Spring Break....finally

I've been trying for 3 weeks to sit down and post pictures of our week in D.C., but lack of time and technical difficulties have prevented me from completing the task. Hopefully this time I won't have any distractions, and I can finally complete this post.



Casey had meetings in Washington D.C. the same week the kids had off for spring break, so we were excited to actually be going somewhere this year. It had been almost 15 years since we had been to D.C.. When we lived in West Virginia, it was the one place we always took family when they came out to visit. A lot of things have changed since then.



There was one item in particular that had faded from our memory(well, mine anyway)...and that is how much walking is involved with seeing all of the monuments and museums.

This is Ry running up the steps when we finally made it to the Museum of Natural History, which was the museum he was the most excited about visiting.



And this is Ry shortly after, when we were on our way back from seeing the rest of the sites on DAY 1...



Poor Ry - he tired quickly and thought all the walking was, "very unnecessary!"

We met up with some good friends while we were there and enjoyed riding the metro -quite the experience - by the 3rd day we were pros and no longer held up the ticket line.





There was plenty to see, and we did our best to see all that we could while we were there.

Lincoln Memorial



Washington Monument - they were working on the reflecting pool





The Cherry Blossoms were beautiful





Vietnam Memorial



There were two places that brought me to tears - the Holocaust Museum and the Vietnam memorial. There was a sense of reverence at certain parts of these memorials. It was amazing to feel the hush of the crowds as you walked through and felt the loss of these individuals and families that suffered so greatly, all for the cause of freedom.





It made me want to become more patriotic and be sure to cast my vote in the next election...here are a few candidates -







There was also a lot more security this time -vs- pre-9/11. It was like airport security in each museum and it took us 40 minutes of waiting in line to just get in the doors of the National Archives and another 20 minutes in line to be able to see them. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside the building.



There was a need for many stops and snacks along the way -



We enjoyed our time in D.C., even the walking, but hopefully next time will be more prepared of our time and places we want to see.



A big thank you to the Ouzts family, our friends in North Carolina for letting us come and invade their home for a few days. Their kids were still in school, but we were able to stop and visit on the way up and back from D.C.. It was the 1/2 way point and made the trip much more enjoyable. As always we had a good time visiting, shopping, and enjoying time with them. We miss you much!

How do we love Thee...

Let me count the ways -

1. We love your sweet smile - It was very rare that we could catch you smiling for the camera.



2. We love your crazy faces - It was even more rare that you would be animated while I snapped a photo.



3. We love that you are a rough and tough girly girl - breaking a bone in your elbow while doing a wheely on your bike over a dirt pile when you were 5, qualifies you as rough and tough.



4.We(I) loved that you were a girl and could dress you in pink ruffly dresses.





5. We love that you aren't afraid to get dirty.



still...



6. We love what a great sister you are - Always the peacemaker





7. We loved watching you play with Cody-



You always got along and played like you were the best of friends.



8. We love the sweet spirit you bring into our home.



9. We love you for your wonderful example



10. But, most of all we love you for just being you!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAITLYN, We love you more and more each day!

Pinewood Derby

Ryan had his 1st Pinewood Derby this week. He was very nervous and excited. They had a few practice runs last week and Ryan's was not the fastest car, so we had to add some weights in hopes of speeding it up.



It seemed to do the trick, because HE WON! --Ryan after receiving his 1st place Ribbon.



The cheering section, who enjoyed making creepy faces for the camera.



The entire group of racers.



Ryan and his friend, who placed 2nd.



Great Job Ryan(and Casey). Now it's onto district this weekend!!



some photos courtesy of Chris grant

Landscaping

Casey has wanted to do some landscaping around our yard, mostly to save the roots of our trees. Since we live on a hill, when it rains the water runs down and washes out the grass/dirt around one of our oak trees. Casey thought by lining our driveway with monkey grass and covering the roots of the tree with pine-straw, it would eliminate the problem. It was a good idea and has solved the rain/mud-slide issue.



However, with a teenage driver who cannot back out straight 80% of the time, it did not last 3 weeks before a portion fell victim to Kaitlyn's tires.



Unfortunately, Casey was leaving for work at the time and witnessed the whole event taking place. I heard some commotion(Casey) outside and looked out the window to see what was happening. That's when I saw the result of Kaitlyn's latest "driving in reverse" incident.

That afternoon Casey was back outside in the rain, fixing what had taken him 2 hours to do a few weeks before and Kaitlyn only a few seconds to take out.



He has now rearranged the parking arrangements, so as to prevent any more problems with Kaitlyn's driving and his landscaping work --Hopefully I can veer to the right better than Kaitlyn!

Birthday Boy

Poor Seth woke up early on his birthday sick with the flu bug that infected almost everyone in the house within 48 hours of Ryan being sent home from school. Fortunately Seth's bug was pretty short lived, and he was able to enjoy his day with minimal discomfort. We sure enjoyed having him here and celebrating his birthday with him. He's such a sweetheart, full of boundless amounts of energy. Although, by 7:00 it had all caught up with him and he was out for the night.



Happy Birthday Sweet Boy! We love you!!

A very looooong week!

And it all started last Friday when the office at Ryan's school called at 9:00a.m. to let me know he had just thrown up in a garbage can. Poor boy, mommy forced him to go to school even though he said he didn't feel good. I thought he was embellishing his sick feelings in an effort to stay home with our visitors, who had arrived late the night before(Andy, Seth & Janelle). In my defense - he has done that(faked sick) many times before- Little did I know we would all be dropping like flies over the next several days. All I can say is that it was quite the bonding experience, and today was the first day that all 3 kids made it to school. I am worn out and already looking forward to April(spring break) when we get to follow Casey around and go...

HERE -


AND HERE -


Let's hope we all stay well enough to enjoy it!

Blue and Gold

Last week was Ryan's first Blue and Gold Dinner for Cub Scouts. He loves going to scouts. If you ask him what his favorite part is, he'll tell you the Loop-a-ramas and spending time with Sister Grant, his Den mother.



We had a delicious dinner, and the decorations were so much fun!





They planned and preformed a few funny skits.



And ended the night with a group photo -



Great job to the boys & a big thanks to Chris, their creative & fun Den mom!

photos courtesy of Chris Grant.