July

This is the first in my "Back in Orbit" series, after the busiest summer ever. As for June... well I don't even remember June. There was a June this year, right? If it weren't for the pictures I'd forget everything.

Now, back to July...

Back in Arkansas, we had two big parties at our house every year, the first of which was the annual 4th of July "McSplosion". The fireworks laws in Arkansas are much looser than here in Virginia, which nicely complemented the pyromanic tendencies of yours truly and his youngest son. In fact, when Calvin was told that Virginia didn't allow mortors and rockets, his response was immediate: "That's it. We're moving back to Arkansas"

This year we were in search of a new family tradition for Independence Day. And it needed to be one that (dare I say it) will rival the McSplosion party in the hearts and memories of Calvin and Hobbes. So, along with half a million others, we hit the road for our nation's Capitol.

... and here is a picture of Calvin and me with Bei-Bei for her first Metro ride on our way in.

The Air and Space Museum is a required stop for every trip to DC

Bei-Bei heads up the steps of the Museum of Natural History

Once the rain stopped, we had a great view aside the Washington Monument.

The day was a hit, although the kids were a little freaked out by the crowd in the Metro afterwards. Next year I think we will stay the night.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

A couple weeks later, Grandma R came for her first visit since our move...

...and of course we had to go to the beach. We do love the beach.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

And we love the water, too, you know. So... about that pool... No commitment yet, but the land does need to be cleared.

'nuf said.