In Full Glory Reflected

Thursday, one thing after another happened making packing difficult.  It was late when I started, and Thursday night turned into Friday morning before I realized.  At 3:00, I decided going to bed was pointless. 

At 9:00, Matt and I left for the airport.  Both Nicole and I forgot to give each things to each other. Oh, well. 

The minute I got on the plane I went to sleep.  And, when I woke up 2 hours later, we were still sitting on the tarmac in Tegucigalpa.  I was really thankful that I had a 4 hour layover in Atlanta.  I was also, thankful the flight from Atlanta left on time, 10:15 p.m.  All luggage arrived.  I was glad to see Linda and Larry.  It has been six years since I had seen them. 

We were all so tired, but we still stayed up to visit.  Saturday meant sleeping in a bit.  Quite a bit.  And, lounging around visiting some more.  We took a quick drive and saw some of Baltimore, returned home to have Dr Peppers.  Yay. 

Erica and Zach and the boys came over for dinner.  I had never met Zach, much less the boys.  Those 3 boys sure need to get with my Haley, Emma and Paige.  We had a pleasant evening, with way to much food.  I ate so much that I had to say no to ice cream. Another late, late night of visiting.

Today, we did Baltimore in a day.  We met Erica's family for breakfast at the Paper Moon, a truly Baltimore joint.  Zach was off to work, Erica and the boys off to the park.  We then did Fort McHenry, the Baltimore Museum of Art and Phillips Seafood for crab cakes.

We got to Fort McHenry just in time for the flag changing ceremony.  This was beautiful and I am glad we did not miss it.

This was a very meaningful ceremony.   The flag has 15 stripes and 15 stars. 

We walked around and I took a bunch of pictures of the harbor.

We went back into the visitor's center and watched the video.  I think the video is designed to be seen first, but it was time for the flag ceremony when we arrived.  I like the order we did it.  The video was a brief history of the battle and the writing of  The Star Spangled Banner, our national anthem.  As it ended the words were being sung.  Everyone in the room rose, as did the video screen.  Behind the video screen was a big picture window and we could see the big flag that we had just witnessed being raised.  The big flag was gently blowing in the breeze.  Pride swelled in my heart.  As the song ended, there was not a dry eye in the place.

This was just so great and loved being at Fort McHenry today.