Just a Few Pics from My Trip

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery. Above is the Changing of the Guard and below is the New Guard in place. The Tomb contains the remains of unknown American soldiers from WWI, WWII, the Korean Conflict and (until 1998) the Vietnam War. The Tomb is guarded 24/7 all year long by specially trained members of the 3rd United States Infantry (The Old Guard).

President George Washington and Martha Washington's Graves located at their estate in Mt. Vernon, Virginia. Some school children brought flowers for the grave/tomb. The worker opened up the gate for the children to place them inside. I was lucky to be able to see it all opened up.

Door Handle and Keyhole to President Washington's Old Tomb. He was buried inside here initially until they dedicated a new tomb just up the hill on his estate in Mt. Vernon.

These were just a few pictures from my trip to D.C. I know many of you have seen some of the images in your own way/trip, but I had to display them for myself. It was an amazing trip for me. My first to D.C. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this great nation. Several highlights (I may post those photos later) of my trip were seeing all of the amazing monuments, a few of the Smithsonian's (bummed they didn't have my Great Uncle's Picture displayed anymore in the Air and Space Musuem --T. Keith Glennan), going on a ghost tour on Halloween in Old Town, eating mussels (Jason- it was clams and all), viewing the newly dedicated Pentagon Memorial, touring inside and up George Washington's Monument, touring inside the Capitol (tunneling under it from Senator Hatch's office from a block away), going to the Temple, taking the Metro everywhere (except I drove myself to Mt. Vernon in our 1 day rental--a big fear conquered), seeing the Archives of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence (John Hancock is a relative of mine ;) ) and touring the White House. While inside the White House on the West Wing, I looked out the window looking toward the south lawn to watch the Marine One Helicopter land and out of it walks President Bush. I was able to snap a photo on my camera phone. Shhh...no camera's were allowed, but they didn't say no the to the camera phone (well they didn't hear or see me take the picture). He came out and waved to the small crowd awaiting him out front. It was cool to think I was in the White House the same time he was.

I had an amazing time. Very humbling for me. I hope to always be grateful and in gratitude for all the men and women who lost their lives in battle for me to have the wonderful freedoms I enjoy. Inscription at the WWII Memorial: "They fought together as brothers-in-arms. They died together, and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation." - Admiral Chester W. Nimitz

Oh, So Cool! This is Jamey Turner. He's a Wine Glass Musician and is Amazing. We got off the Trolley in Old Town and saw him on the street playing. I recorded him here playing "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing". You can see more on You Tube.

I just got back from D.C. My Heart is Full!

To the Man I Love so Much-

I LOVE YOU BABES!

Let the Flu Season Begin!

We're not sick, but many of our family and friends are. I had a fever a week and a half ago because of the exposure to kids and their friends at school and church. Well, I am expecting to get strep. I am being exposed to one of my daycare kids right now that has it and is waiting to see the Dr. I am just praying to get through the week and hoping my kids don't get sick for grandma next week. Let the trip to D.C. work out well for us all!!!!! I hope you and your family are surviving the sicknesses that are out there.

P.S. Never attempt Frightmares at Lagoon on a beautiful Saturday. I have never seen it so packed. We did about 3 rides or so. We had fun though with the packed house.

I had to post this photo. It doesn't give the Great Salt Lake justice. We went on a Sunday drive up Farmington Canyon and wow what a view. We could see the north side of Antelope Island and the lake just went on forever. It was incredible to know that's our backyard. I have seen the lake from a plane on a few spots, but not quite like this. We are thanking our Father in Heaven too for answering our family prayer. Our car died at the top of the mountain. It was an intense ride down the mountain and we know our Prayer was answered...our tank was on fumes and it had to be in neutral with the engine on so the power steering and brakes would work. It's a windy and narrow road. Glad to be home.

Good Job Kai!

I just wanted to say how happy I am for my little boy. He got a certificate today at an assembly. He was 1 of 2 picked out of his class to be recognized for his good work at school. It was the first assembly of the year and they'll recognize2 more kids from each class in all grades throughout the school year. I am proud of him...Proud in a good way :)

It brought back upsetting memories for me. I won a Patriot of the Month award in 9th grade. Each month a boy and a girl from each grade were picked for the award. Well the Vice Principal made the mistake of calling during a time when I would be home answering the phone. I noticed the caller id for the school and new I didn't do anything wrong. I knew the VP's voice, so I just knew what it was. I confronted my dad and he said yes, you'll be receiving the award. I told my good friend who was in homeroom with me. The homeroom knew I was receiving the award that morning. So just prior to the announcement for the 9th grade girl, my homeroom school mates were cheering for me and they announced it prior to the actual announcement.

My 7th grade English teacher was in front of us with her homeroom and she was not happy about the blown surprise. After I made my short speech in front of the entire student body, went back down the steps to sit with my class, she pulled me to the side aisle and lectured me. My entire homeroom and several of the other classes surrounding the area noticed she was talking with me. The next thing I knew they were dismissing us winners to go upstairs to have refreshments with our parents. As soon as she was done lecturing me, I was in tears. I turned to face my school mates to walk up the aisle and I was crying. It was not a good day. I wished I had been more defiant and told her what she was doing to me was not right. She made me feel bad, when she could have been congratulating me. She knew I was a good student that didn't make trouble. I'll never forget that day...for the good and the not so good.

After school Kai's teacher said he was really good at keeping it a secret. I didn't end up telling him to keep it a secret because the teacher didn't tell me to keep it a secret. But I am glad it worked out.

Let the Halloween Fun Begin!

We had a wet and scary time at Lagoon. Make sure you see the last picture.

Kai had a bike accident a few days ago. He matches the gentlemen quite well with their bloody injuries. Yummy Worm!

Say Cheese!

We were quite wet!

Jason on the Subway Diet!

Our First Field Trip of the Year!

We had a blast yesterday visiting the Fire Station with Preschool. Next month is Fire Safety month. It's a great reminder to us all to remind our children what to do in case there is a fire....a home escape plan, "stop, drop, and roll", and to have a fire drill. My preschoolers surprised me on how much they remembered what I taught them Tuesday and then were asked Thursday by the fireman. They knew the answers to many of the questions. Stranger Danger is a huge reminder too!