Alexandria, VA (USA)

Mollie didn't have school (Federal Holiday), so we celebrated the birthday of our hometown hero today!  At 0845, we drove to Mount Vernon (bad traffic) and ended up parking about a mile away from the event (George Washington's Birthday) and having to walk to the entrance.  We were able to get a good view of the Presidential Wreath Laying ceremony at 1000 and then got seats at the official welcome event at 1030.  We also watched the military tactics demonstration at 1115 before walking down to the farm and waterfront.  Before leaving, we visited the Presidential Library (across the street).  While there, we had a snack (graham crackers, hot apple cider) and made plans for a future visit to see some of GW's books.  We walked back to our car and did some errands before arriving back at my apartment (1430).  It seemed like the entire population of the DMV decided to spend the day with us...  No matter: fifers and drummers serenaded us, we watched the solemn wreath laying ceremony at the tomb and we marveled at the 21 gun salute and battlefield tactics demonstration - we even saw the birthday boy himself!  We walked around a lot with short sleeves - can't believe how warm it was... It was a great day!