Being the experienced city gals that we are, we decided to take the subway to the Smithsonian. On our way we bumped into our Barbie friends Angela and April. They were also on their way to see the DC sights.

After being in DC less than 24 hours we found the Washington Monument to be rather ubiquitous (Linda's word). Here it is in the daylight.

This sign let us know that the slippers would be on display, despite the construction--which is good because those museum people wouldn't have liked dealing with me if they weren't. (I'd would have had to get the flying monkies.)

Here we are outside the museum.

This is Archie Bunker's famous chair from the show All in the Family. It was the first display in the American culture-themed exhibit, "Thanks for the Memories."

And there they are, the holy grail of Hollywood memorabilia, the ruby slippers. This particular pair is one of at least 5 pairs of shoes known to have survived from the 1939 MGM film. This particular pair was sold in the 1970 MGM auctions.

As you can see they are in pretty poor condition as they were used for many of the dancing scenes in the movie. They sold for $15,000 at the auction before changing hands several times and ultimately being donated to the Smithsonian. Their current estimated value is over $1 million but if you ask me they are PRICELESS!

A dream come true!

There's no place like home.

Also in this exhibit were Muhammed Ali's boxing golves.

Another one of the featured exhibits was on the life of Abraham Lincoln. This is the top hat that Abe was wearing the night he was assassinated. Linda and I chuckled because one of the narratives on his death described how the president was brought to the home of William Petersen after being shot. (For those of you who don't know, the actor William Petersen plays the role of Gil Grissom on CSI).

This purple velvet dress belonged to Mary Todd Lincoln.

One of Abe's trademark suits. He was 6' 4" without his famous top hat.

We both thought it was interesting to see how much the presidency aged President Lincoln.

Bill Clinton's saxophone was featured in another presidential exhibit.

One of the gowns featured in the First Ladies exhibit. This inaugural gown was worn by Mrs. Taft. It is over 100 years old.

Can you guess which famously stylish first lady wore this one shouldered number? Yep, it's Jackie Kennedy!

Some of the accessories belonging to the first ladies. Linda and I loved the shoes!

Probably the oldest garments in the collection, this dress belonged to Martha Washington.

Laura Bush looked stunning in this ruby red gown in 2001.