Summer Update

Since our last post, we have been active explorers in and around the DC area. Most of our activities have been limited to weekends, as Carter's school year ended only in mid-June (quite a departure from Kansas where summer vacation begins in May). Carter has taken on the primary role of family photographer, so many of the images that follow are his.

Over the last three months, Carter has returned to his Irish roots, seeking out four-leaf clovers. Although he is only about 1/4 Irish, he has found eleven of them since May. One of his specimens is above.



In early May, embassies from all over the world held open houses on two consecutive weekends. We visited   fourteen, including Cote d'Ivoire (above) which had spectacular entertainment and food.

Later in May, we traveled to Monticello. We had a lovely day, wandering through the grounds, picnicking in Jefferson's vegetable garden, and learning about the history of this important site.

On Memorial Day weekend, we attended a concert in front of the Capitol. Unfortunately, our evening was cut short by inclement weather - we were evacuated from the lawn halfway through the show.



In June, we took a short drive to West Virginia with Scott, a graduate school chum of Erik's. Scott is co-owner of thoroughbred horses that race in Charles Town. In addition to watching the races, we had a tour of the stables. Above, Carter is petting Queen McRace.



Later in June, Carter's grandfather Leo came for a visit. We went to the National Arboretum and took time to feed the koi, gaze in wonder at the bonsai (the tree below has been in training since 1625!), and even watch a "distant relative" stalk the koi later in the day.

Carter, Lea, and Leo spent an afternoon bird-watching at Dyke Marsh while Erik was at work. Carter especially enjoyed watching the young osprey learning to fly (see below).

In late June and early July, we were on the road again. We stopped in Cleveland to see Lea's relatives, made a pit stop on South Bass Island to visit Perry's Monument (Erik is currently obsessed with the War of 1812), and then traveled to Michigan to attend our good friend Todd's wedding and stay for a couple of days with Erik's parents. The stop at Perry's Monument was especially fruitful. Not only did Carter attend a free harmonica lesson with a fabulous teacher (he was given a really nice harmonica), but one of the creators of Carter's favorite show (Phineas and Ferb) re-tweeted a picture featuring Carter in front of the monument wearing his Perry the Platypus t-shirt.

We hurried back home to participate in Fourth of July celebrations. Although it was oppressively hot in DC, we spent the whole day at events. First, we watched the parade.

In addition to participants from (almost) every state, Bermuda and Bolivia also had delegations.

Second, we stopped in the White House Visitors' Center where Carter participated in a re-enactment of the Continental Congress and signing of the Declaration of Independence. He got to play the role of Thomas Jefferson, announcing his support for independence and signing the document.

Third, we dropped in on the Air and Space Museum to watch the Air Force's rock band (and cool down). Finally, we headed to a spot of grass to camp out and watch fireworks. It is hard to beat the Fourth in DC!

Saturday Afternoon in the White House Gardens

A few weeks ago, we entered the lottery for the White House Easter Egg Roll. Much like the Mega Millions drawing, we didn't have a winning ticket. Lea found out that First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative (a fantastic effort to promote heath, nutrition, and exercise) was sponsoring a TweetUp, so we tried again. Unfortunately, we didn't make the cut on the TweetUp either.

Fast forward a couple of weeks and we were planning a weekend jaunt to the Spring White House Garden Tour. Tickets were free, but you had to line up early to get them. On Wednesday, however, Lea received an email from a White House staffer coordinating social media. She liked Lea's entry in the TweetUp and offered us tickets for Saturday. We were so excited to have our morning free and our passes to the Garden Tour without standing in an extra line to procure tickets. On top of that, we would have gone on Sunday due to Carter's Saturday morning soccer game, and it rained all day Sunday. So, it worked out perfectly!

The weather was glorious - sunny skies and warm temperatures - and we joined hundreds of people in spring attire wandering about the White House grounds. The experience was wonderful, and one that we will remember for a long time. Below you will find photos taken by Carter and Erik with some comments on a great Washington DC event. Lea's photos can be accessed via her Twitter feed, @leamarie.

After passing through the obligatory security line, we entered the  grounds. We passed by the verdant Kennedy Garden en route to the south entrance to the White House.  


Kennedy Garden


At the Rose Garden (above), we chatted with a friendly and enthusiastic staffer who told Carter all about White House history. We learned about several modifications that presidents have made along the way, including the Oval Office's move from the main building to the West Wing and finally to the exterior (so that FDR could have windows - see below). We heard about - and later saw - the putting green, the pool, and basketball court as well. The main surprise about the Rose Garden was how few roses were actually planted there.


After thanking the staffer for answering so many questions, we moved past the Oval Office to Malia and Sasha's outdoor play area. It was at this point that Carter expressed his disappointment that he does not currently reside in the White House. We explained that he could live there as an adult, but he was concerned that, as president, he would not have time to take advantage of the amenities of the White House. We told him we were sure the president would have some time to play. We also told him another option was to be married to the president.


Sasha and Malia's Playset


View of the Washington and Jefferson Memorials from the WH


Lea and Carter on the Grounds


Panorama of the South Lawn


On our stroll, we paused to listen to the US Army Band and take some photos. We explored the White House Kitchen Garden and beehive - a highlight of the tour - pausing to chat with the helpful US Park Service Ranger, who confirmed that there are no beets in the garden.


Beehive (with bees)


Kitchen Garden

The lettuces and other vegetables looked delicious and we loved how the red and green lettuces were planted. We were grateful for another lovely day and fun adventure in DC. 

Carter's Post

Carter received a great camera for Christmas and has been taking lovely photos all over Washington, DC. In this post, he describes his experiences and pictures.
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Before the cherry blossoms were gone, mom and I went to see them.

Some of the pictures have the sunset in them.

 Mom and I found some ducks. I wanted a picture of a duck looking at me.

 Mom and I were walking to the Hirshhorn.

The Hirshhorn is having a temporary exhibit with a screen around the Hirshhorn. It goes from sunset until midnight.

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On mommy's birthday, we went to the American History Museum. On the way we saw some flowers.

 Next we went to the kite festival.

Next we went to people drumming. It was a Japanese drum show.



It is fun to take pictures!