Wow, the days have been flying by.
As soon as I got home from Seattle, and caught up on my sleep after my awful red-eye home, I went to a busy 2 day meeting that I was the chair of, which didn't help me get rested up.
The next day, Michal and Jason arrived for our vacation. We drove on Saturday to the Eastern shore. I was really worried, 'cause it was cool and raining when we got to the beach, and I was worried we were looking at a visit to the beach for 3 days of rain! We went to Chinquoteque Island, famous for the ponies that live there, and by the time we visited the visitors Center, the sun was making its appearance. Thank Goodness. We were staying at a funny little fisherman's hotel in Quinby, VA. Not exactly on the Conde N'ast list! But it was fine, right on the water, and Quinby was a quiet little town where we rode our bikes, and watched fireflies. Oh, and got eaten by mosquitoes and bitten by black flies! Other than that, it was perfect!
We rented a boat in a little town called Washapreque, and went out to Cedar Island, which is a barrier island, facing the Atlantic on the eastern side. Nobody there, miles of pristine beach, it was great. Michal and I had some serious sunburns, though! When we got back we went to the fireman's Fair in Washapreque, which was really fun. A bad rock band, fair food (deep fried oreos!) Ferris wheel ride and bingo for a quarter. Good small town fun.
Then we were off to Williamsburg (yes, we really like it there) and Jamestown, which is in the middle of the celebration of the 400 anniversary of the founding of the settlement, and the first Americans. Very cool place, amazing museum with lots on costumed interpreters and recreated boats and buildings. The morning of the 4Th we were up and out early, arriving at Mt. Vernon before the crowds, and we were able to tour the house and then go see the encampment of the Continental Army on the grounds. General Washington himself came out and reviewed the troops, introduced the Declaration of Independence and then shared birthday cake with everyone there. A concert band played Sousa marches, and all in all, a great way to kick off the 4th of July. After a quick trip home for a nap, (we were up early) and let the Tornado Warning pass (!) Michal, Jason and I headed down to the National Mall to watch the fireworks. They were spectacular, with great music matched to the booms, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jason said it was like a tour of American history!
The kids had to go home the next day, but we stayed at the Smithsonian until the last minute, and their trip was packed almost every minute they were here (except for that nap on the 4th).
I will have to get some photos to add, so that next year you will all want to come see the fireworks for yourself!
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