If You Can't Get to the White House...

let the White House come to you.

Last Friday, we joined homeschooling friends on a field trip to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Birthplace. The catalyst for the visit was a traveling exhibit of an astonishing 70+ foot miniature replica of the White House. We viewed facsimiles of the Oval Office, the Lincoln Bedroom, East Room, Dining Hall, Press Room and more along with the East and West Wings. The attention to detail was incredible--everything from the small-scale wallpapers, furniture and the chandeliers to the moving Secret Service men and smoke coming out of one of the chimneys. It took 42 years to build! On the ground around the perimeter of the White House were statuettes of all U.S. Presidents from George Washington to George W. Bush


The front of the mini White House.


The back reveals the room details.

We also walked through the Birthplace of Richard Nixon, a 400 square foot home which once housed all six Nixon family members. (Note to self: don't complain about our lack of space.) The friendly docent explained that 95% of the items displayed in the house were original possessions of the family, thanks to Mrs. Nixon's packrat tendencies. (Note to self: don't throw everything away just in case one of the kids becomes President.) The kids giggled at the sight of the tiny metal bathtub and the thought of using one tubful of water to wash six people. (Note to self: say a prayer of thanksgiving the next time I take a bath.)

The boys were most fascinated by the NASA corner which featured a genuine Apollo Space Suit, a large moon rock and other space memorabilia. Elizabeth grimaced at the sight of the vacuum packed dehydrated pot roast, but the grimace disappeared when she spotted an exhibit featuring various pieces of jewelry worn by the late Pat Nixon. Girls will be girls!

Though Daniel surprised me with a confession that he liked "President Samuel" (Adams), there's only so much history a toddler can take in one morning. In the East Room, I found him lying flat on his back on the floor. I asked, "Daniel, what are you doing?" He replied, "I'm a starfish!"

Homeschooling. The adventure continues!

"This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24