JAM-PACKED SUMMER OF FUN!!!

Remember the last day of school when you were a kid?  School days were over, and the summer was ahead of us for fun with friends and family!  Camp, family vacations in the car, reunions, picnics, beaches, dances, parties, etc. But what I remember most and was always fascinated with were the reports we were asked to read aloud and share with our classmates, upon our return to school.  These reports were fun summaries of what all us kids had been up to during the summer.  


So, consider this blog post sort of like that; with photos and videos throw in of fun things I did during the summer. Hope you enjoy!

Wolf Trap National Park – Vienna, VA for the Performing Arts has something for everyone! My husband and I attended Swan Lake presented by the American Ballet Company. To say we enjoyed ourselves would be an understatement.  It was our first time at Wolf Trap, and we were pleasantly surprised by the venue.  Before the show, we made dining reservations at OVIATIONS by American Eats and delighted our taste buds with lots of delectable dishes.  We thought we would be selecting dinner items from a menu but was amazed to discover that they had a killer buffet.  But what was even more impressive was the buffet had a very wide selection of choices, so even a plant-based eater like myself would not feel deprived of enjoying the abundance of goodies.  If you’re looking for a great outdoor venue, then make sure to put Wolf Trap on your list.

National Museum of African American History and Culture – Smithsonian – Washington D. C. – This was a somber experience.  This museum celebrates, acknowledges and recognizes that despite oppression, the African American people continue to demonstrate passion, resilience, courage, strength, and determination to not only survive, but thrive.  The tour lines wax and wane, depending on the time you go and how many volunteers are available for the tours. Give yourself plenty of time and wear comfortable clothing and shoes.  We spent approximately four hours there but could have easily spent more. There are several restrooms available, a restaurant called Sweet Home Cafe, and a gift shop.  This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge and understanding of the African American experience.  

UniverSOUL Circus held all over the United States in the last 25 years is a force to be reckoned with!  This breathtaking, exciting, fast-paced, spectacular circus will have you oohing and awh-ing long after the show is over. The international talent is stunning in their performances and brings joy to all.  Their surreal message of “inclusiveness and that we all belong”, could not come at a better time. Check your city for a time and place…and run, don’t walk and have a blast.

The Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City, New York is the place to see Hamilton, and a fabulous abbreviated way to learn about one of our country’s greatest leaders.  This musical will have you dancing and cheering in your seats. The talent, the passion, the energy, all come together in a burst of beauty to be seen and heard.  

Cirque du Soleil – VOLTA held all over the world (we’ve seen the Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas, Riviera Maya and under the Grand Chapiteau, in Tysons VA), is an illuminating heart-stopping, breath-holding show filled with energetic music and over-the-top acrobatics. Although the show will have you clapping, cheering, laughing, and standing in applause, the message the characters portray and exemplify, is the importance of self-love, self-acceptance, and empowerment.  The show really speaks to the heart of humanity and is a must-see!

NOTE: Video recording was not allowed during the show.  And photos could only be taken without flash.