Washington D.C.

We have just returned from a wonderful visit to Washington DC. For years our 2 oldest children have enjoyed history, but we never were ready to tackle all that history with little ones who couldn't keep up the pace we needed to see it all! This year, however, was the year, and we all had a TERRIFIC time!

We started off in the Philadelphia area visiting my brother and his family and taking a quick tour of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. We did all of that early Sunday morning in order to be back to worship at the church where my brother is the worship pastor. It worked out great! After cooking out, taking motorcycle rides, and saying goodbyes we headed for the DC area.

Taking the metro made our life so easy! Monday we did the Museums -- Natural History & Holocaust and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing Tour.

Tuesday we headed to Union Station where we picked up our tour bus. Using the tour allowed us to see a lot without killing ourselves. We were able to visit the Jefferson, the Lincoln, Vietnam War, Korean War, World War 2 Monuments, Arlington Cemetery --- Changing of the Guard, the home of Robert E. Lee, and the Kennedy memorials, National Archives, the Peterson House- where Lincoln died, and the Capitol House grounds. We have a friend who works on Capitol Hill and he picked us up there and took us home with him so we could visit their family. It was wonderful to reconnect with them!

Wednesday found us all over DC -- we probably rode over 20 different trains! But we were able to tour the White House, visit the National Law Enforcement Memorial -- it really makes an impact on you when you know someone whose name is on the wall--, go up in the Washington Monument, and tour the Capitol building. Getting a tour through our representative's office was terrific! We had our own personal guide who filled us with so much history that it was by far one of the best tours we did! Since this was our last day of vacation, we headed back to Union Station where we all enjoyed burgers and shakes at Johnny Rockets!

We truly had a wonderful time together!

THE KIDS FAVORITES ---
L would tell you her favorite was the 'big pencil' (Washington Monument), the train, and shopping!
A would tell you her favorite was the Liberty Bell, Washington Monument, and the White House.
N would say he most enjoyed the Washington Monument, the Capitol Building tour, the metro, the Vietnam memorial and the White House.
M would tell you her favorite was the Capitol Building Tour and the memorials.

You don't know how blessed you are until you no longer have something!

I hope this is the only time that I have to see my husband in a 'chair'. Rob spent today in the chair as part of a project he is doing for his PhD -- and boy did we learn a lot! How much we take for granted and the obstacles that are a normal part of everyday life.

Where does the time go?

I cannot believe how quickly this summer has come and gone! The kids and I had the great opportunity to drive 13 hours across the country to hang out with my wonderful sister and her family. The kids were amazed by the rolling hills we saw as we crossed the country and had a great time hanging out with their cousins!

We had a great time shopping, garage saling, decorating her kitchen, scrapbooking, making cards, swimming, visiting the zoo, going to the movies, visiting the Children's Museum, and just hanging out.

Rob on the other hand was able to catch a relaxing break while we were gone and was thoroughly refreshed spiritually, mentally, and physically when we came home. It was good for all us!

What a blessing to have a sister who is one of my closest friends! I thank God for you my precious sister!