INVITATION: PHOTO EXHIBIT IN WASHINGTON, DC

We have a confession to make--we're a few weeks behind on the blog, geographically speaking. 

In reality, we just got back to Washington, DC, and we're having our first ever photo exhibit, Faces & Places, showcasing a few of our favorite shots from the trip. 

You're all invited to the opening reception on Thursday, October 17, at the upstairs gallery of Shaw's Tavern (520 Florida Avenue NW), an awesome neighborhood spot about three blocks from our house.

Since we left Panama, we made a quick stop off in Colorado to see Liz's folks (and volunteer!) before coming back to Washington to move back into our house and also continue volunteering. It's been an entertaining, if not always easy, transition to the non-traveling life. More on that later. 

For now, we're going to continue updating the site with stories and photos from Panama City, the San Blas Islands, more Panama City and then back to the U.S.A via Colorado. 

Planning is underway for what's going to happen after we finally get caught up, but keep reading and stay tuned. We promise it's going to be a fun ride. 

And if you're in Washington, DC, anytime soon, look us up and/or drop by Shaw's Tavern and check out Faces & Places! 

CHERRY BLOSSOM VOLUNTEERING

Us volunteering at the Pink Tie Party of the DC Cherry Blossom Festival. Not bad after 12 months on the road.

Volunteering doesn't always have to be difficult and dirty. Sometimes, depending on the gig, you might even have to get dressed up for the occasion. 

On our recent stop back home in DC (okay, so we're behind a bit on the updates!), we had the opportunity to shower regularly and wear clothes that had not been wadded up in a backpack for months. Kip even managed to locate a razor. 

Liz working the gift bag table.

In addition to the long overdue personal maintenance, we also had the opportunity to volunteer with one of the greatest events in DC, the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Thanks to the efforts of a great volunteer coordinator (hey, Ruby!) we were lucky enough to assist with the Opening Day Press Conference and Pink Tie Party, as well as the Taste of Japan Saki Tasting. 

We could never have afforded the ticket prices to attend all of these events on our own. But as free labor, we were sometimes allowed to eat, drink, and be merry with the paying guests once all the work was done (and we promised not to misbehave). 

Even better, we had the chance to refresh our event planning skills while seeing firsthand how a team of real pros put together high-profile receptions that included the Mayor of DC, a couple of ambassadors, tons of media and even the 2013 Cherry Blossom Princess. We felt almost as honored as the time our elementary school-aged nieces invited us to their "House Party." 

Since we were working, we didn't have a lot of time for photos at the events, other than the few seen here. 

In honor of the most beautiful festival in Washington, further below we present to you a few of the photos we took down on the Tidal Basin as the thousands of cherry trees were in full bloom. 

Ever wonder how to gain free entry into a VIP or high-priced event without getting arrested? 

Try volunteering.

Kip with the volunteer crew at the Cherry Blossom Fest Opening Day press conference.  

A FEW CHERRY BLOSSOM PHOTOS WE TOOK THIS YEAR: