Excitement Boiling Over

"I'm so excited, I think I'm going to explode!" Well, those were Porter's words anyway in describing the event that finally occurred last week. A visit from Grandma and Grandpa (my parents) and best of all for Porter his Uncle Grant and Aunt Aubrye!! He was thrilled, as were we all, that they were all coming; but Aubrye...oh Aubrye! Both of my boys have a special love for their Aunt "Aw-bee". They were all able to come out for a visit and we all had so much fun! We hit tons of sites, including Mount Vernon, Air and Space, Natural History, American History, dinner at Old Ebbitt's Grill, and a chartered night tour including the Jefferson, Lincoln, Vietnam, Iwo Jima, Korea, Arlington, Korea, WWII and the White House! They were even able to do a little site-seeing without us and crazy kids as my parents went to Monticello and G&A were able to spend a day at the National Holocaust Museum. We also hit Tyson's Corner for some good shopping, some swimming at the pool, and discovered a new favorite pastime: check this out music lovers. (we thought it was pretty fun anyway) Phew! What a week! And to think, really we didn't even do half of the things we could have! I love living here, there is so much to do... and so much more to entice visitors to return trips!!

All of us enjoying George Washington's backyard. Not too shabby! A perfect view of the Potomac. A few of my favorite things about Mt. Vernon besides the GORGEOUS view- were the original key to the Bastille that he had been given because he was "the father of all Liberty", and the awesome Spartan green dining room! Let me tell ya folks, it was GREEN!

G & A and the boys in front of the original Wright Flyer.

I had to get a picture of my diplomat with the original Secretary of State- Thomas Jefferson. This was actually the first time that Noah and I had been this close. Just kept driving by it, shame on us. It was beautiful.

We used the opportunity we had sans kiddos (got a babysitter for our twilight tour) to linger at some of the other sites I had been wanting to explore more closely. The Korea Memorial was really amazing, especially at night- all of the soldiers in their ponchos and gear. Giant radios and equipment to haul around, and miserable conditions. It gave me a whole new appreciation. The side wall is also covered with real images of the servicemen. It really was awesome.

We were just able to see Iwo Jima up close quickly because of a giant downpour that started. Amazingly enough though, the picture I got really turned out cool. You can see some of the raindrops, and the sky is kind of an appropriate color for the moment.

Lastly, I'll finish up this post with a shot of the White House all lit up. It really is beautiful at night, and this was also the first time since we've been here that we went this close to it! We had so much fun while they were here, and loved spending some family time before we head out. Anyone else want to come visit? You've got a month from today! Come on over!