A pre-July 4th visit to Mount Rushmore, the annual craziness that is the Takoma Park July 4th parade, our traditional Independence Day picnic at the wonderful Franklin Knolls pool, Claire returns after six weeks in Vienna, Andrew knocks it out of the park with a National Anthem, Dad turns 89, and two days with dear friends to celebrate a 50th wedding anniversary and an 80th birthday…I can’t imagine a better July 4th weekend (and a bit more).

My celebration of things Americana began last week.  While on a work trip, a colleague and I took a short detour in the Black Hills of South Dakota to visit Mt. Rushmore.

It was my first trip there, and the monument is as awe-inspiring as advertised.

I took the expected pictures of the monument — from the front, with the state flags, and from the perspective down at the sculptor’s studio.

Then I did something out of character — and took my very first selfie.  I was actually pretty pleased that I knew how to do it — so pleased in fact that I quickly emailed a copy to Andrew, Claire, and Candice.  My colleague got a big kick out of this, and promptly took a picture of me taking a selfie!  Great fun.

When July 4th actually arrived, we began as we always do…sitting along Maple Street in Takoma Park watching the quirkiest Independence Day parade in the Washington region.  As you can see from the photo at the top, this year we had the “Friends of Elvis” in the parade.  (The guy on the right is a regular at the Silver Spring farmers market on Saturday mornings.)  But the float I really wanted to see was a first time entrant:  the Takoma Park Kinetic Sculpture Racing Team!

As you can see, Good Dog did not disappoint!

We then joined long-time friends for a picnic at our old neighborhood pool — Franklin Knolls — for the annual July 4th cookout.  With our traditional dish of deviled eggs in hand, it felt great to be back with friends in a wonderful setting.

Then our day changed, as we headed to the airport to pick up Claire, who was returning from six weeks of study abroad.  We’ve all missed her and the reunion was joyous.  Of course, she came home, took a shower, and then headed out with Andrew to her close friend’s July 4th party and fireworks at the Georgetown waterfront.  As she said in the caption to this photo, what could be a more American homecoming than beer and mac & cheese on the 4th of July!

The next day, Andrew was asked by friends at Franklin Knolls to sing the national anthem before the final home swim meet of the season.  As you can see in the video below, he nailed it!  We chatted with friends, saluted the swim team seniors, and then headed out for the weekend’s final celebration(s).

While driving to West Virginia, we called my Dad who celebrated his 89th birthday on July 5th.  It was great to hear that he was doing well – and that he was already one-third of the way through the book we’d sent along as a present.  (I know my father!)

Candice and I were on our way to Parkersburg, WV, for a very special celebration. Two dear friends from our time in Staunton — Katharine and Madison Brown — were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary along with Madison’s 80th birthday.

It was great to join their family and a lifetime of friends to celebrate.  Katharine is Claire’s godmother, and we’ve enjoyed their friendship since we both moved to Staunton about the same time in the early 1980s.  We also had a blast touring their beautiful family home (now in 5th generation ownership) and taking the Julia-Ann Historic District walking tour (co-edited by Katharine) on a picture perfect summer day.

We have much to celebrate this July 4th weekend…and we’ll wrap it up with Andrew’s version of the national anthem.  Enjoy!

More to come…

DJB