Anne at the Monuments

Under repair

Anne's friend let me know that the Washington Monument is under repair due to earthquake damage.  The Washington Monument is an obelisk. An obelisk is a building that is a pillar shape with a pointed top.  They are usually built as monuments or landmarks.  This obelisk was built to honor George Washington, our first president. Anne is sad that it is in this condition.  The original construction took 36 years, from 1848-1884.  Hopefully the repairs won't take that long.

This is the Lincoln Memorial.  It is another national monument.  It is in honor of the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln.  It is located across from the Washington Monument.  Anne wishes she could sit with the president, but the statue is actually very large.  She wouldn't want to get lost and miss out on the rest of her travels.  

This is the Iwo Jima memorial.  It is also known as the Marine Corps War Memorial. It is a military memorial statue.  It is just outside the Arlington Memorial Cemetery.  This statue is cast in bronze.  It is actually one of the largest bronze statues.  Anne likes that the flag does not come down at night like most flags.  It flies 24 hours a day.  The memorial is based on a picture taken of 5 marines and 1 navy corps man placing the flag on Mt. Suribachi during the battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.  Although it is based on something that happened in WWII, the memorial honors all marines who have served.

Anne goes to Washington

This is the Capitol Dome.  The United States Congress meets here.  Anne wishes that she could join in on one of their meetings.  Even though it might be boring, it would be neat to see congress in action.

This is Anne in the Capitol Building.  She is standing with the statue of King Kamehameha, which represents the state of Hawaii.  She thinks it is cool to be with this statue, because King Kamehameha was the first to rule over all the Hawaiian islands. Anne also loves his headdress. 

Anne visits the National Museum of Natural History

The most famous diamond in the world.

Anne started her adventure at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, in Washington, D.C.  This is Anne with the Hope Diamond.  It is also known as Le Bijou du Roi which is the King's Jewel in French.   It is sized at 45.52 - carats.  A carat is a unit used to measure the mass of gemstones and pearls.  It is a Deep Blue Diamond.  The Diamond gets its Deep blue color from boron if the Diamond is exposed to ultraviolet light it has a red glow.  Anne thinks it is beautiful and thinks it is sad that it is too big for her to wear.

This picture was taken in the Smithsonian fossil collection.  At first Anne thought the dinosaurs were alive, and she screamed, "AAAAHHHH!"  But then she found out that these are fossils, and that dinosaurs are extinct.  Then she learned that the museum has a huge collection of dinosaurs of all sizes.  The first dinosaurs were small and then over time became the largest creatures on earth.  The National Museum of Natural History website has a lot more information, like virtual tours, dinosaur information and the tree of life activity.

Night Promanade

La Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France

Bella is having fun riding on her friends pretty, pink helmet watching the beautiful Mediterranean Seashore.  She has the perfect seat for a great bike ride.  She is thankful for such good traveling friends. 

Bella takes off from Honolulu Airport

This is at the Honolulu Airport, where Bella is about to take off for France.  She is enjoying a refreshing soda before she takes off for her long flight.  Next stop, New Jersey.  She hopes that she will get treated to another soda when she gets there.

Bella and her friend, have arrived in New Jersey!  They are both very tired.  Bella is wondering if the soda is as good in New Jersey as in Hawaii.  

But, before a treat, you must wash your hands.  Good travel tip!

Yum!  Yup, it is still delicious.  Maybe even a little better after such a long journey.

Next stop, FRANCE!

Bella

This is Bella.  She loves all things French.  She likes to eat Socca {it is a flat cake with custard inside}that you can get in Nice, France.  She also likes to dress up, paint and watch her Mom prepare French cuisine.  She is my newest doll and is already in France on her first journey!

Anne

This is Anne with an e.  She is inspired by Anne of Green Gables.  Ice cream is one of her favorite treats.  She is excited to go on her first trip soon.  She will be traveling with one of Eve's old passing doll friends.  In the future she hopes to eventually travel to Prince Edward Island.