A Visit to Washington D.C. & 4th of July

I feel incredibly grateful that we are able to travel so much with our children. I love being able to share history, new places and adventures with our sons. I am also grateful that we were able to spend time in D.C. with my step-dad John and my brother Silas (Grandpa John and Uncle Silas to our boys).

Waiting inside for an elevator to the top of the Washington Monument. Any resemblance?

At the top of the monument.


Outside and at the bottom of the Washington Monument.



On the Metro:



At the Museum of Natural History:




In front of a Easter Island Statue. Yes, Easter Island is on my bucket list.


Here Gabriel told us, "I want the camera PLEEEEEASE!".




At the Botanical Gardens in D.C.



Sunday service at the National Cathedral:





At the Air and Space Museum:




We started celebrating the fourth in D.C. by watching the parade on Constitutional Avenue.




After the parade we went to the White House Visitors' Museum. There James watched a reenactment of the Declaration of Independence with other school children. The boys were able to make Beeswax candles and sign a pseudo-Declaration of Independence.



Watching the 4th Fireworks near the Jefferson Memorial facing the Washington Monument.




Amazing Navy friends we meet in Norfolk... Who we were able to spend time with in Annapolis at their home, and they took us to the Navy Academy to show us around. Thank you Rimmer Family!



More around D.C..






The Seafood market we would pass on our way to and from the hotel. My brother Silas and I are plugging our noses as we should be! The problem wasn't the seafood market itself, which does have a "fragrance" regardless if you are in Venice or D.C., but the stagnant garbage left in the summer heat!

Gabriel's language of love; if he shares his madeline cookies with you, then you know you are special to him. Here he is sharing a madeline with Grandpa John.