4th of July fun

There's not much better for me than having a week day off with my husband. It rarely happens, but when it does, I love being able to relax at home together without any major agenda or plans. Richard was on call for the 4th, but now that he's a chief resident, he's able to take home call. Hooray!

We spent our 4th enjoying good food and fellowship with sweet friends and ended the evening with the classic fireworks. A fun, happy day celebrating our independence and freedom! 

first stop: a cook-out with the Capadi's- Gia was still a little sleepy from her nap

all the adults trying to get Gia to smile

at least we all smiled!

and one with the gals- Emily, me, Min, Gia, Lauren and Miss Addie

next stop: a shrimp boil at Ryan's- glad he's moved to DC!

And finally...fireworks!

eventful weekend

On Friday night, as I was curled up on the couch watching TLC and the Gymnastics Olympic trials while Richard was on call, I certainly did not expect for our weekend to be as crazy as it ended up being. Right in the middle of cute little Gabby's floor routine, a HUGE storm came through our area. I had hoped our power would be spared, but it flickered on and off and then went out completely. I went to the basement to seek shelter from the blustery winds and terrible lightening and spent a hot evening trying to get some sleep. I ventured out Saturday morning, and our neighborhood looked like it had been hit by a hurricane- trees uprooted, power lines down, and no power for several miles surrounding our house. My keratin treatment was sadly canceled (and how I need it!), and Richard and I spent most of the hospital seeking refuge from the heat and cleaning his new Chief Resident office. 

I booked a hotel room over at the National Harbor, and we finally trekked over there mid-afternoon to enjoy the AC and freshen up for the evening. The SC State Society (most states here in DC have some sort of state society group) had a shag party Saturday evening, and we had made plans to attend with our friends Philip and Leslie, who are here for a short time on Philip's National Guard orders. 

our hotel lobby out at the National Harbor

trying to stay cool by the water after a delicious BBQ dinner

Bolling Air Force Base was right across the water from where we were, and a Navy ship was docked close by

Saturday was extremely hot, but the party was still a lot of fun. It was held out on the water front near the Nats stadium, and it was great to hear beach music within a few miles of the Capitol. We have loved having Leslie and Philip here in the area!

We were still without power Sunday, but our friends Pam and Misha thankfully had it for their sweet little Natalie's first birthday party. It's hard to believe Natalie is a year old, as we saw Pam all throughout her pregnancy and prayed for Natalie's safe arrival. Our former small group was all in attendance, and it was great to catch up with each of them. Busy schedules have kept us from meeting on a regular basis, but I so appreciate our friendships have continued despite sporadic gatherings. 

Panyutin family

We spent Sunday night at our friends' Min and Vin's house, thanks to a generator they borrowed, and when I woke up in the middle of the night, I checked my email to see a message on the listserv alerting us that our power was back on. I have not heard such happy news in a long time. Our power provider had estimated that we would not get power back until Friday, the 6th, so having it early seemed like a great gift! And once again, as is the case when I go through periods of time without electricity, I realized just how blessed I am and how much I take for granted. So thankful our 4th of July won't be spent in the dark!

sunny florida...and one amazing house

Several weeks ago, our good friends Jon and Amy invited us to vacation with them in Palm Beach at the home of one of his mom's friends. His mom and dad joined as well, and we had a great time visiting with him and enjoying the sun. 

When Richard and I pulled up Thursday night, we weren't expecting to see this! 

not exactly a small little beach cottage

Jon's parents' friend Freddy, apparently deals in high-end real estate and loves antiques. We certainly benefitted from his exquisite taste!

This was the "great room"...where the one-time owner, Durie Malcom, who was rumored to be JFK's first wife, watched movies on a huge drop-down screen. She was a Palm Beach socialite who apparently was also a bit of a recluse.

great room indeed

dining area at the other end of the great room

Richard playing the baby grand

hallway

the master bedroom- I regret not taking a picture of the bathroom!

the pool out back, complete with grecian statues

Jon and Amy's wedding is just a little over a month away, so it was fun to get away and celebrate with them. I know how stressful wedding planning can get, and Jon and Amy were remarkably calm and in good spirits. I imagine being at the beach had something to do with that! 

happy couple

another happy couple :)

We also visited the Breakers resort, ate delicious food, and just enjoyed a few days away from work and responsibility. 

exterior of the Breakers

 Jon and Richard in the Breakers lobby

admiring the golf course at the Breakers

Lilly Pulitzer started her famous line while running a juice stand right off Worth Avenue

loved Palm Beach's Ocean Boulevard

before dinner out in West Palm Beach at Table 26

Jon and his sweet mom before our shrimp dinner

We had a few hours to kill before our flight on Sunday, so did we spend a few more hours on the beach or take it easy wandering through the Worth Avenue shops? Oh no...we hit the road for Miami Beach in our rental Toyota Yaris! Never a dull moment with the Webbs. I definitely liked Palm Beach better than South Beach, but it was interesting to see all the art-deco architecture, drag queens and many cultures Miami had to offer.

enjoying some authentic Cuban food on the way out of town

South Beach scene

our mode of transportation for our Miami Beach tour

And just a few of the fun sights from our tour...bienvenido a Miami! 

the most important thing

I was so blessed last weekend to have time with my ENTIRE immediate family. And my two brothers's sweet girlfriends. I took them around the Capitol, we grilled dinner in the rain, took in the Braves/Nats game and ate lots of good food. I loved, loved having everyone stay at my house, even if it was a bit tight. Opportunities to have everyone together are rare, so I treasured every minute of it. So thankful for my family!

touring the Capitol, in the old Supreme Court Chamber

a bust in the Capitol believed to be the most accurate rendering of President George Washington

Mom, me, Leah and Jeff after our tour- Dad stayed at home to watch Clemson baseball

our bright porch light makes it look sunny outside, but our brave boys were really grilling in the pouring rain

filets, stuffed baked potatoes, tomato pie, pimento cheese and grilled asparagus-delicious

playing Musical Catchphrase- a hilarious exercise with multiple generations present

cheering for the Braves at the Nats stadium

Jeff and Leah

Richard's favorite part of the game is definitely all the snack options- he's enjoyed Ben's Chili Bowl and Shake Shack

cute couples

Dierks Bentley was scheduled to play after the game but had a family emergency, so Big and Rich played instead and were surprising pretty entertaining

group picture after the Big and Rich concert

gentleman all sporting their Southern Tide before lunch at Founding Farmers

and the ladies

Founding Farmers is always wonderful

the perfect weekend cap? Georgetown Cupcakes!