More D.C

On Sunday, December 19th we toured D.C. Addie was so excited to see the Lincoln Monument. She was so cute with her own camera taking pictures. I also had shown her ''The Wizard of Oz". She absolutely fell in love with the movie and was shocked when I told her she could see the real ones in real life! We enjoyed our time at the Washington Monument as well. It was fun to go to the top. Mike pointed out if you looked really hard out the one side you could see in the distance the temple. It was also really neat to see the Vietnam Memorial. I couldn't help but think of Dave. He did great things for this country of ours. Along with countless others who put their selves in harms way for us each day. There is definately something about D.C that makes you proud of this wonderful country we live in!

That night after we got back, Addie pulled out yet another one of her teeth. Without a bit of drama. I asked her what she was doing in the bathroom and she said, "Oh, I just pulled out my tooth".

Washington D.C temple

On Saturday, December 18 2010, we were able to spend some time at the temple. By this day Carolyn and MaryAlice (mike's mom and sister) were in D.C. We were all able to spend some special time at the temple that day in our own way. I think it was special for Carolyn because it was her birthday and her children were all there. This is at night there. They put a lot of work into the light at the temple. I don't have any pictures that do it justice. It was so cold that night. We were all freezing to we didn't hang out there to long. I was able to go to the temple earlier that day by myself and had a very special time. That night after the lights we went to dinner together at a 50's style restaurant. I'm sure none of us will forget that dinner. We were all tired and hunger and it was very late. The waitress seemed to take forever. Keep in mind there are 12 of us. The next thing we knew they sat like 35 high school kids right next to us with the same waitress. Not good. We could barely hear and I think all of our patience was about gone. The next thing I know Mike gets out of his chair and turns around to the high school kids. I was about crawling under the table cause I just knew he was going to yell at these kids. We were all in shock. He then tells them it is his Mom's birthday and we are all from out of town. He asks them to accompany him in singing "Happy Birthday" to her. NOT WHAT WE WERE EXPECTING!! They all belted it out and it was great. I don't know about Carolyn, but my heart had stopped. It was a great end to the night!

Air and Space Museum

On Friday, December 17, we got to meet up with Jason, Erin, and kids. That is Mike's brother and sister-in-law. They drove from Florida the night before. We went to the air and space museum. The one on the mall and also a hanger off the mall. Owen is hugely into planes. We all had a really good time there. There is so much to see and do. This is me by the flight attendant part. I always wanted to be a flight attendant, but at six feet, I am too tall. This is the Black Bird SR71. It was Owen's very favorite. They also have a replica of the space shuttle. And too many cool planes to show everything.

Washington D.C.

December 16, 2010 we flew out to Washington D.C. Mike's great aunt Mary passed away and was being buried at Arlington National Cemetery. We flew in a few days early to explore the city. The night we flew in D.C had recieved some snow. It felt so Christmas-like. With the music playing on the radio, the snow, and all the lights. We met Mai and Ben, my longtime good friend and her boyfriend, at a local restaurant. It was perfect! We were in such a beautiful neighborhood and had such a great time. It was the perfect way to kick off our vacation! I always feel so lucky to have gotten to see Mai twice in 16 months.

Brandt and Kim's wedding

On December 4, 2010 Kim and Brandt were married in the Salt Lake Temple. It was a beautiful ceremony followed by a beautiful dinner and reception. Kim is my cousin's daughter. Her grandma and my mom are sisters. This is a picture of Kim and Brandt. This is one of my mom and her sister LuAnn. We were so glad to be a part of their happy day together.

2010 blizzard

We had our first snow. Then we had what the news was labeling "the 2010 blizzard". This is the kids playing in the first snow. This is pix of the blizzard. Nov. 23, 2010. They released school early. Mike and I were released from work early. Basically the news was encouraging everyone to be home early for this storm. As we live in Utah and get snow storms frequently this seems unusual. I made sure Mom was home. Patti had already gone home for the Thanksgiving holiday. Once I knew everyone was safe at home I could relax. For awhile I thought wouldn't it be funny if nothing even happened. Then in the late afternoon early evening it hit. Lots of blowing wind, cold temps, and snow. A blizzard! How fun. Because we were safe and warm in our home. This is us making brownies for the storm. This is a pic out my bedroom french doors with the snow. Should be fun digging out tomorrow!!

Crazy Addie and Owen

The crazy things Addie and Owen come up with. One day they are gonna look back on this and think what the heck?!! This is how I found them dressed up the other night. Addie had on my boots and Owen had on Mike's boots.