Our DC Trip- Day 4

Slowly, but surely, I'll get all of these DC pictures posted.  Day 4 in DC, we woke up really early and headed downtown to meet my dad at the White House. We had to wait a bit because they had Derek's birthday wrong in the system.  But, after a background check, we were clear to go.  Wt was cool to be in the White House and see all of the fancy rooms where the Presidents have entertained.  I loved the ballroom.  And, it was also neat to look at the many photos displayed from the current and past presidents.  We couldn't take any pictures on the tour, so none to share but here is one of us outside of it.

After the White House tour, we loaded up in my dads jeep and went to Arlington National Cemetery. Our family laid a wreath on the tomb of the unknown soldier.  It was very moving and emotional for both me and Derek. Barrett stood very still and we were proud of his soldierlike behavior.

The changing of the guard 

 Our family placing our wreath in front of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier

 Listening to Taps being played.  There is nothing like that sound.

 The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

 The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day

 Barrett being a soldier.  I'd never seen him so quiet and still

 More soldiers

 Arlington Cemetery

 B & B in front of our condo

 After visiting Arlington Cemetery, we headed back to our condo to change clothes to go to the 

National Zoo. It was a great zoo.  The highlights were seeing the pandas, gorillas, lions and tigers.  

In front of the National Zoo

We loved seeing the cute pandas

Gorillas

Lions

 Derek and Brooklyn looking at the tigers

Barrett in front of the lions

 After the zoo,the went to the National Cathedral. Somehow, I never even knew there was such a thing.  It was beautiful!  It reminded me of a church in Europe.  I loved reading about the history of the church.  It was started in the 1800's,but not finished until the1990's.

The National Cathedral

 Stained glass in the cathedral

 So ornate

 After touring the church, we went to the condo and dressed for dinner. We met my dad at The Old Ebbit Grill.  It was a yummy dinner and then we walked around the White House.  It was dark outside and it was all lit up.

Thankfulness- day 4

I'm thankful for Brooklyn's school.  She loves it there.  Her teachers are wonderful.  She has lots of friends.  She is learning alot. It is the perfect place for her. And, Brooklyn going to school allows me to have some time to myself each week. I get to run, meet up with people for lunch, shop, and really just do whatever I want to do.

And then there was light

When we moved into our house in July, we had a long wish list of things we wanted to do to the house.  Major renovations and projects, we knew we were planning to wait on until we could figure out exactly what we wanted and to save up money for such projects.  But, there are lots of little things that we wanted to do.And, of course since I am writing about it, that means we don't.
 Moving into a house that needs lots of work, we wanted to be careful to not let it overtake our life.  Life is busy- kids, Derek's work and travel, and just everyday things.  I have been really patient(surprising for me) and not worried about "the schedule" of things.  But, I did feel like we would be farther along in little things and in even knowing what we want. And I am settled in enough and ready to start doing a few things.
In early September I bought a light fixture and was hoping to have it installed and working, in a few weeks(I'm flexible).  But when we took down the old fixture, there was popcorn on the ceiling so Derek had to fix that.  Then, we couldn't get the light to work. Derek tried lots of things and then finally had to call in an electrician.  Come to find out,it was the dimmer switch.  But, we'd been without light in the dining room for over a month(Derek was traveling alot).  But, all is good now and we can check at least one thing off the list.

I'm not trying to complain, just venting a little I guess.  I am going to have to remember to be patient and be prepared that things aren't going to go quickly or easily.  And, enjoy the process of making this house- ours.  Next few projects coming up- windows in the front, privacy fence and a new front door.

Thankfulness-Day 3

I love these 2.  I am proud to be their mommy.  They make me laugh and smile and remind me to enjoy the moment and not be so serious.  Sometimes, it is hard to be a mom.  I wonder if I am making the right decisions, if they will remember me as always yelling and telling them to hurry, if they will grow up to love God and love others as He did. Some days are harder than others, but I am thankful that I get to be the mommy for these 2 kiddos.

Thirty Days of Thankfulness

I've been seeing people posting on facebook and blogs  about being thankful, and I thought I'd join in on the action as well.  There are many things for me to be thankful for and I often do not take the time to appreciate those things.  So, this month I will be sharing things I am thankful for.

Day 1- I am thankful to live in Austin. I love it here! We have made many great friends here.  We love our church family and our small group.  This is such a cool place! We love the schools the kids go to.  We love our new house and neighborhood.  There is always some live music to listen to in Austin and new places to eat at. We can get downtown in a few minutes.  I love running at the trail.  Austin has a small town feel to it.  I am glad that I have been able to live here for 12 years.

Day 2- I am thankful for the right to vote. Did you vote today? I am not overly political and keep my views to myself mostly,but I love that each individual has a chance to have a say, make a difference and cast their vote on who/what they believe in.  The voting process got my dad elected first as a judge and then as a congressman.  I am proud that he believes in making this country the best it can be.

Stay tuned for more thankfulness

All kinds of Weather

Barrett's first grade had a musical a few weeks ago.  The program was about weather.  And, B's class was humidity. It was a cute program and fun to watch. Barrett seemed to enjoy singing and having fun with his friends.

 I took Brooklyn with me because she wanted to see the program.  She wanted to sit with the kids watching, so she just walked over and sat in the art teacher's lap and stayed there the whole time.  So cute-she didn't even know her.

B's class

 B and his buddy, David

 Singing about humidity

 More singing

 Class picture-Mrs. Faulkner's Foxes

Happy Halloween

We went to a party at out friends, The Beard's, on Saturday before Halloween. It was a fun time and I really enjoyed seeing everyone dressed up. It was a great night of fellowship and spooky treats.  Kurt and Suzy and the kids hung out with us before the party.  The cousins seem to always have a good time playing together. 

Our family dressed up 

Daphne and A Witch

 Shaggy and Daphne

 My little Cinderella and me.  She looked precious!

 Jackson, Brooklyn, Hallie and Barrett

 Barrett the ninja and Jackson as Leo, from TMNT

Hallie kept trying to cozy up to Barrett. It was so cute!!

 Cinderella and The Ninja

 Brooklyn at the party with her friend Scout(AKA Wonder Woman)

 The Beards

 Hanging out 

On Halloween, we went trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. The Poe's came over and we all went out together.  The kids were racing along trying to get as much candy as they could.  We even stopped back by the house to drop off one load of candy and then headed right back out.  

B trick-or-treating

 Cinderella out on the town

Cousins

 Sweet Hallie

 Leo the Ninja Turtle

 Shaelyn with her loot

 Getting some candy

After the trick-or-treating, we headed home to look at the loot and eat dinner. The kids were hyped up from all of the excitement and sugar!  Poor Shaelyn bonked her head on the corner of the wall and had to go to the ER.  She didn't have to get stitches, just glue on her forehead.  She's a tough girl!!  After that happened, it was time to settle down. Hopefully, she'll remember the good not just the bad part.