The second school got out for the summer, it felt like my IG feed was filled with amazing trips my friends started taking - it seems like everyone b-lined to Europe after not having traveled much during COVID. Making up for some much-needed travel time!

Welp, I wish I was headed to the Amalfi Coast this summer, but with no grand European vacation plans, I'll be making the most out of a relaxed summer with lots of little adventures and trips to the North Carolina mountains and the beach (and two weeks with one kid at overnight camp!), and I'm pumped for it. 

We especially love to be home for the 4th of July. What's more patriotic than watching the fireworks light up the sky above the monuments in Washington, D.C.?  So while everyone flees town, you'll find me happy as can be, watching the fireworks at Belle Haven on July 3 and then hanging out with best friends barbequing on the 4th of July.

Some other fun things to do if you happen to be in town for July 4th...

• Start celebrating early! The Mount Vernon Independence Fireworks kick off the celebration of our Nation's founding with fireworks, patriotic music, and lighting of the mansion in red, white, and blue on June 24.

• The Nationals have home games on July 1, 2, 3, and - so fun - the 4th.

• My history buffs are a little young, but Pat wants to take the boys to the National Archives Museum to see the documents that shaped our nation – the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence. They read the Declaration of Independence on the museum steps, and George and Martha Washington, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Uncle Sam will be there throughout the day, celebrating with crafts, art, and live music. 

• We also want to visit the National Museum of American History. When hitting the downtown Mall for museums, my boys always fight between Natural History and Air and Space (Johnny always requests the Zoo!), but we'll be making a trip to American History to see the Star-Spangled Banner.

• And, of course, after we celebrate America's birthday...we celebrate Alexandria's birthday. The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 273rd and the USA's 246th birthday on Saturday, July 9, with a performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and a grand finale fireworks display at 9:30pm. Enjoy the return of the big birthday experience of years past with cupcakes, local vendors, live music, and an extended runtime.

Bring on that red, white, and blue!