Last year, was a sad year for us Ramsey’s.  Two of our very close family friends moved away— far away, one to Minnesota, and the other to Florida.  We are so happy to report that we will be ringing the new year in with them this year, along with our other local friends!!  Everyone arrived yesterday, and we have had a great reunion!  Today, we went to DC to the Natural History museum...which, I have not been to in probably 18 years!~  I know, can you believe that??  Anyhow, they have a new Mammals exhibition, which was awesome, as well as the gems room and the dino bones!  A good time was had by all—-but boy, was it CROWDED!  That’s what you get for being a homeschooler...it turns you into someone who can’t handle crowds!  HA!

Like I said, the Mammals exhibit was amazing!  Years ago, they had these diorama’s painted, and the animals looked dusty and old.  Now, the animals are divided by continents, there are area’s you can touch (like Audrey touching the platypus egg, no, I didn’t know they laid eggs either), and also awesome displays of animals sheer strength and camouflage abilities. 

This was an animal I had never heard of in Australia.  The kids all thought this was so cute, and an very interesting kind of kangaroo.  Above, you can see the enormous hippo jaws!  Cool!

Spencer learned about the power of the atoms, and how they build to make beautiful gem stones.  The dino’s are always an awesome display. 

Above, is the Hope diamond, and to the right is my own personal gem—Spencer, holding the umbrella for Hayley, and sort of Malena!