OK family members, I am about to send out this address to all of you. I have worked hard to blog the events of the last few weeks. I have had fun doing it, and hopefully you all enjoy it as well. Feel free to share the address with family members, I am just trying to keep it away from the local yokels (explained more in the very 1st post made).
There are three pages here, so enjoy, and after my fingers stop cramping from typing so much, I will add more stuff as it happens.
Leave comments, I love them, and look forward to them. I hope you all enjoy it.
Andy
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Happy Birthday KiKi
Our Kallie Kay has reached the old age of 6 years old. We were happy to celebrate with our sweet girl. Here are a few shots of her getting some presents.
She loves chap stick, so we got her a multi-pack. Her lips grew three sizes that day, from all the layers of chap stick.
One of her gift requests was an "Edward shirt". She really has no idea who Edward is because we won't let her watch. But the shirt was important to her.
Kallie took her first ride on the Gnome Mobile in Maryland at Grandma's House. After one time seeing it she was hooked. I think we watched the show at least 4 times in the week we were there. Now she has her own copy!
Kallie has won the heart of one of Natalie's Maddox regulars. He thinks she is just the greatest little girl ever to be born. He loves here so much he sent flowers. She thought the was sooooo cool to get flowers. What a nice guy.
She loves chap stick, so we got her a multi-pack. Her lips grew three sizes that day, from all the layers of chap stick.
One of her gift requests was an "Edward shirt". She really has no idea who Edward is because we won't let her watch. But the shirt was important to her.
Kallie took her first ride on the Gnome Mobile in Maryland at Grandma's House. After one time seeing it she was hooked. I think we watched the show at least 4 times in the week we were there. Now she has her own copy!
Kallie has won the heart of one of Natalie's Maddox regulars. He thinks she is just the greatest little girl ever to be born. He loves here so much he sent flowers. She thought the was sooooo cool to get flowers. What a nice guy.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kallie, We Love You
It's that time of year again!
If you would have asked me two years ago if Brian would have been any good at soccer, I probably would have told you NO. He is so big, and seemed to take so long to get a grip on the whole eye hand coordination thing. But this is me eating my words. I am so proud of my soccer player. And I must admit, I am amazed at how good he is getting. He has ball handling skills, and enough muscle to kick the ball away from all the kids when needed. And it just may be the proud parent I am, but I think his team does worse when he sits out. Here are some shots I took during his last game.
It is springtime in Utah as you can tell from the snow on the mountains. What a perfect setting. I just noticed the kid behind Brian as I was typing this. I don't know if he is just trying to see over Brian or if he has ants in his pants. Pretty funny though.
There are a few kids that are getting tall enough to get close to Brian, but mostly he stands a head taller than most the kids.
One of my favorite pictures of the day. A bit blurry, but it is just a point and shoot camera, and it did great at catching Brian in action.
I am sure I will post more in the future. Brian has only made it to a few games with our Maryland trip and other activities. I sure am proud of our soccer player.
It is springtime in Utah as you can tell from the snow on the mountains. What a perfect setting. I just noticed the kid behind Brian as I was typing this. I don't know if he is just trying to see over Brian or if he has ants in his pants. Pretty funny though.
There are a few kids that are getting tall enough to get close to Brian, but mostly he stands a head taller than most the kids.
One of my favorite pictures of the day. A bit blurry, but it is just a point and shoot camera, and it did great at catching Brian in action.
I am sure I will post more in the future. Brian has only made it to a few games with our Maryland trip and other activities. I sure am proud of our soccer player.
Maryland Trip - Day 8 - Coming Home
Tuesday was such a sad day, it was the day we had to come back to our regular lives. No more dinners with Mom and Dad, and no more cool sights to see. Our entire morning was spent packing, and Mom and Dad were being summoned back to regular life. Dad had an appointment in Baltimore, and Mom had to work half a day. I didn't take any pictures this day, I had the end of vacation blues. the trip home went very smooth and we landed in Utah without a problem. It felt good to be back in familiar territory, but it was sad that all the familiar things came with it, like work. Everyone was tired after the long trip home. Despite how beautiful the East coast is, I was reminded on the way home, that Utah is beautiful in it's own special way, as I was greeted by a wonderful sunset over Willard Bay. There were all kinds of colors in the sky, and I am sure there were some that I didn't see or saw the wrong color (dang color-blindness).
We had a wonderful trip, and had so much fun hanging out with Mom and Dad. It was comforting to me to see them living happily. I don't deal well with unknowns. We loved the scenery, and the time with family. I don't know if we will ever be able to make it back again, so we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to go. THANKS MOM & DAD! AKA. Grandma and Grandpa.
We had a wonderful trip, and had so much fun hanging out with Mom and Dad. It was comforting to me to see them living happily. I don't deal well with unknowns. We loved the scenery, and the time with family. I don't know if we will ever be able to make it back again, so we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to go. THANKS MOM & DAD! AKA. Grandma and Grandpa.
Maryland Trip - Day 7 - Arlington Cemetary
Our final place to visit was Arlington Cemetery. This was probably one of the most sobering, and patriotic place that we visited. The cemetery is immense and beautiful. I am glad we didn't skip this visit, it was well worth every second we spent there.
Imagine 624 acres of property covered in headstones and monuments to the people who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country to preserve our freedom. And to add to that, Dad overheard a tour guide telling her group that people are buried 3 or 4 deep in one plot. I can't remember which number it is, but it makes these pictures even more staggering.
The highlight of the visit for me was going to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Here is a soldier guarding the tomb. There is such a feeling of patriotism here. And nothing but the utmost respect is given. The tomb has been guarded every second of the day since July 2nd, 1937. No matter what the weather, no matter what the time. This visit had such an impact on Brian that he is considering "Tomb Soldier" as his lifelong profession. And he still will pretend by walking and clicking his heels.
This is the Arlington Amphitheater. It sets right above the Tomb of the Unknowns. This is another one of my panoramic pictures so click on it for a better view.
This is the burial site of John F. Kennedy. Also the sight of the eternal flame. It was quite interesting reading about the location after the fact, and realizing how much history is here.
I kept running across this goddess everywhere I went. She is easily the most beautiful woman I have seen in my life. My camera wasn't able to shoot wide enough for you to see her body guards. But I assure you, a woman this beautiful would need a platoon of guards to keep all the bachelors away.
This is a view of our nations capitol from the cemetery.
I don't think I will every forget my trip to Arlington cemetery. It is sobering and patriotic, and it would not be easily forgotten.
Imagine 624 acres of property covered in headstones and monuments to the people who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country to preserve our freedom. And to add to that, Dad overheard a tour guide telling her group that people are buried 3 or 4 deep in one plot. I can't remember which number it is, but it makes these pictures even more staggering.
The highlight of the visit for me was going to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Here is a soldier guarding the tomb. There is such a feeling of patriotism here. And nothing but the utmost respect is given. The tomb has been guarded every second of the day since July 2nd, 1937. No matter what the weather, no matter what the time. This visit had such an impact on Brian that he is considering "Tomb Soldier" as his lifelong profession. And he still will pretend by walking and clicking his heels.
This is the Arlington Amphitheater. It sets right above the Tomb of the Unknowns. This is another one of my panoramic pictures so click on it for a better view.
This is the burial site of John F. Kennedy. Also the sight of the eternal flame. It was quite interesting reading about the location after the fact, and realizing how much history is here.
I kept running across this goddess everywhere I went. She is easily the most beautiful woman I have seen in my life. My camera wasn't able to shoot wide enough for you to see her body guards. But I assure you, a woman this beautiful would need a platoon of guards to keep all the bachelors away.
This is a view of our nations capitol from the cemetery.
I don't think I will every forget my trip to Arlington cemetery. It is sobering and patriotic, and it would not be easily forgotten.
