Independence for All!

As the nation prepares to celebrate yet another anniversary of sticking it to the Brits, I can't help but take stock in my own independence. As a mom I find I'm really not so independent any more. Well, I'm certainly almost never alone, with my constant cute little sidekick. But do moms need to be alone to be independent?

I suppose on the Fourth of July even moms can claim their independence, even if they do so with their families or in a throng watching fireworks. If that's what you're looking for, here are some things to do around town this coming weekend. Thanks to fellow-mom Amanda for the suggestion! Keep the suggestions coming, folks.

The Town of Vienna July 4th celebration. This is the big-ticket item in town. A day of events at the Community Center, including an antiques car show, arts and crafts, music (including a Jimmy Buffet tribute band) and a children's stage. Culminates with fireworks at 9:15pm at Southside Park on Ross Drive.

There seems to be no Town Green concert this weekend. Bummer! Nice weather for it, too (read: not 100 degrees).

There are also celebrations in Fairfax city and Great Falls. But consider staying local to support our little town! Got any other fun holiday weekend activities around town? Post 'em here!

And Happy Birthday, Mom!

Keeping and Making Memories on Memorial Day

Vienna is located 15 miles outside America’s capital city. Memorial Day weekend is a reminder of how Vienna can have its own traditions while rubbing up against the larger-than-life political statements about our nation that converge 15 miles away. I see an opportunity to teach my daughter about what it means to be part of a local community and part of America.

One of the highlights of the civic year is “Viva! Vienna!”, the town’s small-town-feel fair. Stretching along historic Church Street and the W & OD trail, it boasts food, crafts, rides, local businesses, music and political candidates. It’s such a staple that there is a mural with “Viva Vienna” painted on the side of the building near the Caboose on the W & OD trail.

This year, friend and fellow parent Greg and I rode a hang glider type of ride into the sunshine. Parents can have fun, too, right? Next year I figure I’ll be shelling out the $5 per carnival ride for little Ellie.

There were lots of vendors. I wanted to buy unique necklaces from several of them. We also chatted with our neighbor Adam Cook, who was promoting his home improvement business.

The rest of the weekend was spent at home, listening to the roars of motorcycles going by on nearby Nutley Street, which is the main avenue to Route 66 into DC.

It was Rolling Thunder– a group of people young and old, veterans and non-veterans who each year descends on Washington to show the government and the world that prisoners of war, those missing in action and military veterans will not be forgotten. All while riding kick-ass motorcycles.

Drew, Ellie and I were on Virginia Lane’s overpass of 66 by 8am. By 8:45 we watched police escort the seemingly thousands of motorcycles making their way to the Memorial Bridge for the annual procession. We waved our American flag. I ran down to the actual highway to get close up pictures.

The sight and sounds of the bikes chokes me up. It is humbling to think of the veterans who served our country. It is awe-inspiring to think of some 400,000 people organized around one idea.

Ellie may have been a bit young to soak in the weekend’s meaning. She’ll learn more one day.