Summertime in the City

Sorry guys, I was on sabbatical from the blog. I'm allowed to do that. It sounds more official than the real story: I got kind of lazy and, instead of updating you - my loving friends and family - on my life, I spent much of my normal blog-writing time doing important things like binge-watching Orange is the New Black on Netflix and trying out gluten-free beer. 

In truth, I've been quite busy, not lazy. I started a new job! Since I don't like to talk about work on this blog, I won't give specific details. However, I believe 95% of you are my family or my facebook friends so you already know the details. The other 5% are probably the people who Blogger informed me stumbled across this blog because you searched "Walking Map DC" or "Reba McEntyre Nipple." I'm not sure if I'm more bothered that you searched for information on Reba McEntyre's nipple or that your search led you here. Either way, I don't really want you to know where I work. Nor do I have any insights on that matter. 

And, to those of you looking for "walking maps," sorry I couldn't help you. But I hope you found the post about baby toupees just as practical and helpful. You can't unsee a baby in a toupee. Enjoy your walk. 

Now, where we? Ah yes, what I've been up to this summer. 

My second summer in D.C. has been a busy one. I don't know where to start so I'm going to mirror last year's end-of-summer post and present you with my Summer Scrapbook. Since it's only the end of July, let's call this "Part 1 of 2." Unless I go on "sabbatical" again, in which case, this will be "Part 1 of 1." Let's be honest, I'm nothing as a blogger if not inconsistent. And that you can consistently count on. 

A Davidson Wedding
As I mentioned in my last post, I have several weddings this year - five, be exact. Wedding #2 was a Davidson Wildcat-filled fiesta for one of my most favorite couples, Christie and Adam. In my mind, these two have been married for many years now but, I guess my judgment doesn't hold up in a court of law of a house of God so it was wonderful to be able to celebrate as they made it official. As you can see, a good time was had by all. This wedding was also a first for me because it was the first time I wielded a fully-functional sparkler for the send off - it lit on the first try, it sparkled 'til the end and I'm pretty sure it made all the difference. 

Bonus Pic: The Doppelgangers

Take Me Out to the Ballgame
It took almost a year and a half but I finally made it to a Washington Nationals game. I wanted to go last season but just never got around to it. It's apparently blasphemous that it took me so long. Anna and I went to the game as part of a Davidson alumni outing. Although, we only knew about three people and were actually sitting closer to what we learned was the Jewish Networking Group (not their official name, just how they introduced themselves) than our fellow alums. Nonetheless, we settled in with our $18 bbq sandwich and $9 beers to watch our hometown team. At least we tried, until the universe had other plans and severely distracted us with the phenomenon known as a "double doppelganger sighting." A few rows in front of us, we saw a girl who looked exactly like our friend, Sarah. Our minds were blown...or so we thought. Then, a guy walked up to fake-Sarah's row and looked identical to Sarah's boyfriend, Michael. Our new mission became to take photos of these people and send them to our friends. It seems I may need a do-over on a Nats game now. Next time I'll watch and cheer, I promise.  

Happy Birthday, America

This year was my nephew Charlie's first 4th of July (at least outside the womb). My parents were in town and we celebrated the holiday by participating in the neighborhood parade. This was the first parade I'd ever been to in which there were 200 participants and 4 spectators. A firetruck led the way followed by a drummer and fifer and dozens of patriotically decorated strollers. There was also a little girl dressed in a Snow White costume under a fairy costume with a red white and blue boa and a drum. That's definitely what I'm going to wear next year. Our goal for Charlie next time is to stay awake during the parade and not eat the garland. We concluded our American festivities with good ol' American beer flights at Mad Fox Brewery. Cheers, USA!

The left is the craft, the right is what I created.
Pretty sure I nailed it. 

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival 
Earlier this summer, I joined newlyweds Liz and Declan for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. This is one of my favorite festivals because there is so much to see and do, sometimes from countries I've, admittedly, never heard of. I went last year as well and love seeing all the international performers and exhibits. As you'll see from the photo, Liz and I also partook in one of the craft activities. We made brown paper bag hats. Obviously. Declan was pretty proud to be seen with us. I only donned my hat for this photo but Liz wore hers the rest of the day. And that's why we all love her. 

NoMa Summer Screen
In addition to creating gorgeous recyclable headwear, Liz, Declan and I (sans hats) also checked out NoMa Summer Screen. Liz brought the most professional picnic basket I've ever seen - with dishes nicer than the ones I eat off of every day - and we wined and dined while watching The Fugitive under the stars. I highly recommend outdoor movies, especially if someone brings you wine, Nutella and fruit, and marinated pork chops in a treasure chest of picnic accessories.   

And, of course, I've been spending lots of time with this little goober:

Well, that concludes Part 1. I now leave you with a special bonus music video.

BONUS:
No one knows summertime better than The Fresh Prince. Here you go, just because.