I booked Jet Blue flights to stay 5 days and hoped that would appeased Ronna's passion of always feeling I am not visiting long enough. I arrived Tuesday morning and the concert was Wednesday night. The kids were attending a rock climbing camp for the week. Ronna and I had a lot of quality time together. When she picked me up at the airport, their newest member came along and 4 month old Luna is no doubt, the star of the household these days.
The pretty "Baby"
Just prior to my arrival, Mark was also able to obtain his company's season tickets to the National's game. (I do so love corporate perks) and although there were only 4 tickets available, he was able to purchase the cheapest seat at the ball park. (Unlike the Yankees where it's almost always sold out, not a problem with the National's and then was able to sit with us because there were plenty of empty seats around us). They were fantastic field seats behind first base. But omigosh, it was HOT and muggy and in minutes, our hair was plastered to our foreheads. We ate hot dogs, nachos and chicken tenders bought at the stadium. At the bottom of the 4th inning as the Nats were loading the bases and leading 4-1, the sky opened up and a torrential rain poured down on the field. The delay of the game lasted only 30 minutes so it wasn't bad and the rain did cool things off quite a bit. The Nats won that night.
Derek with the "Presidents"
View from our seats
Kids being silly
The concert was phenomenal! The kids were with a sitter since the suite was being used as a corporate event. The catering was abundant and delicious. Mark had made those arrangements and we had shrimp cocktail, a veggie crudities platter, fruit platter, grilled asparagus, Caesar salad, crab cakes, chicken fajitas wraps, buffalo chicken wings, crispy chicken nuggets and mozzarella, tomato and basil Paninis. An open bar and variety of soft drinks rounded out the menu. James Taylor and Carole King sang beautifully and it was just a joy. Ronna and I belted out "You've Got A Friend" along with Carole arm in arm and we got very emotional.
The Arena
James & Carole
Thursday was the last day of the camp indoors. After learning all the basics and responsibilities of rock climbing and doing the climbs on the man-made rocks...they end with an outdoor climb at Great Fall National Park. So on Thursday the kids received awards. Along with Derek and Izzy was Derek's best bud, Zach who was born the same month and live down the street. Their experience at the park on Friday was fantastic and although there were moments of apprehension, they all made it through with flying colors and couldn't wait to do it again. But it was no doubt...a lot of work and exhausting.
Izzy with one of her awards
Derek
Zach
Luna sits on Izzy
EXHAUSTED!!
I had a great week with the McKennas who always are the consummate hosts and feed me way too much but I love them to pieces including the "baby". :-)
Luna smiles for her close-up
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