Maryland Day 7 - Mount Vernon
Day 7 was our last day to see stuff. Sadly we knew we were flying home the next day. Today we headed to Virginia to start out. Our destination, Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. Mount Vernon was huge, and I gained a lot of respect for the first president of our great nation after visiting his farm.
Here Brian is, in the entry way of the farm.
Inside the farm they have built a visitors center. Inside the visitors center there are some statutes that the kids were immediately wanting to pose with.
This is George Washington's home. We were able to tour the home, but photography was not allowed, so I don't have any pictures from inside the home.
Here is the view of the Potomac River from the back porch of Washington's home. If I lived here, I think I would spend a lot of time here.
This is the tomb of George and Martha Washington. Inside the locked gate there are two stone, tombs. One of them has the presidential shield on it. It was very odd to think that just 5 feet away was the body of George Washington.
This is the dock that is on the estate. This is a panoramic picture so click on it for the full effect. It is amazing the size of Washington's farm. But according to the staff here, Washington used the pier to the full effect exporting his farmed goods.
Here is the family resting on a bench near the pier. We know that it is about a mile walk up hill to get back where we came from. Apparently Natalie was the only one prepared to have their picture taken.
I like this picture because it is very much my dad. He seems so at home in the farm setting. Very peaceful.
Have you met George?
And here is Martha, I had to include this one with that face.
There was a spot where the kids could dress up like people from George Washington's time. Doesn't she make a pretty colonial?
And here are the two of them dressed up.
What a blessing it was to visit Mount Vernon. I have read some books in the past from the Prelude to Glory series. George Washington is in these books and it refers to him being directed by heaven to make choices that he did. After visiting his home, it became very evident to me that George Washington did have the light of Christ with him. This is easily evident in the way that he regarded, family, his servants, his property, and the environment. What a great man, and it was such a great experience to visit Mount Vernon.
Here Brian is, in the entry way of the farm.
Inside the farm they have built a visitors center. Inside the visitors center there are some statutes that the kids were immediately wanting to pose with.
This is George Washington's home. We were able to tour the home, but photography was not allowed, so I don't have any pictures from inside the home.
Here is the view of the Potomac River from the back porch of Washington's home. If I lived here, I think I would spend a lot of time here.
This is the tomb of George and Martha Washington. Inside the locked gate there are two stone, tombs. One of them has the presidential shield on it. It was very odd to think that just 5 feet away was the body of George Washington.
This is the dock that is on the estate. This is a panoramic picture so click on it for the full effect. It is amazing the size of Washington's farm. But according to the staff here, Washington used the pier to the full effect exporting his farmed goods.
Here is the family resting on a bench near the pier. We know that it is about a mile walk up hill to get back where we came from. Apparently Natalie was the only one prepared to have their picture taken.
I like this picture because it is very much my dad. He seems so at home in the farm setting. Very peaceful.
Have you met George?
And here is Martha, I had to include this one with that face.
There was a spot where the kids could dress up like people from George Washington's time. Doesn't she make a pretty colonial?
And here are the two of them dressed up.
What a blessing it was to visit Mount Vernon. I have read some books in the past from the Prelude to Glory series. George Washington is in these books and it refers to him being directed by heaven to make choices that he did. After visiting his home, it became very evident to me that George Washington did have the light of Christ with him. This is easily evident in the way that he regarded, family, his servants, his property, and the environment. What a great man, and it was such a great experience to visit Mount Vernon.
Maryland Trip - Day 6 - Sunday
Day 6, Sunday. It was nice to have a slower day after all the running that we have been doing. I am not a fan of attending other people's church meetings. But we went with Mom and Dad to their sacrament meeting. I don't know if their building has some funky acoustics or not, but their ward sings loud. And it was nice to know that that every ward has that lady that likes to warble every note slightly out of tune.
We hung out with Mom and Dad at their house a little bit more. And so the kids got their time with Grandpa.
We hung out with Mom and Dad at their house a little bit more. And so the kids got their time with Grandpa.
