Since this is our last 4th of July before moving to India, we decided to go downtown D.C. Paul and I had done it many years ago when we were young and childless. It was awesome, except getting back home after the fireworks took forever. We decided not to subject the kiddos to the insanity of driving or taking the metro downtown and back. Instead, my smart husband booked us a hotel room a couple blocks from the Mall. Clever fellow, he is!
It worked out really well. We drove downtown around noon yesterday, checked in, relaxed at the hotel for a bit, then had a nice dinner at Bertucci’s before heading over to the Mall. Around 7:30 p.m. we packed our stuff and the kids in our handy-dandy foldable wagon and strolled to the Lincoln Memorial end of the Mall.
In hindsight, we should have left earlier because the choice spots were already taken. We ended up in a spot that was great if you wanted to enjoy the Lincoln Memorial but less than optimal if you wanted to take pictures of the fireworks with the Washington Monument as a backdrop. We got some nice shots nonetheless (the Washington Monument one would have been nicer if they hadn’t ripped out the Reflecting Pool but oh, well…).
Around 8 p.m. it started drizzling, which threatened to ruin the whole experience for us but luckily the drizzle lasted only about 15 minutes and the fireworks proceeded without a hitch.
The fireworks were glorious and we all enjoyed them. This was Chutney’s first 4th of July and he marked the occasion by sleeping right through the very loud fireworks but hey, I am not complaining - he could have been crying the whole time.
Here are a few more pictures:
Oh my goodness!!! The kids in the wagon are sweet! What a great idea.. the wagon and the hotel! We have yet to get the kids to a capitol 4th, I bet it was spectacular and that sounds like the way to do it!
ReplyDeleteOh what a GREAT place to watch fireworks. A MUST-DO in my book! Love the photos... I'm sure a wonderful time was had by all!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos. WAIT - the took out the reflecting pool ??? WHY??
ReplyDelete@Delhibound - I think they are renovating the Reflecting Pool. I don't think it's gone forever.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering the same thing about the pool. Interesting. We are planning on doing this next summer right before we ship out for Asia. I'm glad to hear that the hotel thing worked out for you because we're planning on doing the same thing. How far in advance did you book it?
ReplyDelete@Smallbits - about four weeks in advance. We stayed at the State Plaza Hotel, which is OK but not great. We were there for just one night though, so it was alright.
ReplyDeleteFantastic pictures. I love the idea of the motel. Paul is a man after my own heart.
ReplyDelete