Yesterday was a special day because we celebrated my son’s graduation from high school!
A UNIQUE PLACE TO CELEBRATE
When my daughter graduated a couple of years ago, I looked for something special since we weren’t involved in a co-op to do a formal ceremony.
In my research I found a restaurant in Washington DC called Lafayette!
Since I am a huge Lafayette fan and we have visited “him” many times in Colonial Williamsburg, I hoped this would make a great high school graduation celebration.
Our experience at Restaurant Lafayette was so wonderful, that my daughter sighed that she felt like Anne of Green Gables, unable to return to normal life again.
Meanwhile my son excitedly announced he wanted to return to Restaurant Lafayette for his graduation, so yesterday was the day!
Well, how perfect for the young man who first had a memorable history question for Lafayette and then wanted to dress exactly like him.
Why not?
BRUNCH OR DINNER?
This time while planning out the grand event, I presented two options for him.
Would he like to dine with a fancy evening dinner, as his sister did?
Or would he like to change things up, by attending their incredible looking brunch?
Considering the wonderful selections of the two options, he decided to try something new, with the brunch.
On a beautiful Sunday morning, we drove to Washington DC, with blue sunny skies and low humidity and temperatures in the 70s.
Perfect for our photo shoot after the brunch.
AT THE HAY-ADAMS HOTEL
Restaurant Lafayette is located in the Hay Adams Hotel across from Lafayette Square which is across from the White House.
These two men, Hay and Adams lived on this street corner in the 19th century when Hay worked for President Lincoln.
Meanwhile Adams is the son of President John Quincy Adams, and grandson of President John Adams.
Since we arrived a bit early, we used the beautiful 19th century historical decor for a grand graduation photo op…Part I!
BRUNCH AT RESTAURANT LAFAYETTE
And then it was time for an amazing brunch in Restaurant Lafayette.
The beautiful background music of the piano perfectly matched the beauty of the room and the deliciousness of the brunch.
From our table we viewed Lafayette Square through the window.
LAFAYETTE SQUARE
After enjoying the celebratory brunch, we visited several spots in Washington DC for my son’s graduation photos.
First we walked across the street to Lafayette Square where many of our favorite statues are located.
With General Jackson, since my son served as his aide de camp for him at the Battle of New Orleans in a Colonial Williamsburg EFT.
Walking nearer the White House is the Lafayette Statue, where my son’s teacher joined him! 😉
While it’s been a pleasure teaching him and my daughter, he practically taught himself.
That is the goal of classical education…give them the tools so they will be able to soar.
Many thanks to Patrick Henry for that tip!
I’m going to miss my kids and our homeschool journey SO much, yet I’m also happy that they are moving forward with their lives.
At the opposite end of the square is the Rochambeau statue.
I told my son that Rochambeau is telling him to go forth and do good…
CAPITOL
Throughout the day we took a ton of photos, for which my son chose the spots and who would pose and stand where.
After photos at Lafayette Square, we ventured to the US Capitol.
As previously mentioned, these particular shots of each of us were carefully crafted and orchestrated by my son.
The flyover seemed so appropriate, a metaphor for my son to soar high in his endeavors…
And then on the drive home my son captured these pics of the Lincoln Memorial…
Amazingly this final shot is nearly identical to the very first picture he ever took of Washington DC in 2008.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS WIN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP!
Then to cap off an already wonderful day for a special and unique event, the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA Championship that night! Go Spurs!
