On the Saturday before Memorial Day we visited T's aunt who lives a few hours south of us. T's grandparents from Utah were also visiting T's aunt, so it was pretty much a party.
We spent most of the time in T's aunt's awesome pool. T was a tad bit pink but I totally got burned. The doctor had told me that since I was pregnant I might be more prone to sunburns and I pretty much ignored her. I did my regular sunscreen routine of face, shoulders, chest, and back several times throughout the day but didn't sunscreen anything else because I've never burned anywhere else. It was a BIG mistake. I burned on my upper arms, thighs, ankles, and tops of my feet (but, oddly enough, not on my shins) because I spent a lot of time on the pool tubes and floaties. Apparently, sometimes doctors DO know what they are talking about. This was the worst / most painful / longest lasting sunburn I've ever had. That said, I didn't blister or anything even close to that so I've been pretty lucky.
This is a photo we took with T's grandpa a bit before we left that night. I'm still in my swimsuit because I was feeling the burn at that point and had just aloe vera'd up and putting on my regular clothes would have been quite sticky. (You can see the red burn line at the top my arm.)
T with his awesome aunt and grandpa.
On Memorial Day T and I decided to go to Arlington Cemetery, because that is a very Memorial Day thing to do and since we live in DC we should do it at least once. We knew Arlington Cemetery would be busy so first we attempted to take the shuttle to the Cemetery from the Air Force Memorial. But the shuttle wasn't there and the people at the Memorial didn't seem to know anything about it. So we braved driving to the cemetery and parking and it actually was pretty clear traffic-wise and we had our choice of shady parking spots. Like the internet suggested, we arrived about two hours before the program was scheduled to start.
We could see there was a HUGE line so we got in it then asked what it was for. It was the line for the tram up to the amphitheater at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where the program was to take place. Well, we are able bodied people so we asked if we could just walk up there, but the answer was NO. They had to count the number of people who got in, thus everyone had to go up on the tram. While we waited in line adorable Cub Scouts passed out two roses to every person - one to put on a headstone and one to keep to remember the day.
We finally got on a tram to the amphitheater then had to go through security and a metal detector. Which seemed like a bit of overkill considering Arlington normally doesn't have any kind of formal security scan. But it made sense on the short walk to the amphitheater as we received a program and noticed that, hey, the President is speaking! (Okay, so this photo is actually when we were leaving the amphitheater.)
At the amphitheater, the "floor seats" were taken so we stood around the edge, which was actually preferable because then we got to be in the shade. While waiting for the program to start the Marine Corps Band played patriotic songs. I don't know how they played so well in their hot uniforms in the hot sun. But then again, they are Marines, so can handle a lot worse.
Our view toward the stage:
Our view across the way:
We didn't get to see the President lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - that required a special ticket, as did the "box seats" directly in front of us at the amphitheater. The program was pretty good. I was worried it would be a bit political but really, the majority of the speakers spoke just about how great soldiers and their families are and how grateful we are for them (SO TRUE). President Obama's speech was interrupted a few times by what I thought was unnecessary and unmerited applause, but that was probably to be expected. Still it was pretty cool to see a President in person.
See, here's the President:
It was pretty amazing that we got to see the President without planning it at all!
Arlington is so lovely no matter the season. Side question: How long does it take to put an American flag in front of every headstone? I just wonder.
On our way out we put our roses on this headstone.
It was a pretty wonderful day. It was so cool to be surrounded by so many obviously patriotic people. If you are ever in DC on Memorial Day I would suggest you do this once.
