Panda-monium!

We enjoyed a day at the National Zoo, on the celebration of Bei Bei the Panda's first birthday.  HERE is a link to a video of the birthday celebration from the Washington Post.  The pandas are such cute and playful creatures!

Good article from National Geographic August 2016

From Aug 2016 National Geographic magazine 

Army Strong

Revolutionary War reenactment

During the summer season, military units in the Washington DC area take the opportunity to put on parades, concerts, tatoos, and demonstrations of their role in U.S. history.  We went to Ft. Myer near Arlington Cemetery to see the show put on by "Pershing's Own".  An excellent patriotic evening of bands, singers, soldiers, proud history, and a few cannon blasts!!  Go Army!

Precision Drills

Fife and Drum Corps

Paul Revere's Ride

War of 1812

Union Troops in the Civil War

Confederate Troops in the Civil War

WWI Doughboys

WWI War to End all Wars

Korean War

Precision Rifle Drills

Drills

Guns aloft

Falkland Islands and Penguins

We had a blast in April in the Falkland Islands with King Penguins.  They were not bothered in the least by our presence. They each went on fishing, chatting, and taking care of the kids.  An other-worldly experience!!!

Hillwood Estate and Museum: A Hidden DC Gem

Heather and Chase in the Japanese garden

Our friend Liz suggested we meet up at a special place on a sunny Sunday.  We agreed that a great way to wrap up Shelly's birthday weekend would be high tea at the Hillwood Cafe and a tour of the gardens and museum at the Hillwood Estate in NW DC.  We're very glad Liz suggested it.  Hillwood is the estate of the late Marjorie Merriweather Post, a cereal heiress, at one time the wealthiest woman in America.  The grounds and gardens are beautiful, with gorgeous Japanese, French and rose garden areas.  The mansion is an incredible museum filled with collections of fine art, tapestries, and relics from around the world.  HERE is a link to the Hillwood website.   Heather and Chase accompanied us.  High tea in the cafe was delicious, and the entire estate held lots of happy surprises.     A great way to spend the day with friends and family!

More happy birthday weekend activities for Shelly

Liz and family in the French garden

Beautiful furniture from Russia

Inlaid wood floors

Russian art is throughout the museum

A first class art museum

Marjorie Merriweather Post

Dining room

Well-known portrait of  Winston Churchill

The heiress's bedroom

Many artworks were bought from Soviet government
saving them from ruin