Since having our twins, we generally stay as far away from crowds as possible. Laying low has been one of our preferred methods of sanity preservation. However, lately I've been struck by a recurring impulse to 'test the waters'- to see if we're ready to venture out into the wild and crazy world. On Monday, we flung ourselves into the mobs of Washington, D.C. for the 4th of July festivities.
The only way to attempt this with five young children is to have a solid plan. Which I did. Had it all worked out in my noggin- thanks to my stint living and working in the city years ago. Creighton wasn't too sure about it all and had originally planned to stay home with the twins, but my confidence won him over in the end. We packed our bags for a little over-nighter and forged ahead into the madness...
We rode the Metro in with 5 billion other parade-goers...well, okay, maybe just one billion since we were a little late (part of my plan, wink wink)...
and weaved our way through the masses
to the most perfect little parade spot in the world--
How on earth there were still seats there when we arrived (late), I do not know. I attribute it all to my brilliance (had my fingers crossed) Fabulous plan, if I do say so (would've been really bad if I'd been wrong.) It was a little hairy figuring out the path designated by security guards- and getting up there with a double stroller and throng of sweaty kids in tow, but we did it! Hurrah!
After the parade, we spent the afternoon at Arlington Cemetery
and tried to help Luke and Abby gain a sense of freedom and sacrifice.
It's a peaceful, sacred place.
Thank heavens the skies were overcast most of the day. It was very warm, but would have been unbearable with a blazing sun.
Still, we had our arsenal of relievers- plenty of water, wetwipes, spray bottles..
and of course that all-american 4th of July treat- salt water taffy. I think that alone would have pulled our kids through the day. They were deliriously happy with a perpetual chunk of goo in their mouths.
We headed back to our hotel in the late afternoon for a little snooze (har har) and later rode the train back to Arlington Cemetery. We had the most perfect spot in all the world to view the fireworks over the Lincoln Monument. They were impressive and magical, and for me- awe inspiring. Even a few moments in such a setting is priceless.
We caught the first train out of town, ahead of the crowds on The Mall. The ride was fun for everyone- packed to the gills with a throng of happy patriots bedecked in red white and blue.
I do believe our 4th of July adventure in the Nation's Capital was a success- and at the very least, memorable.
Which was entirely my motive.
4 comments:
I love the sweaty pink cheeks! It's nice to see you here again.
I am seriously impressed! DC on July 4th is the mecca of crowds for someone starting to venture into crowds with small children. Glad you didn't have the crazy rain like we did here in Richmond.
It's been awhile since we've braved DC for the 4th. (Okay, truth be told, we haven't done it since Jordan was little, so it's been a really long time.) =) We spent a few days in DC touring sites over Spring Break, and it did make me want to see the fireworks up there again. Maybe we'll have to borrow your plan since it seemed to work. =)
What a great idea! I know I need to take my kids now that they are all old enough to handle it, but I haven't even ventured out on a regular day! I am glad you are able to get these trips in before you leave.
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