We headed down to the Mall to see the Folk Life Festival. Nana and Grandpa met us at the metro. Aunt Susie met us downtown.

The first place we visited was Wales. They had a number of workmen demonstrating stone cutting, fishing, basket weaving, and wood carving.

Matthew got to help build a paper mache elephant at the kid’s tent.

We got to listen to a welsh story teller, too.

The boys found a great spot to sit while the adults had lunch.

Rocks!

We wandered down to the end of the row and found some unexpected fun. The 4th of July parade floats and balloons were gathering as they got ready to take their place.

David got an eagle’s eye view.

The “ladies” watched, too.

On our trek back to metro, we crossed Constitution Ave. and got to see the parade up close. Sure enough, we passed the exact same dance group who had been warming up when we left the festival.

We had a great 4th of July. We went to the Folk Life Festival, we saw a parade, we rode metro, and we went to a picnic.

At some point, we were all standing in one spot.

Matthew was mid-meltdown, and David was moments from a nap. Which means, it was a pretty typical moment for our family.

Happy 4th of July!