It is hard to believe it is July 9th. Some days the summer seems like its flying by while other weeks just creep along slowly. I don't know how many times I can say it, but nothing about this summer is what I thought it would be. It is a good lesson for planners like me to go somewhere and be totally turned upside down. Life can change on a dime and I am learning to adjust more easily.
Monday after work we met Abbi's parents back at our apartment. Abbi's parents are so fun and I was happy to see them. That night we went downtown and took them to see the Lincoln memorial and to one of our favorite Greek spots in DuPont Circle. They hate the weather here which, so it is good to know that I am not the only one that is constantly melting when I am outside. Monday night was all laughs and smiles.
Abbi and I worked on Tuesday but got the rest of the week off. Wednesday we went into the district to show Bo and Kerri around. What a day! We must have waked 4 or 5 miles. Even though we went to some places I have already been it was great showing the Brocks around. The highlight of the day was seeing the Bureau of Engraving and Printing which is where they make paper money. At any one time there could be up to 300 million dollars in that building.
After a full day of sight seeing we went to a brazilian steak house. YUM! A place where they just continually bring meat to your table until you are full.
The real adventure of the week had to Thursday. I have been looking forward to the 4th all summer. We got to the district around 930am so that we could get a spot for the parade which started at noon. We got a spot right in front of the Archives building. We didn't know this when we settled there but before the parade started they had some really neat stuff. Actors dressed up as John Adams and George Washington came out and read the Declaration of Independence. It sounds kinda silly but it was actually pretty neat. Then the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps preformed. The website description says it best.
The musicians of this unit recall the days of the American Revolution as they perform in uniforms patterned after those worn by the musicians of Gen. George Washington's Continental Army. Military musicians of the period wore the reverse colors of the regiments to which they were assigned. The uniforms worn by the members of the Corps are dated circa 1781, and consist of black tricorn hats, white wigs, waistcoats, colonial coveralls, and red regimental coats.
What a great performance!
The parade was great. The best part was seeing the Budweiser Clydesdales. I hate the humidity here and on Thursday it was very humid. The heat really took the wind out of our sails. We powered through until the firework show at 9:30. Kerri, Abbi and I got perfect spots which allowed us to watch the show and get to the metro quickly. There were only about 250,000 people out in the Mall that night.
Friday I took a day to explore the city on my own and decided to go see the two famous cathedrals in town. The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest catholic church in the US and the 8th largest church in the world. I wish I could describe this amazing place. So many mosaics and a lot of different alters. Many people were taking pictures but I did not want to out of respect. There was no way I could capture the absolute beauty in a picture.
After I visited the Shrine I went to eat at a place called Hank's Oyster Bar. The best oysters on the half shell I have ever had. I sat at the bar and watched them crank the oysters right in front of me. I also had the best fried oyster poboy I have ever eaten. I LOVE THE FOOD HERE!
I also stopped by and saw the national cathedral which is equally as amazing as the national shrine.
This week Aaron, Abbi's boyfriend, is in town. It is fun hanging out with him and Abbi when we get off work. Tonight we are taking him to one of our favorite places called Hill Country. A great BBQ place that I might have mentioned a few post back.
After 5 weeks I can safely say that I am sufficiently homesick. I have stated counting down the days until August 10th. A special shout out to my best friend Heather who I am missing a lot. Nothing would be better than curling up on the couch and watching a ranger game after eating some of Doug's famous hamburgers.
The past two day's I have gotten 6 letters in the mail. I go by the mailbox on our way to work and getting letters really makes me smile. Mrs. Stone, Sonja & Dad, my grandmother, and my mom have all sent the sweetest and most encouraging letters. So much in life changes and many thing come up that are unexpected but I know I can conquer all with the support and love I have behind me. I am nothing with out all of you!
Just to get an idea of how many people were at the mall before fireworks. We got there over an hour and a half early to steak out our spots. We were almost a mile away from where they were shooting them off.
Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
Budweiser Cydesdales
Lots of these bikes in the parade
waiting for parade to start.
We had the best spot
waiting for fireworks to start
Day filled with lots of waiting, sweat, and picture taking
terrible picture but hopefully it gives you an idea of about how close we were
4th of July twin
Shrine of the Immaculate Coception
So large and beautiful
YUM! The receipt on the plate tells which kind of oysters I got. Silly me I didn't even know there was more than one kind
National Cathedral
Amazing
Taking Kerri to see the Declaration of Independence
Roomie love!
Went to the National Gallery of art and really tried to get into the painting. I hate to admit it but no matter how hard I try I can not get into art. This is D'vinci's first painting.
No comments:
Post a Comment