Holocaust, Navy, and National Gallery of Art

Since it's one of our last days here in DC, I've been hitting up the places that I've been afraid to take the boys until now: The Holocaust Museum (just because I've been worried it would be too graphic for children), and the National Gallery of Art (for obvious reasons). My fears were put to rest however when I discovered that there was a section for children in the Holocaust Museum, and that I could help my boys be quiet in the Art Museum through helping them to appreciate the art as well and a lot of distraction. There were some moments that I thought I was crazy for attempting it, but in the end, I was very grateful I did. Lovely day.

this little guy had to be moving ALL THE TIME or else he was getting out :). he's getting faster and faster, too. Can I keep up? Time will tell, I suppose :). Days like that I'm grateful I try to exercise once in a while.

a brief snack stop at Paul's for a loaf of bread

love this writing of the first Amendment on the building behind the National Gallery of Art

National Gallery of Art - I could spend days in here

The 4th of July

Since we found out that it would be raining most of the day here in DC, we decided to jump up to Philadelphia to celebrate the 4th in America's birthplace. It ended up being the best thing. We really enjoyed the parade as well as the Constitution Museum which has free admission that day (wootwoot!). We also had fun at home that night when the rain stopped (sorta stopped) lighting fireworks, and eating ice-cream. What could be more American than that :). Even though America's not perfect, I love what it stands for, and the great things it has done for others, and for me. I feel a deep sense of gratitude and love for my Country and for those who defend it, lead it, and bless it daily.

Mason took this picture. That kid might be a budding photographer!

Darth Vader even came to our Parade!

AND Miss America! 

The reading of the Declaration of Independence gave me goose bumps

cowboy and graduate

Giving a Family Presidential Speech I suppose

Making their own campaign buttons

Stan kissed the baby and shook the hand at the same time. Very efficient I thought.

Stan the VP pretending to eat the jelly bellies on the desk (must have been Ronald Reagan's)

and the next President of the United States is.....

The Betsy Ross house!

I went to buy a few groceries, and this is what I found when I got back. Pretty cute.

Lighting a few fireworks before going to bed. Someday we'll let them stay up to see the real thing.

The National Cathedral

On Sunday after attending an earlier ward in Charlottesville we drove to DC to attend evensong at the National Cathedral. When we were in London together when Mason was still in the womb :), we attended an evensong at St Paul's. It was exquisite. This evensong was also beautiful. We couldn't stay the entire time obviously (children in toe), but it was a wonderful experience, none-the-less.

listening to them rehearse before Evensong

We found Nate's Ancestor (? haa...don't know actually, but still some resemblance I think).

following this little man around is one of my favorite past- times

they loved chasing birds outside

one of the best parts of any Cathedral - the candles