Day 2 ~ Annapolis

Only day #2 of touring! This day turned into such a fun day.  What started out as a quest to swim at a beach on Chesapeake Bay turned into just spending the day in Annapolis, Maryland.  What a beautiful, beautiful little town!  This wasn't even on our list of things to see, but I'm so glad we ended up there. 

This is looking down part of the main street, with lots of shops...a delight to my girls.

And this is a side street...look at those brick streets!  Can't you almost hear the clomping of horse hooves travelling down this street?

The state house, below, with the plaque above describing it.  Our nation's capitol for almost 9 months.  Also where George Washington resigned, treaty to end the Revolutionary War was signed...so many historical events happened within those walls.

Sometimes it's the little things that get me...and this gigantic tree was one of them.  A magnolia tree, in bloom, that was spectacular.  Smelled lovely, and she held herself high like she owned the place.  Majestic.

One of the things that surprised me everywhere we went was that the "backside" of building were so beautiful.  I often was duped (even at the White House!) thinking that the back was the front.  The picture above is the back, then we walked around to the front and saw this...

The kids standing on the top of the stairs help show how massive this grand building is!  Alex, on the right, is 6'2".

Once inside, and through yet another security screening, we saw all of this.

Notice the stars on the grand 'ole flag, still flying in the rotunda.  Again, my pictures don't do any of this justice, but the architecture and craftsmanship is stunning.  Built in 1772!

Unfortunately, in my jaw-dropped awe, I forgot to get a picture of this whole room.  It is still set up in the way it would have been when George Washington resigned, on this very spot.

I believe in the United States of America as a Government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, - a democracy in a republic, a sovereign nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable, established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my Country to love it; to support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its Flag; and to defend it against all enemies.

William Tyler Page wrote "The American's Creed" for a contest which offered a $1,000 prize.  He described it as a 100 word summation of America's political faith.

More views of the historical streets.  We kept wondering whose feet had walked those same brick roads we were walking.

Then, back to the rooftop pool to enjoy another spectacular D.C. sunset.

Day 3 was another day that blew us away...more soon.