Here is a list of things-to-do and comments on the ones I had time to visit:

	Bird Kingdom is a fantastic place to visit. I was pleasently surprised how much I enjoyed being there. There are hundreds of birds to see and the decor was wonderful.
	Sterling Inn & Spa - Checkout where we stayed in Niagra.

It had an awesome bathroom with standup shower and jacuzzi tub for two.  

It had hardwood floors through out and ceramic tile in the bathroom.  Very nicely done.

The building use to be a dairy.  They actually milked cows and produced bottles of milk at this location.  Thus, the entrance looks like a milk jug.  You would never guess the history of the building.  Simply a remarkable development.

Would you like to have $100,000 cash?  So would I.  Here is a picture of $100,000 note. 

I was able to see $1,000,000 all shreded up in a glass box.  Another neat thing was finding out how much money you would have if you had $100 notes stacked up to your height. 

Visiting the Bureau of Engraving was well worth the time.  Let us know what you enjoyed about it.

The Navy Pier hosts many events throughout the year.  Check the Navy Pier Website for the latest schedule.  Throughout the summer months, they usually have fireworks for vistors to see.  It’s a great way to spend one of the nights while you are in Chicago. 

There is a tremendously sized ferris wheel on the pier.  I enjoyed the view of Lake Michigan and of Chicago from the top.  I also played a game of putt putt golf. 

Many of the boat tours are along the pier.  I did the architecture shoreline tour and it was fascinating.  The waterways in Chicago is not something you really pay a lot of attention to until you get on this tour.  I saw the what used to be the world’s largest post office.  It still is large, but the building is not all a post office anymore.  Also, there was draw bridge that had to be raised for the tour boat to pass.  Not something you see everyday.

 The pier has a couple of museums.  The Children’s Museum and the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows.  I did not visit the Children’s Museum.  I walked through the stained glass window museum and it was neat to see.  There is just something about seeing the sun shine through stained glass that appeals to me.  So it may not be for everyone. 

Also on the pier are dinner cruises.  I did not dine on any of the cruises while in Chicago.  But I did have a corn dog on the pier while I watched the fireworks.  I had a lot of fun while on the pier and there is always something happening. 

 Get more details about the events at the Navy Pier Website. 

The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago is incredible.  One of the best museums I have ever been in.  Make sure you visit this museum when you are in Chicago.

The field museum has four main categories:

1.  Anthropology
2. Geology
3. Zoology
4. Botany

The egyptian area was fascinating.  Walking through the tomb walls and seeing real mummies.  The gemstone collection was impressive.  Unfortunately, most of my pictures from the Field Museum were accidentally deleted.  If you have pictures to share, please post them. 

Here is one picutre of the largest Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever discovered.   They call it “Sue”. 

The trip to the cemetery was worth it.  Some of the places we visited was the Tomb of the Unknowns.  The changing of the guard was incredible and a service of honor to those who have given their lives for our freedom. 

  We toured the Arlington House, which at the time was being rennovated so most of the contents had been removed and was being restored.   We also visited the grave of John F. Kennedy.  At his grave site is a gas flame which is pictured here to the left. The view of Washington DC from Arlington Cemetery is incredible. Below is a picture of the Washington Monument and the Capitol.

The picture below is just one of the views of Washington DC from Arlington Cemetery.  I will caution every traveler, that Arlington Cemetery can be very expensive for large groups, especially if you puchase the tram rides just to get around.                                           

Here is a picture of the Memorial Ampitheater.  I just thought it was a neat structure. 

 Click here to visit the official website for Arlington Cemetery.

The tomb of the unknown soldier is breath taking.  The changing of the guard was a display of our care and concern for Americas Soliders who have fallen during battle.   The tomb has been guarded 24 hours a day since April 6th, 1948.  The guard does not let down despite the weather.    

The changing of the guard has symbolics that I did not know about before visiting the tomb.  Each pass the sentinels make across the black mat are 21 steps.  They turn 90 degrees and wait 21 seconds.  Turn again and wait 21 seconds.  They shift their rifle to the shoulder on the side that the visitors are on to symbolize that they are between any threat.  The number 21 is prevalent as it reprsents the traditional 21 gun salute given to a fallen soldier.  Guards change every hour on this vigilent duty.  It is impressive to watch and gives great honor to our soliders who could not be identified and in my heart who are still missing.

Arlington cemetary is a must visit place for those visiting Washington DC.  It has more graves than the eye can see.  Truely great sacrifices have been made to protect the freedoms that American Citizens enjoy today!  We should never take these freedoms lightly and always be the best citizen we can be for our country. 

Here are more pictures of the changing of the guard. 

There was so much to do in Washington, that one week just barely scratched the surface.  Here is a list of things-to-do and comments on the ones I had time to visit:

	Arlington Cemetary is 600+ acres of land dedicated to the burial of our soldiers who sacrifice their lives for the freedeom of the United States Citizens.  Currently, there are soldires from World War I and II, Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, and now the war in Iraq buried at Arlington Cemetery.
	Bureau of Engraving and Printing - It is where the money is printed.  A fabulous place to visit.  This place does not allow photography throughout most of the building.  But I do have some pictures taken from the gift shop.  It was fascinating to watch the money get printed.
	Department of State
	Federal Bureau of Investigation
	Ford’s Theatre
	Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
	International Spy Meseum
	Korean War Veterans Memorial
	Library of Congress
	Lincoln Memorial
	Marine Corps Memorial Iwo Jima
	National Air and Space Museum
	National Archives and Records Museum
	National Mall
	National Museum of American History
	National Museum of the American Indian
	National Museum of Natural Histoy
	National Postal Museum
	Pentagon
	Potomac Park
	Reflection Pool
	Smithsonian American Art Museum
	Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - Be sure to spend time honoring the US troops and those that have sacrificed everything for our great country.
	Union Station
	US Holocaust Memorial Museum
	US Navy Museum
	Vietnam Veterans Memorial
	Washington National Cathedral
	White House
	Washington Monument
	World War II Memorial

Chicago Go Card includes the Sears Tower in their offer for vacation discounts. The picture to the left and at the bottom were taken from the skydeck of the Sears Tower.

The Sears Tower in Chicago is a magnificent building.  The Sky Deck View of the city and surrounding areas is simply incredible.  If you are visiting Chicago, I highly recommend visting the Sears Tower. 

Some facts about the Sears Tower:

• The Sears Tower at one point was the largest building in the world.  That claim to fame has passed, as other buildings have passed it up.  Still, it is the largest building in the United States.
• The Sears Tower is 1,450 feet tall. 
• It opened in 1973.
• On a clear day you can see up to 50 miles.
• The elevators travel at 1600 feet per minute. 

For more info, click here for the Sears Tower Website.