Mega Independence Day Weekend

Trent and I decided to make this 4th of July weekend into the most American-ist 4th we have ever had in our lives.  We made out our stratagy, bought tickets and fireworks, incorporated friends, and chose American books to read throughout the weekend. 

The Weekend Plan

A few decorations to add to the spirit of the holiday

Friday

The plan for Friday started out at Walmart.  What could be more American than a visit to a large coorporation that sells goods for cheap.  Plus, I was able to experience a some road rage (by others) that ended up in a standoff for a parking space between me and some 20 y.o. ridiculous woman that wanted my spot that I clearly was signalling for.  Aww... what a way to start the weekend.  Things could only go up from here.    And they did.

We met our friends Ali and Lincoln at Ted's Montana Grill for some wonderful bison burgers and some rootbeer-- all-American fare.

I am shooting at the bison due to a recent lie that I told to Trent about shooting a bison when I was younger and then eating it.  Yeah, he belived it.

Yum!!!  And so American with the flag.

That night we watched the movie Live Free or Die Hard. 

Saturday

We got our breakfast from that bastion of Americana, McDonalds, and scouted out some good seats for the Fairfax City Parade.  It was a wonderful parade but lacked candy throwing.  The rules stated that they could not throw candy but could pass it out.  It just did not have the same feeling to it.  We did get to see Burke and Emily Jensen there, though!

Uncle Sam started off the parade

Later that day we went to the Nationals baseball game to be a part of America's national pasttime.  We got to sing "Take me out to the Ballgame," eat ballpark food, and witness a thrilling bottom-of-the-ninth comeback by the home team.  Thanks, Nats, for cooperating with our weekend!

Sunday

On Sunday, thanks to the kindness of the Essigs, we were granted exclusive rooftop access a block from the White House to witness the always-stellar firework show on the National Mall. Not to mention the amazing free BBQ pulled chicken. 

Monday

By Monday we were getting a little tired.  We were glad that the rest of the festivities included relaxing.  We got up early and went to the movie Toy Story 3.  Not much is more American than a Disney movie.  It is a great movie, and I highly recommend it. 

Then we made it home and baked an apple pie from scratch.  We tried a new recipe and it is definitely a keeper.  The recipe called for us to pour a cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar mixture over the lattice top crust.  In the oven the mixture carmalized and was delicious.  Then, as dinner neared, Lincoln and Ali joined us for a classic American burger barbecue.  They stuck around to celebrate the American railroad history by playing Ticket to Ride, and we topped things off by lighting a few of fireworks we'd purchased ourselves.

In conclusion, our weekend was superb.  It was chock full of activities, friends, and gun powder.  Thanks to all that made it wonderful, especially you Uncle Sam.