Whomever was in charge of praying for good weather Thursday evening for the ORHS graduation deserves a promotion.  The event was flawless, the rain held off, and the cold front was like natural air conditioning for our outdoor ceremony.

Immediately afterward (well, with minimal dithering to get suitcases packed and loaded, doors locked, pets fed, etc.), we piled in the car and headed for Gaithersburg, Maryland,  for the 10 a.m. Friday graduation of a special niece.
Anniken (right in cap and gown) graduated at the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC.  It was a tough all-night drive to get there in time, but we made it — even with time to get to PJ’s house and change clothes first.

Afterward, we rounded up Beta, Gamma, and Delta, along with Anniken, her friend, and her brother (both of whom live in Michigan, not DC) to tour a museum or two.

The Museum of Natural History was a big hit — dinosaur bones for cousin J. and Delta; gems and minerals that fascinated myself and Gamma, space rocks, and so many other things.  At right, Gamma poses with the T-Rex.

This afternoon, we went to the Air & Space Annex out by Dulles Airport, where there are full-scale planes, space capsules, missiles, and a variety of things far too big to display at the Air & Space museum on the Capitol Mall.

I enjoyed seeing the Enola Gay, and explaining the significance to the kids.

HWTFM and PJ seemed to be cruising through the smaller prop planes picking one out for me.  Yes, I’ve always wanted to get my pilot’s license.  I grew up in with a father who forbade it, then shortly thereafter married a man who forbade it until the kids are grown.

Six more years, and I’m going to do it.

Tonight, we’re headed homeward… but it was a joy to be here for Anniken.  She’s been through a lot, and deserves a great party.