4th of July mid-afternoon update

Given the heat and humidity, and the decided lack of enthusiasm amongst our kids for the parade, we did some last-minute switching around of today's schedule. After Ford's Theater (which disappointingly was closed due to electrical problems following last week's flooding), we skipped the planned four-hour hang-out-on-the-Mall-and-take-in-the-festivities time and went straight to Arlington. Bob, our Classic Tours guide, took us on an information-filled, leisurely stroll around Arlington, including highlights like the Changing of the Guard and the eternal flame in JFK's honor, plus numerous other lesser-known sites, including the tombstone of Joe Lewis, amongst others. The temperature was oppressively hot and humid (big surprise, I know, for DC in July), but our kids did a great job of maintaining interest and a respectful demeanor. Well, mostly... (-:

Then after lunch we headed back to the hotel to cool off and get refreshed before leaving in just a bit for dinner, after which the adventure really begins when we try to simultaneously avoid the storms forecast for late this afternoon and find a spot on the Mall to view the fireworks later in the evening. We're crossing our fingers that the storms pass early enough so as not to cancel the big show.

So the next few hours will be interesting, to say the least. I feel a bit like Gandalf heading out on a journey with 32 hobbits in tow. (-:

next post