Elders

Sending out young missionaries is an interesting concept. The world must think we're nuts. We take 19 year old boys (and 21 year old girls), ensure their worthiness, teach them the Gospel their whole lives, and send them throughout the world to share the good news- all at their own expense of time and money. And .... they go!!! They leave behind girls, school, hobbies, worldly music and personal interests. Even more amazing, they're better for it. Not only do they bless others, but God blesses them. So although it may sound a bit confusing to the general population, I'm glad we have missionaries. Some people out there are finding the truth they never knew about- and they're greatful for missionaries too!! I'm even more glad that my brother is going to Ecuador to serve his mission. Dropping him off at the MTC (Missionary Training Center) was a bit rough. Two years looking forward seems like such a long time- but he will do just fine. We love you J. Welcome to the Elder club.

Part two.... finally.

My favorite sites in DC (King or Mason may disagree...)
1. Mount Vernon and these wonderful people!! One week with no work!! Yeah!!! I love spending time with these two boys.2. It's not quite a "site"- but it was hilarious to see him experience sun glasses for the first time. We'd tried them out before, but he'd always yanked them off before he looked through them.


3. Museums in general- but this was my very favorite exhibit. Look closely. It's clever.
I wish I would have thought of it myself.
4. This sign in Old Town. Old Town itself was great- but the sign beats all. For those of you who don't know, the parking lots outside of metro stations are called kiss and rides... get it?

Pictures of DC

We had a GREAT week in DC. I'm promising pictures, but not necessary a full commentary. I'm not sure I can ever get the commentary quite right without something turning blue and linking to who knows what! I'll give it a go. If I stop... you'll just have to guess by the pictures what we did. Here's the only shot I got of the family who was nice enough to host us... not the greatest picture, as none of them are looking at the camera, but they are wonderful. Mason thought it was fantastic having three brothers for a week. In fact, he can now say, "baby!" due to the fact that they have an adorable four month old. He continuously followed the older boys around (especially the 4 yr old). It was hilarious!

On the rainiest day we visited the Smithsonians. They have some neat museums! Mason was lucky enough to hang out in his stroller most of the time - he's a bit too curious and touchy to be let loose in places like that.Some moments were better than others... we'll spare the picture of him crying.

What I really want to know is, how come the National Zoo is free, yet the Hogle Zoo isn't? Well, free might be a relative term. $20 parking.
(King is amazing at making friends and managed to get us two free parking passes. Go Team!)
He looked just like a man on a lazy boy with chips all over his stomach. I guess bamboo is good.
Of course, we went to see the monuments!
The ducks were this kid's favorite. They were out in the middle of the reflecting pool, and swam right over by us... and then jumped out. He loved it!

More later... I need sleep.

DC

... is very wet.
We've managed to time most things just right so its dry when we're inside, and pouring when we're out. I've wished we had cameras on several of these occasions. (ok, we had it, but didn't want to pull it out in the rain.) For example, we made, a nice wet processsion in the rain to Church on Sunday complete with: two strollers, four adults and two kids (with only two umbrellas), and a VERY wet four year old who managed to find EVERY puddle. Wet.
Despite the rain, we're having a great time! I'll post pictures when we get home... and dry out.

Weed Thumb

Me: Please don't walk in that patch of dirt.
Neighbor girl (*4 yrs old): Why?
Me: It's my garden.
Neighbor girl: Oh. Is it a weed garden?

(to myself, "what are you trying to say?")

Talent

Wow, I have a talented family. I really, really, REALLY do.

Not only are they talented, but they are even willing to share them- which is even better.
Case in point.
Brother: Builds built in bookcases. He did a FABULOUS job. I just have to finish painting (I'll post better pictures when I'm done).



Mom: Builds sandboxes (and helps with bookshelves).


Dad: Puts in windows.



Me? Well, I can paint. See? These are now chalkboards instead of.... decorative panels.

Oh, and I planted a garden, but only the unwanted beets are coming up.

I think everything else was killed by the snow. Hmm.

We LOVE the park

Walking is Dangerous

See?

Chocolate

Somebody in our house loves, loves, loves, loves chocolate.
Dad had chocolate milk. This guy wanted some SO badly.
This is how he says more.

Oh, how do I love thee- let me count the ways.

I said, "more!"

Babysitting

We babysat our previous neighbors kids for a few days while they stayed in sunny Hawaii. StoneMason loved it.
Why?

- Can we say no cupboard locks? He LOVED this!
He would open drawers, stick random things in them (in this case his sippy cup, which we couldn't find for hourse), and rearrange them.

See?

- Frosted Mini Wheats.. I don't buy them 'cause I'm cheap.
-He also loved "playing" with (aka following around and trying to catch its tail!) their dog.
- Chewy (the dog) showed Mason how to lap up water from the lid of an open dishwasher. Sick. Too bad I didn't have my camera ready.