Remind me what life’s really about because this summer, the Touray family took a much-needed vacation to National Harbor, Maryland, and bruh... it was unforgettable.

As soon as we hit the harbor, there was this calming energy in the air. The water shimmered like glass under the sun, and the vibe was just right. My queen, Shanika Lynn Touray—always glowing, always elegant—stepped out the car like she owned the place. Anaïs, our 6-year-old daughter, was bouncing with excitement, already spotting things she wanted to see. My son, Anadontes, age 8, tried to play it cool like he wasn’t hype too... but I saw the spark in his eyes.

We checked into our hotel with the waterfront view, and the kids ran straight to the window to stare at the Capital Wheel. “Daddy, we have to ride that!” Anaïs said, eyes wide. “That’s gon' be lit!” Anadontes added, throwing in a little slang he clearly picked up from me.

Dinner at Society – Fine Dining, Black Excellence

That night, we dressed up. Not just Sunday-clean—nah, we was shining. Shanika wore this elegant black dress that turned heads when we walked into Society, one of the dopest upscale Black-owned restaurants in the Harbor. The lighting was warm, the music smooth, and the food? Man. Every bite felt like a celebration of culture and class.

I ordered the lamb chops with rosemary glaze, Shanika got the seafood risotto, and the kids had mini filet mignons with mashed potatoes. They felt like royalty, sipping their fancy lemonades like it was champagne.

“You fancy, huh?” I joked with Anaïs. She grinned. “I’m a queen, Daddy.”
“You right,” I said. “Always been.”

The Capital Wheel – High Above the Harbor

After dinner, we walked along the pier and finally hopped on the Capital Wheel. The lights danced off the water, and when we got to the top, we just sat there in silence for a second. The whole world felt small, peaceful, distant.

“I feel like we on top of everything,” Anadontes whispered.

I looked over at my family—my whole heart—and nodded. “We are, son. We really are.”

UniverSoul Circus – Black Joy in Motion

Next day, we hit the UniverSoul Circus, and let me tell you… that joint was electric. From the wild acrobatics to the comedy to the soul-stirring music—it was Black magic on full display. Shanika and I were clapping and vibing like big kids, and Anaïs screamed her heart out when the dancers brought the animals out.

There was a moment when a tightrope walker was walking upside down, and Anaïs grabbed my hand and said, “I’m gonna be brave like that.”
I smiled and squeezed her hand. “You already are, baby girl.”

Anadontes was in love with the drummers. “I wanna learn that beat!” he shouted, trying to mimic the rhythm on his knees. And me? I was just soaking it all in. My kids’ laughter. Shanika’s glowing smile. The vibe. The unity. The culture. The joy.

Family First, Always

We ended each night back at the hotel, full and happy. Watching cartoons with the kids. Late-night talks with my wife. Prayers together before bed. These are the moments I live for.

This trip reminded me that no matter where we go, as long as we’re together, it’s home. National Harbor gave us more than just food, fun, and ferris wheels—it gave us memories stitched with laughter, culture, and love.

So here’s to more moments like this. To Anaïs’ big dreams. To Anadontes’ beats. To Shanika’s endless grace. To us.

The Touray Family—strong, loving, and always rollin’ together.