Day 2 Another busy day! Everyone was made it up and ready to go on time. We started our day at the International Spy Museum...a great way to start. Each person had to memorize a new identity and could check their 'spy potential' throughout the museum. We saw many interesting tools of the trade. The museum stays current and took us through cyber issues. There was, of course, a gift shop at the end. You'll have to check out the upcoming chaperone pict which will make use of some spy 'gear.' Next stop was was Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. We spent a little over an hour here which included lunch. Students were able to browse at their leisure. We were picked back up by our driver, Wayne, and we're driven via Pennsylvania Ave to our country's White House. We were greeted at the security gate by a National Park Service employee (and many security folks!) We had to line up alphabetically and were escorted in. It was all very formal. The adults had to show ID at two places and students had to ID themselves by name two times. It was quite a process just to make it to the entrance! The tour was amazing but too short. What an experience to be in the same building as our current President and most other Presidents. We stood in the East Room where Lincoln and JFK both lay after their assassinations. The Botanical Gardens were next on our schedule...very beautiful! This is actually a great place for photo ops. After this we split up into small according to the museums each group wanted to visit. Each small group was accompanied by at least one chaperone. It is wonderful to have all of these super parents along on the trip! Each group enjoyed their own experiences. Wade, Thomas and the W's really enjoyed the American Indian History Museum. The outside and inside design is very fitting. We met Rita on the Constitution Ave side of the American History Museum and loaded the coach bus. Wayne drove us to the new MArtin Luther King Jr memorial. Very inspiring and we learned of some controversy surrounding the finished memorial. We walked around the Tidal Basin to the T. Jefferson Memorial. This is a favorite of Mrs.Wipperman, and the View is incredible! We had an opportunity to do some shopping in the vicinity of the Hard Rock Cafe. Many t-shirts, hoodies and hats were purchased. The vendors and shop owners loved us. Our experience at the Hard Rock was a great. An unnamed chaperone made sure Mrs. Wipperman was properly recognized for her upcoming birthday. Back at the hotel many of us were looking forward to a dip in the pool, but it had closed at 9. Some hanging out and then to our rooms to sleep. More tomorrow...