Cockrells Visit 2014

The Cockrells and Grandma made the long drive northward and came to visit us for a fun and productive week.  Melinda and Grandma did a great job organizing all our stuff, Tim was busy with lots of projects including building some awesome cubbies for the kids and shelves for Peter's closet, and Peyton and Kaylyn did a great job keeping the kids occupied.

But we had some fun too.  Tim, Peyton, and I went to DC to watch the USA v Belgium World Cup Soccer match on a big screen with hundreds of other folks and then went to a Nats game afterwards, Katie went to a Girl Scout camp, Kaylyn and Melinda toured the Washington Post and talked with folks about being a photographer (and got a glimpse of Obama on the street), we all went to the beautiful National Portrait Gallery, and went to the top of the Washington Monument.

We also went to the Mall for the Fourth of July Fireworks and concert.  We found a place on the Capital grounds that was close enough to the stage to hear the concert and had a nice view of the fireworks.  The concert featured Frankie Valli, Patti Labelle, the Muppets, Phillip Phillips, Jordin Sparks, Michael McDonald, and other washed up stars.  It was a fun concert and the fireworks were a lot of fun.  Getting out of the city afterwards took a while but we made it without having to leave anyone behind.

It was a great visit and we hope they make the long drive again soon to visit us again.


Kaylyn and Katie at the National Portrait Gallery


The art piece demonstrates what my body would feel like if I tried to do ballet.


At the top of the Washington Monument


Watching USA v Belgium near Nats Stadium.  Unfortunately, the good guys couldn't pull it out but it was very entertaining nonetheless.


A good night for baseball.


Kaylyn teachers Peter how to blackmail his parents with embarrassing photos.


Rub-a-dub-dub in the tub


Watching the fun in the tub


The awesome cubbies that Uncle Tim built.


Kaylyn's morning face is terrifying


Kaylyn, Peter, and Aunt Melinda sew


Staking out our spot on the Capital Grounds for the concert and fireworks.  We got there about an hour early which worked out well.


Killing time while waiting for the show to start.


Ooh!


Aah!


Starting the long trek home after the show.  We got on the Metro without any problems at Capital South and got seats.  But the train was soon crammed full which made it hard to get off at Pentagon City.


A very nice boy gave Peter his glow-in-the-dark hat at the Metro station.


Rusty even made it in the photo!