Virginia and DC

Wayne has several jobs going on out here – two of them being in Virginia – so when we were discussing what to do for the 4th of July we got the wild idea of heading to Washington DC. As much as the idea of joining a crowd of almost one million people seemed daunting at best, the opportunity to see fireworks in our nation’s capital was too good to pass up.


When we arrived the night before, after checking into our hotel we decided to visit downtown DC to get a feel for how we would go about getting in and out of the city. We pulled up and found a parking spot near the White House and got out and began walking around the White House when suddenly there were sirens and flashing lights and all kinds of commotion and, what do you know, here came the president’s motorcade. The motorcade pulled into the White House right in front of us and Obama rolled down the window and waved. (I didn't actually see him because I was too busy taking pictures - stupid!)  Now, granted I wanted to BOO him instead of cheer for him, but what are the odds of getting to see the president? It was pretty cool.

Against all recommendations we decided to go ahead and drive into the city for the 4th instead of taking the metro (the thought of getting stuck in the chaos with 6 tired kids was a little scary), and we just happened to find the perfect spot. We spent the day seeing the parade and the monuments and museums and sat in the shade of the Washington Monument while we waited for the fireworks (it was a HOT, HOT, HOT day). What an awesome experience the kids will never forget. I can honestly say I have never been in such a large crowd (they said it was about 850,000 people) and I don’t plan on doing it again if I can help it, but it was definitely worth doing once in your life.

Yeasterday we spent the day at Mount Vernon and again had a once in a lifetime experience learning about George Washington and the birth of our nation. We feel very lucky to have the opportunity to be here with Wayne and to be getting to see all of the history around us.  

  

Washingtons Tomb - Wayne got chosen to read the prayer during a wreath laying ceremony and it was pretty cool.

I promise I am making the kids wear sunblock, but with all the swimming and sun, they are all turning as brown as raisins and their hair is turning platinum.  (the bad thing is Zoe and Glory are both getting ear infections - do they have swimmers ear in Colorado or is it the humidity?)