it's already summer!?!

**Updated with pictures! The camera has been found!!! (folded up in our friends camp chair on memorial day if you are curious)***

We have been a busy bunch since my last post. We were home from FV (family vacation) a whopping 2 days before we headed out again. Ben was working at an Air Show just outside Washington, DC. So Rhone and I loaded up and headed over to spend some time with Ben. We crashed in his room with him for 4 nights. Yes, it was a little crowded, and yes Rhone was a little naughty, but we are so glad we were able to see Ben at night. He had 1 down day there. So we were able to do a little sight seeing. We went to the National Zoo. It was a little drizzly, but not too bad. Then we headed down Arlington National Cemetery (where I believed Rhone when he said he didn't need the stroller- it was a BAD decision). It was a nice way to remember those who have served our country around Memorial Day. We finished the day down town with a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. It was interesting to see money rolling off the presses. We even got (or used to have) a picture of Ben and Rhone next to 1 million dollars.

There is an elephant way in the back

Gorilla's at the national zoo

Carrying Rhone around Arlington. I took my turn too.
Ben and Rhone by a million dollars in $10 bills

The hotel was located on the National Harbor, which was full of restaurants and fun shops. There was even a tiny children's museum where Rhone made a bird house and a sea shell mobile. His favorite item there was by far, the magnifying glass. There was also a Peeps Store where we were able to make our own mix of mike and ike's.

Rhone at the Peeps store where we made a mix of mix and ikes. I had no idea there were so many flavors.
Rhone playing in the beachy area at the harbor. This was a huge sculpture there (see the foot).

Sunset at the National Harbor

Rhone examining the turtle shell at the children's museum

Of course, we also visited Ben at the Air Show. It was the first time I have seen the C-5M with power and the nose up. It was pretty cool, and really popular with the crowd. Ben worked long days. He got interview too. You can read the article here. We also saw the Thunder Birds, the Army's Golden Knights parachute team, and other fun performers. Rhone had a fun time climbing in and out of planes.

Here's a photo of C-5M from the Air Show. If you enlarge it and look closely you can spy Ben.

Watching the parachuters. Rhone kept saying, "Mom, need my noculars, so I can see something."

Over memorial weekend we hit the "real" beach for the first time this year. Rhone made friends quickly and was entertained the whole time. We LOVE our new sport-brella. It makes beach trips so nice. We also took the kayak out on the maiden voyage this season and spent time barbequing and at the park with friends. Time seems to be speeding by, but we are loving it and we are loving that we have been able to spend so much more time with Ben this year!

We love the beach and this umbrella makes it feel like a private one.

He's a little beach bum. He asks all the time to go to the beach.

First kayak trip of the year.

Memorial Day BBQ with friends from work.