Don't worry Kallie wasn't left out.
For Sunday we went and visited Dad's work.
Behind Dad's work is a lake that we took a Sunday walk around. It even came equipped with geese. It was a relaxing walk around the lake.
On the far end of the lake there was a pretty river with a bridge over it.
And during our walk around the lake, the kids took extra time to tease their Grandpa.
After we visited the lake we went back to Grandma and Grandpa's house. We surprised Kallie with an early birthday party. We wanted Kallie to have the chance to share her birthday with her grandparents.
It was a very nice Sunday, and I am glad we had a slower paced day where we could spend time at home with Mom and Dad. It was about at this time we started to feel how short our vacation was, and feeling bad that we would be headed home sooner than we want too.
Maryland Trip - Day 5 - Sightseeing
As you can tell Day 5 was a busy day, so it gets two posts. I really didn't want to mix the temple in with the other stuff because it was such a good experience. I was excited for our sight seeing trip because we were going to the air and space museum. I was really excited to see the planes. But as I go through all the pictures I took there (247 Pictures), you really can see to many planes. I know that my calling in life is not to be a pilot. It was a great experience to see everything, but I was hoping for a bit more. I guess I am into modern technology more, instead of the old stuff. I am fascinated by the drones, the space shuttle, and stealth fighter type jets. This building had more of the old stuff. But no to put it down, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to go, and it was a blessing. So here goes some of the things I liked there.
The is the lobby of the museum. Lots of planes hanging from the ceiling. Brian thought this was really cool.
Like I just mentioned, I am fascinated with the modern day drones. Here is one of them. I know they can't give out a lot of information because they are in use. I wish there was more information. Some friends of mine have a relative that works on this project and the development, and I can't get enough information on them. I was cool to see them in real life.
Brian really took to the air travel by sea exhibits. He particularly loved this model of an aircraft carrier. Since going there, he has even spotted a toy aircraft carrier that he thinks he needs. It was cool to see the cutouts of actual aircraft carriers that were inside the museum. The kids were able to flip all the switches, play with the levers and knobs, and steer the wheel.
Here is another view of planes hanging from the ceiling. This side of the museum was more catered to the domestic air travel area. The had some planes that you could walk through. The kids enjoyed this since their first experience riding on a plane had just happened less than a week ago.
Here is a picture of Kallie posing with the Wright Brothers.
This is a panoramic picture I made of the Wright Brothers plane. So click on it for the full effect. It has a kind of "fish-eye" quality because I took all the parts of the picture from the same point on the floor. Brian enjoyed the plane because he had just recently read a book about the Wright Brothers.
I liked this area because they had a rocket booster from Thiokol here. It was neat to see something that Dad was involved with preserved as history. Very cool
I have always loved the space shuttle, and so I thought this model was very cool. I find it very sad that it has been phased out.
It was a very neat place to visit. I know some plane nuts that probably would have spent days in the museum. After the museum we had a great dinner out with Mom and Dad. I love spending time with them.
The is the lobby of the museum. Lots of planes hanging from the ceiling. Brian thought this was really cool.
Like I just mentioned, I am fascinated with the modern day drones. Here is one of them. I know they can't give out a lot of information because they are in use. I wish there was more information. Some friends of mine have a relative that works on this project and the development, and I can't get enough information on them. I was cool to see them in real life.
Brian really took to the air travel by sea exhibits. He particularly loved this model of an aircraft carrier. Since going there, he has even spotted a toy aircraft carrier that he thinks he needs. It was cool to see the cutouts of actual aircraft carriers that were inside the museum. The kids were able to flip all the switches, play with the levers and knobs, and steer the wheel.
Here is another view of planes hanging from the ceiling. This side of the museum was more catered to the domestic air travel area. The had some planes that you could walk through. The kids enjoyed this since their first experience riding on a plane had just happened less than a week ago.
Here is a picture of Kallie posing with the Wright Brothers.
This is a panoramic picture I made of the Wright Brothers plane. So click on it for the full effect. It has a kind of "fish-eye" quality because I took all the parts of the picture from the same point on the floor. Brian enjoyed the plane because he had just recently read a book about the Wright Brothers.
I liked this area because they had a rocket booster from Thiokol here. It was neat to see something that Dad was involved with preserved as history. Very cool
I have always loved the space shuttle, and so I thought this model was very cool. I find it very sad that it has been phased out.
It was a very neat place to visit. I know some plane nuts that probably would have spent days in the museum. After the museum we had a great dinner out with Mom and Dad. I love spending time with them.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Maryland Trip - Day 5 - DC Temple Trip
Saturday, Day 5. Today was a little bit of time for Natalie and I too go on our own adventure. They watched the kids, while we borrowed Dad's truck, plugged the GPS in, and headed to the Washington DC Temple. We had a great trip, and it is amazing how much more you see when you are driving the car as opposed to being a passenger in the back seat. We left early in the morning so that we would have time to see more things later in the day.
What a beautiful temple! I have seen pictures but I was not prepared for the size, or beauty, of the building. I was amazed how it resembled a castle. There was the entry area, and then there was a beautiful glass walled walk way that resembled a drawbridge, and then the main building. Natalie and I loved the stain-glassed windows on the sides of the master staircases. Then at the bottom of the fountains there were beautiful indoor fountains.
This is a view of the Temple as you drive into the Visitor's Center parking lot. I was amazed at how well this picture turned out.
This is a view of the glass walled walk-way that I felt resembled a drawbridge. This was probably my favorite feature of the temple. At the end of this walk-way is the original mural of the 2nd coming.
This is a view of the same structure, just a better, and closer view of the side windows.
This shows how long the walkway is as you could easily have two lanes of traffic travelling underneath it.
This is my first test of the timer on the camera. We didn't have anybody with us to take a picture, so we took advantage of a vertical light stand to rest the camera on so we can preserve the memory.
This is the temple grounds. It is so beautiful set in the trees the way that it is. Natalie made a lot of comments about how she was constantly reminded of the sacred grove. And I also thought the same thing. But the trees in this picture are how I picture the sacred grove.
This is a view of the temple from the side away from the road. The black on the left side is the stained glass windows that I talked about.
With the assistance of Dad's truck, we were able to get another picture of us with the temple in the background.
We had a great time at the Washington DC temple. It was so neat to have been there. We will probably never able to make it back again. But it was an experience that I don't think either Natalie or I will forget it.
What a beautiful temple! I have seen pictures but I was not prepared for the size, or beauty, of the building. I was amazed how it resembled a castle. There was the entry area, and then there was a beautiful glass walled walk way that resembled a drawbridge, and then the main building. Natalie and I loved the stain-glassed windows on the sides of the master staircases. Then at the bottom of the fountains there were beautiful indoor fountains.
This is a view of the Temple as you drive into the Visitor's Center parking lot. I was amazed at how well this picture turned out.
This is a view of the glass walled walk-way that I felt resembled a drawbridge. This was probably my favorite feature of the temple. At the end of this walk-way is the original mural of the 2nd coming.
This is a view of the same structure, just a better, and closer view of the side windows.
This shows how long the walkway is as you could easily have two lanes of traffic travelling underneath it.
This is my first test of the timer on the camera. We didn't have anybody with us to take a picture, so we took advantage of a vertical light stand to rest the camera on so we can preserve the memory.
This is the temple grounds. It is so beautiful set in the trees the way that it is. Natalie made a lot of comments about how she was constantly reminded of the sacred grove. And I also thought the same thing. But the trees in this picture are how I picture the sacred grove.
This is a view of the temple from the side away from the road. The black on the left side is the stained glass windows that I talked about.
With the assistance of Dad's truck, we were able to get another picture of us with the temple in the background.
We had a great time at the Washington DC temple. It was so neat to have been there. We will probably never able to make it back again. But it was an experience that I don't think either Natalie or I will forget it.
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