Great Falls

There were two coolish days (read: not sweltering) while we were in the DC area and we spent them outside. On one of them we went to Great Falls National Park and really enjoyed ourselves. It was a relaxing break from the city and museums, not to mention very pretty and dramatic. (In an "east of the Mississippi" way, if you get my drift.)

We hiked a bit through the woods and were very excited when the woman in front of us shrieked hysterically because she had spotted this rat snake. We followed it for awhile.

We spent a long time at a little beach down by the river where there were lots of water holes full of tadpoles and mosquito larvae and other captivating critters. The boys explored and I lay on a rock in the sunshine.

This was one of the nicest days on our trip, I think.

We were feeling so happy at the end that we even treated the boys to ice cream at the gift shop before heading home.