Coon Vacation

Well we thoroughly enjoyed our week off, but sadly it's back to the routine studying. However, Sean and I are a bit more excited that we'll be looking into the US-Iraq foreign policy over the coming 4-5 weeks. We took full advantage of this past week and weekend, which began last monday with a normal week opener - the highlite being our mealtime. Tuesday I can hardly share any news since I worked on a side project at work until 11pm, and when I arrived home Sean was fast asleep. We woke up early Wednesday morning, got our lifting out of the way, and took off anxiously in the 75 degree heat for the Washington monument. Our plans were crushed when we learned the available tickets/day had already been sold - making our three mile run pointless (apart from the tremendous health benefits). We immediately set out our plans for the 21st to arrive at 7:30am to assure a seat in the elevator to the top!
Given the nature of the city, we knew there had to be something to drain our spare time, and we walked the block to the holocaust museum and walked right in (which was amazing since there were 200+ in line on our way out!). After the tour and the heighted dislike for Hitler, we made our way on the grass towards the capitol, up the hill and back to our apartment where we relaxed on our rooftop deck in the sun.
The night held another great experience, as we were treated by our program to dinner at a middle eastern restaurant. The joys of the sun were immediately dashed the next afternoon as the temperature faded, clouds rolled in, and we were graced with a temperature in the 30s and a thunderstorm for the remainder of daylight lasting til bed. This would have been perfect for sleeping, but DC United had their semifinal match of the CONCACAF cup vs the Chivas - mexico's number one soccer team. The excitement replaced the sobering rain, as the score ended in a tie via a United goal in the 92nd minute (last couple minutes of the game)! The intensity of the fans was astonishing - but then again it didn't feel like we were in America as we were outnumbered 100:1 mexicans to americans. Americans seem to be 'fare-weather fans'.
Well Friday was the beginning to our great weekend, please stay with me because the excitement continues! After work and class at the American Institute of Progress (great discussion on Iraq!), we met with the Coon family. I actually spent a bit of time at my office celebrating deadlines, but met up with Aaron Coon and Sean later for some pool and NCAA basketball.
Saturday morning we began our role as tourguides, and following our weekly pancake breakfast across the hall, met up with the 'parents' for a day in DC. We experienced the metro, plenty of Irish restaurants to celebrate st. pat's day, a handful of monuments and museums, a trip to the steamrooms, and enough walking to deserve a great night of rest! Sean, Aaron and I decided to view the monuments once more lit up in the night.
Sunday began with some time at the Union Station church, followed by lunch, and a LONG nap for Buhee and I, while Sean was lured in to work for a few hours. A relaxing afternoon and another night in the steam room ended my weekend with the Coons. Great food, company, and Irishness will always make for an unforgettable weekend!
Now the bed's calling - a full day tomorrow including a spell in the Old Executives building (beside the white house) for class. Thanks for reading, rest the eyes, and I'll try to condense it next time. Oh, and welcome Klara Mae, my 6 lb. 5 oz. niece, into our lives (Scott & Manda's second)!

Look, the world's comforter, with weary gait,
His day's hot task hath ended in the west:
The owl, night's herald, shrieks--'tis very late;
The sheep are gone to fold, birds to their nest;
And coat-black clouds, that shadow heaven's light,
Do summon us to part, and bid good night.