Ninja Turtles, Spiderman, and Dehydration. What could be more American?

I must say, that this 4th of July was one of the most satisfying independence days I've experienced. We knew what we were getting ourselves into when we decided to spend the day in the National Mall in DC. We had heard that 3 million people descend on this area that's less then 2 miles long. So because we knew that, we prepared ourselves...and probably OVER-prepared. We wore comfortable running shoes (knowing we'd be walking a ton and not knowing if we'd find parking near the metro station), packed lots of water and cash, and of course camera equipment. Maybe it's because we over prepared...but it was WAY easier and less chaotic than we anticipated. Yes, there were a LOT of people...and yes, it was hot, and yes, we did a lot of walking...but it wasn't unbearable, and we would do it again. It was a really cool experience, being in the nation's capitol on 4th of July. The atmosphere was really laid back and fun. There were a lot of families making a day of it in the park, flying kites, playing cards...and one group even set up a full volleyball court in front of the Washington Monument. So cool! Parking at the metro was free and easy and it was a cinch to get into the city.  We spent the beginning of the day walking through The American History Museum, although we decided to come back on a day where there wasn't so many people...museums are so much more enjoyable when you can leisurely walk through without a sweaty Midwesterner bumping into you with his fanny-pack and stepping on your feet with his Tiva sandals.  However, we did stop at the Julia Child exhibit to see her kitchen because we had just watched Julia and Julia the night before. (Such a good movie!)

We also came across this Ninja Turtle exhibit. Pretty awesome. So, we spent the rest of the day walking around, trying to stay hydrated, eating good Americana food and enjoying the festival and the very satisfying people watching opportunities!

Our patriotic way to cool down...

Some of the sights of the day... Spiderman flying dangerously close to the Washington Monument... and the steps of the Capitol, crowded with people listening to Gladys Knight sing "Midnight Train to Georgia"

Here's a shot of the Lincoln Memorial at sunset, right before the fireworks started.  Can you see ALL of the PEOPLE on the steps?!

And then came the fireworks. MAN O MAN!  They were cool. We were sitting in between the Washington Monument and the Reflection Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial (you know...the water Forrest Gump runs through to get to Jenny), which is where they set the fireworks off from. It was incredible. They explode right above your head and you can feel the boom in your chest. So cool!  Here are some of my favorite shots from the fireworks.

Here's a video Jared took of the fireworks...although below it is a better video of Obama and his 4th of July watching the same fireworks as us...although, we had the better view :)

Now, the only REALLY crazy chaotic time was right afterward.  Millions of people leaving the same place...sirens everywhere...and we didn't REALLY know where we were going to get back on the Metro (the station at the mall was closed for obvious reasons, and my phone...with my metro map, wasn't working...probably because there were millions of people right by me trying to do the same thing). But we did find a station...and got on....well, I should say SQUEEZED on. I've never seen a more full car. Insanity. It's a good thing I'm not a germophobe because that is a LOT of hands on that pole.

So, we made it back safely and in time for Jared to watch the Galaxy game, and me to take the best shower ever, after a full day of sweating. So that was our day?  How was yours? What did you do?