Texas grandparents arrive!

We are enjoying a visit with Grandma and grandpa Myers this week.

Meeting Chiara

In honor of the occasion, we got a new cover for the couch--yay, ikea!

Laura and Mikey got everyone tickets to the Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks in D.C.

Dan was most excited about the bus ride from the parking lot!

Finally the parade began about 8:45 with much fan fare and excitement!

At the end of the parade grounds we could see the commandant's very lovely house.

this is a better view for you of the house via the internet:

Even Chesty, the canine Marine mascot, made an appearance on the parade grounds...

he was heeling so perfectly, 

i must admit,

i was disappointed he wasn't just a little bit unruly.

I missed taking more pictures of roof top music, rifle drills, and much more.

The relaxed, festive and fun atmosphere changed suddenly into the atmosphere of a tropical rain forest.  Mimi and Jeanne ran down the bleachers with a small umbrella for Ken and Sue who were situated on chairs right on the parade grounds.  Laura had one small umbrella under which she, Charlotte and Danny somewhat inadequately huddled. The rest of us became one with the wet weather, which thankfully ended almost as abruptly as it had begun.

Over everyone's exclamations of surprise and dismay when the deluge began,  Charlotte little voice was heard in a plaintive question, "why aren't the Marines coming to save me?"

I followed Mimi and Jeanne a few minutes later to ask Ken and Sue if they'd like to leave, and grandpa replied enthusiastically, "No thanks! This is wonderful!"

We got this picture on the way to the bus.

We rolled into Manassas just before midnight, still damp, but glad to have enjoyed the evening, and the Marine hospitality, together!  Thank you, Mikey, for arranging everything!