July 4th in DC!

Well, if we were going to miss July 4th in Boston, celebrating in DC was the next best thing, right?

We spent the morning at Mount Vernon (George's house per Aunt Mari:)).  It was warm and humid, but we had a lovely time.  As we arrived there was a reenactment of sorts going on on the front lawn.  The musket fire was LOUD, and the kids were past impressed after a few shots were fired.  Thomas pointed out the minutemen on the left and the continental soldiers.  Some soldiers picked a girl out of the crowd and pretended to find a paper declaring her loyalty to England, and they declared her a traitor.  She was a good sport!  

Mari, Des, and gpa stood in the long line to tour George's house while gma Ilene found shade, and Wayne, the kids and I walked through the beautiful gardens, through the farm, where the soldiers' tents and liberty bell replica were displayed (men acting as soldiers actually slept in the tents the previous night), and George Washington's original and current resting place.  They had a wreath ceremony at his resting place.  It was nice to pay respects on July 4th.

Speaking of George Washington....  We spotted a man who appeared to be dressed as George Washington.  I hurried the kids along to meet him and suggested to Thomas that he ask him if he was in fact George.  When I prompted Thomas, he came up with his own question for George...

Thomas: Is it true that you insulted Artemus Ward in public?

George:  General Ward?

Thomas: Yes.

George: Well, I didn't insult him, but rather we engaged in a lively public debate.  It is a good thing to be able to discuss differences of opinion, is it not?

Thomas: Yes.

George and I smiled at each other, both pleasantly surprised at Thomas' boldness.  I was happy that Thomas appeared satisfied.  Later we met Martha as well....so fun!

The view from Mt. Vernon over the Potomac River toward MD is something to behold.  It's no wonder George Washington longed to return home following his presidency.  The estate and surroundings are beautiful and peaceful.

After Mt. Vernon, we headed back to Adam and Mari's and decided we would head out to DC via the Metro to see the fireworks.  We hesitated because the forcast called for rain, but we decided we'd brave the weather since we didn't know when/if we'd be back for the 4th.  The ride into DC was easy.  We ended up walking right up to the mall in between the Washington monument and the Capital Bldg.  The fireworks started soon after we arrived.  It was an amazing setting...worth the adventure that followed, and it's not easy to impress a Bostonian when it comes to 4th of July celebrations:).

After the fireworks, we were 7 of 7 zillion who tried to get back on the Metro to return home.  Holy cow, what a zoo!!!!  


We were clinging to each other through the crowds while Wesley slept peacefully in the stroller.  The train door tried to split Wayne in half, but we managed to squeeze in....seven of the many sardines on board.  Then came the tears...Grace: I'm thirsty!  I can't move!  My feet hurt!  Caroline: I want water!  We were standing so close, we had to maneuver in order to be able to find the water bottle and lift it enough for the girls to get a drink.  As soon as a seat opened up, Grace was sitting down and fell fast asleep.  Caroline soon followed.

We enjoyed a good night's rest after an unforgettable 4th of July in DC (& VA:)).