Another day, another field trip.

This time we hit the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum (the one on the Mall downtown).

Bubby, J., The General, Princess & V. at the Imax where we watched The Sun 3-D. The kiddos thought the movie was good, the moms were less than impressed. We had been studying Astronomy together last semester, so we were hoping it would be a nice completion to our studies. It did have some cool graphics that showed the concepts of solar wind, as well as the effects of space weather on the earth. I guess I was hoping for more facts about the sun. Another bummer, 2 year-olds do not get in free. I'm really hoping Bubby got something out of his $7 Imax experience.

The General, Bubby, V., and Princess pose with an astronaut suit.

Left: The kiddos watch themselves on the heat sensor screen. Right: J. & The General playing with some of the hands on experiments. See the floating ball? Well, the clever boys figured out they could combine the two experiments: floating ball vs. vacuum hose. . .boy did they have fun!

Princess, V. & J. takes turns flyinig the plane. The wing flaps are all working, so they can actually see how the plane operates.

V. & Princess are checking out more of the exhibits. This hands on area is lots of fun, and the various physics concepts are nicely explained.

This museum is always a favorite for kiddos and adults alike. There are so many fun things to see and do, it takes a day to get through all portions of the museum. There are some historical airplanes and space items here, but if you really want to see the big planes up close you need to head out to the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly (Near Dulles Airport). It is also a Smithsonsian Air & Space Museum, they just ran out of room for the big planes downtown. I personally prefer the hands on more science stuff downtown, but my husband and other airplane lovers really enjoy going out to Chantilly.

A highlight of the Air & Space on the Mall is they have food options. You can go with McDonald's, Boston Market or Donatos Pizzeria. I voted for the pizza. . .it was YUMMY!