Family Reunion in D.C.

We just got back from a family reunion in Washington D.C. We had a fabulous time thanks to my Aunt and Uncle who hosted the reunion for the Clawson Clan. Rusty and I love D.C. and were excited about going back to visit. The first day we were there we headed off to the lake. We had a great time wake boarding, tubing, jet skiing, and kayaking.

Here is Grandma Clawson on her jet ski. Lookin' good grandma!

Rusty and I took a kayak out. Brenden was playing shark and tried to tip us over.

Kate loved sunbathing.

The next day we headed into downtown for a little sight seeing. First on our list was a tour of the capitol. We also saw the Library of Congress, Union Station, National Galleries of Art and the American History Museum. In the evening we ate a picnic on the capitol lawn as we watched the dress rehearsal for the National Symphony Orchestra's 4th of July concert, which airs on PBS every year. This year's stars included Barry Manilow, Artetha Franklin, Natasha Bedingfield, and the gang from Sesame Street. The camera guy even put Rusty and Kate on the big screen.

Here is Rachel, my mom and Julianne outside the Library of Congress.
This is how Kate got to see the sights.
Picnic on the front lawn of the Capitol.

We went back to the National Mall for the 4th of July. We wore matching t-shirts to make it easier to keep track of everyone. Some of the sights we saw were the Holocaust museum, Ford's theater, Pottbelly's Restaurant (Rusty's fave), the White House (just outside) and lots and lots of monuments. By the end we were tired of walking and ready to sit back and relax while watching the greatest fireworks show ever!! By the way, there was over 1 million people watching the fireworks with us on the lawn.

Me, my dad and Greg & Rachel standing at the Lincoln Monument looking back at the Washington Monument.

On Sunday we decided to visit Thomas Jefferson's home Monticello. It was raining outside but we came prepared.

Rusty and I outside Monticello
During the tour the 2 babies got bored and were asked to wait outside on the patio so as not to disrupt the rest of the tour. While waiting with Kate and Emmie, I thought it would be a great time to take their picture. Cute girls.

That night we had a family Pine Wood Derby race. Everyone brought their cars ready to go. My family had Brenden to thank for their wonderful car. He made it an hour before the race. Imagine if you will ... a block of wood with many holes drilled in it resembling cheese. On top, a plastic container holding just enough pennies to meet the weight requirement. Then add some wheels. I won't mention how we fared in the races except to note that we did not win the $50 grand prize. Thanks Brenden for the fabulous car. If you look closely you can see our car in the front on the left.

We couldn't visit Thomas Jefferson's home without next going to Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. This is where we headed the next day. It is a fabulous place and one that could take you hours to experience. In additon to the house tour, there is a wonderful museum and education center as well as trails that take you around the many acres of working farm land.

Here we are waiting to go inside the house. Yes, we are wearing matching t-shirts. They say "I'm with Randy" on them.

We had such a fabulous time at the reunion. It was a wonderful chance to visit with family whom we hadn't seen in awhile. Lastly, here are some family photos that we took. Can you tell from the pictures that we had a great time. Well we did!!