Steve, Helen and Aaron came up from North Carolina (or down from the mountains, depending on your point of reference) for a visit late in July. On first blush that seems insane, no one wants to come to DC in late July -- especially at the height of a record setting heat wave. But with two different, unrelated scholastic schedules, other times are harder for them to take a week off. We really enjoyed the chance to see them. Robert had a great time and really appreciated the "train experts" laying out his tracks (which were hand-me-downs from Aaron, after all).

We took advantage of our out-of-town visitors to check out some of the tourists sights. Including a trip back to the new Air and Space Museum. Aaron (and his folks) were enthralled by the docent's tour. Robert, less so; but he enjoyed wandering around looking at all the planes and helicopters. And we took a trip up to the Baltimore to tour the National Aquarium in Baltimore; everyone loved that as well...