Capitol Fourth Dress Rehearsal and Parade

Because of the threat of rain today, the Capitol fourth dress rehearsal concert was packed last evening. It turned out to be a beautiful evening, and we had a chance to hear Smokey Robinson and Kenny Loggins, as well as a few other folks. It is amazing to know that these events take place just a couple of blocks from where we live, and it feels weird to walk from a very crowded place to a quiet suburban neighborhood. Then this morning we decided to get our walk in before the expected showers, and passed through the parade route along Constitution Avenue and the Archives. The line to get in was winding around the block, but on the crowded steps out front was a band playing, with George, John, Tom, and Ben acting as hosts to the gathering below. We passed by a few floats, including the Tazmanian Devil, that was being blown up for the big event. These are the times we miss living just down the street from the rest of the family! We are hoping the rain stays away so we can watch the fireworks from our annual spot near the house office buildings. That's where the neighbors gather and we see a lot of familiar faces. This is our tenth year living in DC. It feels like just yesterday that we moved.