National Museum of Natural History

Last week we headed into DC and enjoyed a morning at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.  The girls and I wanted to see the butterfly pavilion and then we spent time exploring most of the second floor.

**Note if you want to see the butterfly pavilion- it requires a timed ticket to get in.  They sell tickets at the butterfly ticket booth next to the butterfly pavilion.  On Tuesdays, the pavilion is free all day, but you still need a ticket to get in.**

 We got our tickets and we are waiting in line!

 

 We spent almost 30 minutes looking (and holding) so many different butterflies.

 This one landed on my arm and stayed for several minutes.

 

 The volunteers handed the girls these paint brushes with butterflies on them.

 Then one landed on Elizabeth's headband!

It loved her headband.

 She was so excited to be holding one and for one to sit on her head.

 The volunteers put this one in Caroline's hair.

After the butterfly pavilion, we headed behind it to see the insect room.  The volunteers let the girls hold several insects and then we spent a lot of time exploring the room and viewing the insects in their habitats.

 Caterpillar

 I can't remember what this is, but it pretends to be dead

After seeing way more tarantulas than I ever want to see again, we headed over to see the Dinosaur exhibit.  

 Up first, the triceratops (and a blurry Caroline)

 My big girl wanted a picture with me :)

(I hope she always wants a picture with me)

T-Rex

After the dinosaurs, we went to see the Hope Diamond and several other jewels.  The girls loved all the diamonds and sapphires!  We headed downstairs to check out the Ocean Hall before it was time to go.  

I highly recommend the National Museum of Natural History if you are local (or visiting).  We spent two hours on the top floor and the girls enjoyed every single minute.

Happy Tuesday y'all!