Our Fourth in DC: 2013

This was our second year celebrating the Fourth of July in DC, and we started the celebrations on Wednesday night.

I made bocadillos (American style) with cheddar cheese, Vermont Smoke and Cure pepperoni, tomato, avocado, and olive oil for a picnic dinner on the West Lawn of the Capitol. See - Tom found out about the dress rehearsal for the Capitol Fourth concert. They do it every year and allow the public to attend for free. I haven't actually seen it on TV but was happy to go check it out. 

We got there around 6:30 and found a pretty good location. Once settled, we ate our picnic dinner and waited. 

It started exactly at 8:00 and went through the entire program as if it was really being filmed live. We could sit or stand, as there weren't too many people there. It was the first time seeing Barry Manilow and I realized I wasn't missing much these years. Sorry Barry...

My favorite performer of the night and probably the main reason I was there - Neil Diamond. 

I grew up listening to him and remember vacations where we'd listen to his tapes in the car until my dad got sick of them. We could see the back of his head but didn't have the best closeup. You better believe he had us all singing Sweet Caroline.

Thursday (the Fourth) was a laid-back day. We didn't go to a parade like last year. I ended up making blueberry bars, and we had lunch at a local bakery/cafe. That evening we went to a co-workers house and then caught the fireworks near the Capitol. Thankfully, I don't mind the crowds.