Muppets, Mausoleums and Mini-golf.

On Saturday we headed downtown to check out the Jim Henson exhibit at the Smithsonian's Ripley Center. Amelia was fascinated by the creatures from the Dark Crystal. There were several of Henson's original drawings, cartoons, and storyboards. There were also some original video productions, including some interesting excerpts from Henson's early career and experimental films. And of course there were a few Muppets on display, including Kermit the Frog, Bert, Ernie, and one of my favorites, Rowlf.


After viewing the exhibit, we enjoyed a picnic lunch and then wandered through the sculpture gardens at the Hirshhorn Museum.


Later that night we decided to enjoy the beautiful weather with some mini golf and ice cream.



This week's Sunday evening excursion was a trip to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, followed by a stroll through Rock Creek Cemetery.



We were fortunate enough to catch the end of an organ recital. You really get a feel for the vastness of the basilica when you hear the organ echoing through it. Apparently, it's the largest Roman Catholic church in North America.


Rock Creek Cemetery was a beautiful old cemetery and another great place to go in D.C. if you want to get away from the crowds. We were the only people there which was nice.




The following photos may be a bit disrespectful considering that this is a cemetery, but Amelia was very fascinated by this statue (I was a little creeped out) and she really wanted to get the bird poop off of his head. She kept trying to "give him five" (he does appear to be asking for it) and talk to him. She made a rather sad statement on the way home..."I don't have any real friends, just pretend friends like statues."