Night at the Musuem (Smithsonian Museum of Natural History)

At special times throughout the year, with Thanksgiving weekend being one of those times, the Smithsonian extends the hours of its most popular museums.  I have always loved the unusual experience of visiting museums in the evening, especially in the winter when its pitch black when you leave.  The boys really have been too young to participate much in extended hours in past years, but this year we did it.  

It's been a while since we've been to the Museum of Natural History, as I usually tend toward the art galleries first.  DD wanted to see gems (his current passion) and BB wanted to see the mystery squid (his constant passion).  I had forgotten how stunning the jewels and gems at the museum really are.  

So from Thanksgiving right to Christmas.  We held out a week, but no longer.  We are taking the boys to get our big tree and little tree tonight.