A True Capitol Fourth

When living away from home, you have to make your own traditions.  You decorate like the mantle below.  You select the foods that are going to make the holiday special, etc.  For us, celebrating holidays always meant spending time with our immediate family.  Since we are so far away, it usually doesn't involve a family party but this year we were lucky enough to have my parents in for a visit.

Mom and Dad L. were in town the whole week before the fourth.  We had a wonderful visit, except for the freak power outage (something for it's own post) and Heb catching hand foot and mouth disease (awesome.  I mean really, could I ask for anything better).  Something they say is somewhat out of the ordinary and awful for an adult to catch.  It meant a lot of changing of plans and demanded lower key celebrating but we did our best.

We tried celebrating the day as a true Virginian, meaning that we avoid the crowds but still take advantage of the things to see.  There is a huge concert right in front of the steps of the Capitol building and adjacent to the mall on the fourth.  Instead of braving the crowds (last year there were 700,000 people. Not fun.), we attended the dress rehearsal the night before.  There were maybe 3,000 people and a great show.  It was definitely the way to see it. 

On the 4th, we went in to see the parade in D.C.  I know I said I wouldn't set foot in there on that day, I figured that my parents should have the full national experience, even if it meant a little heat and crowds.  It was not bad at all.  There were marching bands from all over the country and some great balloons.  I was surprised at how easy it was to get in and out.  Not at all the experience I was expecting.

 We enjoyed the big fireworks show from across the river in Lady Bird Park.  As close as you can get to the city, right on the banks of the Potomac River, but without the hoards of people. 

I think we have a whole new set of ways to celebrate the fourth.

Watching Fireworks

I watched my second set of fireworks tonight.  Not like the big, flashy D.C. show, but a small one from the comfort of my front porch.  It reminded me of sitting on the back lawn in Grantsville with homemade pineapple ice cream and watching my hometown show.  At the end, you could hear folks all across town clapping and cheering.

On the 4th we watched a huge fireworks show on the banks of the Potomac River.   Millions of people were watching in person and more tuned in on TV to the show.  The fireworks were the largest I've ever seen.  But instead of the show, I spent most of the time watching my Leo.  It's so different with him here.  I get to see the world through his eyes and I love it.

Look at those eyes.  Just watching.

Through the whole show, he sat on my lap with wide eyes.  Not once did he cry but just sat there watching and really paying attention.  I just thought of all the experiences there are to come and I was so thankful to be watching him.

Happy Fourth of July all!

Memoirs of the Fourth.

Heber and I on the 4th.



Heb's parents, Heb and I at the block party.


There was something so special about the 4th of July this year. Besides having three fireworks displays and very good food and fun with families, it got me thinking back to living in Washington D.C. and the feelings that I felt there. I gained such an appreciation and a pride in my country, in our founding fathers and the sacrifices that have been made for our freedoms.

Throughout the day I thought of the different locations that meant so much to me. Of Philadelphia and the signing of the constitution. I remember being in that room and looking at the simple design and thinking of the incredible things that were accomplished there. Then sitting on the steps the Lincoln Memorial with his noble words and works and the memorials commemorating the fallen heroes in the wars and the solemn and sacred feeling that abound. I loved living in those buildings and finding myself there. I loved that feeling of awe, that I am here and part of this great thing.

Yes, I love Washington D.C., I love our country and am thankful to have spent the day celebrating with my family in a very fitting way, with fireworks.



The White House


The Jefferson Memorial during the Cherry Blossom Festival



The U.S. Capitol