July

I can't believe that July is gone and August is almost over. We have had some fun adventures over the last couple of months and I am finally getting down to bloggin' it. Read on if you want the details.
We began July with a visit from Dave's folks. We enjoyed some amazing weather those first few days of July. We went to a Cubs v Nationals game on July 3rd and enjoyed mild low 80s temps. We also enjoyed a neighborhood picnic and fireworks on the 4th, once again we were spared from blazing heat. Things began to warm up on our day trip to Mt. Vernon, but it was bearable. We all loved learning more about George and Martha Washington. If you are ever in the area, Mt. Vernon is a must. I have such admiration for our first President and first First Lady.
Then we decided to head to the historic triangle for a few days. (Yorktown, Jamestown and Williamsburg) This is when we got a true feel of baking in an oven. It was very HOT and HUMID but we did our best by alternating between inside exhibits and outside experiences. We found ways to cool off at each location.
In Yorktown we hit the beach for a short time, just a block from our bed and breakfast. Yorktown was so quaint and the beach area had a few small restaurants and shops. As we strolled the cobblestone streets near our B & B, we passed the drum and fife corp practicing and an orchestral concert given at the revolutionary era church down the road. It was so peaceful and picturesque, it was hard to imagine the hard fought battle that took place there at the end of the Revolutionary War. (A great victory for Washington.)
On to Jamestown for a journey back to the first English settlement of our country. For those of you out west that may not know, it is the 400th anniversary of Jamestown this year. They have worked very hard to make this a special celebration at Jamestown. The indoor exhibits brought together culture, artifacts, people groups, governments, and historical figures that contributed to and then carried on the legacy of Jamestown from 1607 to present. Outside the boys enjoyed the hands-on activities at the Powhatan Village, the fort, the waterfront and the ships. The volunteers at Jamestown use the same methods as the people of the original settlement to build ships and homes and make other necessities. Needless to say, we were all fascinated by the inventive and resourceful settlers and natives of Jamestown.
On the last day in the historic triangle we spent a few hours at Williamsburg. The heat and time constraints kept us from fully experiencing the richness of this living history. We did stroll through the streets and shops as well as a church where Jefferson, Washington, Patrick Henry, and George Mason all attended when in town. We caught glimpses of some revolutionaries debating in the streets and horse drawn carriages making their rounds. I know we will have to go back in the fall or spring to make up for our abbreviated visit.
We rounded out July with a visit to the National Zoo and a visit to Wolftrap National Park for the Performing Arts. As for the zoo, we want to go back when it is a bit cooler as many of the animals were hiding away out of the heat. At Wolftrap we went to an instant opera for kids. Think improv for opera singers. It was really cool and we all learned a little something about opera. We were also surprised to hear the National Symphony Orchestra practicing for a later performance. They were being directed by Marvin Hamlisch, we tried to peek in but just caught the tail end of the rehearsal.
In between all our travels, we spent July at soccer camp, swimming lessons, tennis camp and just hanging out at our neighborhood pool. With all the activity, July just flew by. That is all for now. An August update will be coming soon.