other! The walls tell the story of America through eight massive paintings showing everything from Columbus's arrival to the Wright Brothers' first flight. At the very top of the dome is "The Apotheosis of Washington," a painting that makes George Washington look like he's ascending to heaven surrounded by Roman gods and goddesses. It was spectacular!
In Statuary Hall, we saw bronze and marble statues from every state. Each state gets to send two statues of their most important citizens. We saw everyone from inventors and writers to civil rights leaders! The room has special acoustics - if you stand in exactly the right spot, you can whisper and someone on the other side of the room can hear you perfectly!
📚 Library of Congress - The Crown Jewel!
📍 Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street SE
The most beautiful library in the world!
🏛️ The Most Beautiful Library in the World!
Main Reading Room: WOW! The Main Reading Room is absolutely STUNNING! It has a dome that reaches 160 feet high with beautiful paintings and sculptures everywhere. The room is filled with thousands of books on three levels of shelves. Researchers sit at long wooden desks studying under the ornate chandeliers. It feels like stepping into a palace of knowledge!
Thomas Jefferson Building: This building is a masterpiece of art and architecture! Every surface is decorated with marble, murals, mosaics, and sculptures. The Great Hall has a stunning staircase with bronze statues and colorful mosaics on the floor. You can see quotes from famous thinkers everywhere you look.
The Collections: The Library of Congress is the largest library in the WORLD! It has 173 million items including books, recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts. It contains one of only four perfect copies of the Gutenberg Bible, Thomas Jefferson's personal library, and original drafts of the Declaration of Independence!
Historical Significance: Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress serves as the research library for the United States Congress. It's not just a library - it's a national treasure that preserves American history and culture. Every book published in the United States is registered here!
🛍️ Gift Shop Treasures!
We visited the amazing gift shop and got some special souvenirs to remember this incredible day:
☂️ Umbrella - Perfect for rainy DC days!
📚 Book - A special book to add to Charlotte's collection!
🧲 Magnet - For the fridge to remember this amazing place!