Popsicle Night for Bradley

Bradley had a popsicle night to meet his teachers, friends and families attending his new five year old school! Here are a few photos of him having a wonderful time.

Kayaking In The Back Woods

Last night my good friend and neighbor Judy and I took off for the lake. She went out and explored over the weekend with another friend of hers and found a creek we could kayak up with the water levels higher. It was really cool. A bit mistical, erie, and a wildlife retreat. We paddled for a couple hours and saw many things some questionable but all I cared about was the snakes we didn't see. As her cell phone rang I watched ahead and saw a interesting thing rolling in the water it looked like a creature coming out of the depths of the water (though it wasn't deep at all). I wasn't sure what to do paddle ahead or hang tight but at that point I wanted whatever it was behind me so I paddled quickly holding tight to my orr just in case something was to snatch it as I dug it into the water. It's unknown what was causing this branch to be twisting up stream but it did look like an over grown crab from a distance I think it was a beaver pushing his findings to his dam. We laughed and had fun chatting together. We saw a huge owl fly right over the top of us, beavers swimming right next to us, bunnies scampering, and deer jumping the roads, etc. It was really beautiful. We were the only ones on the creek this particular night. The lighting was so neat how it hit the water in between all the small spaces it could pass through in the dense foliage. As we paddled back to load up for home the stillness of the water was amazing and the moon light glow on the lake we could only anticipate staying in that spot through out the night but gates close at 9 pm, darn it!

SCOUT CAMP 2008

Here are just a few pictures of Zach's week. Mark loaded the truck and took a group up to Scout Camp. He stayed the day Monday with the boys and really had fun rotating classes with Zach. That is how I have pictures so far. More to come off of Zach's camera at weeks end. It sounds like he is having a great time. The leader took the boys on a hike and they ended up getting a bit lost but managed to make their way back to camp and a story to tell. He's working on seven merit badges and has had fun doing the normal scout and boy thing catching snakes as part of his Enviornmental Science badge. I believe they caught a copperhead and the local black snakes. Not my thing!!!! I heard of some pranks and some of the fun the boys are having up there. Mark and Zach both did the shot gun and rifle shooting and Mark showed up home really saying it was a bonding moment and it's something they really loved doing together hint hint! Zach's only wish was that Dallen was experiencing this week with him too.

BEDROOM MAKE-OVER

We promised Morgan a birthday bedroom make-over. She's been so patient with us as we had to delay it a couple months with all the end of the school year celebrations and vacations but I think the outcome was worth it. We still have some detail work to finish up (painting the polka dots on the one wall) but this is so far the look she's going for. Put on your shades as you look at this bright pre-teen room. It's looking really cute.

Happy Fourth of July from DC

The Crowds After

It was crazy getting out of the Mall. We are so grateful to have our Hotel close to the Mall and that we didn't have to brave traffic or train.

Fireworks in DC

Well Rain or Shine, Sleat or Snow we endeavored the fight. As Mark and Steve swore they have done it and it's never to be done again (party poopers)! The showers did not stop the American Birthday Party! Enjoy laughing at the crazy family. We were walking down the Mall and two hands came over my eyes and it was our friends Stephanie and Chip we all sat together and watched the fireworks, hid under the umbrellas and really weathered the night.

Parade Times

We are back for a break so loading some new photos from parade. We watched the parade from the steps of the National Archives Building. Steve came down to spend the Holiday with us. Here are some fun photos before we were all dying of heat (it wasn't that bad). The breeze would come and go but we hope they and the expected rain stays away for the fireworks tonight. Bradley and Myself held a spot to watch the parade and waited for Steve while Mark, Zach and Morgan went into the Archives tour and made it out right in time for the parade. It was a great timing and morning. Bradley fell asleep and Mark was holding him as a photographer from the White House press took a photo and asked who they were and where they are from. Sorry our fellow Californians he told him North Carolina.

Happy 4th of July

Just a Holiday Hello from us to all our family and friends. Just a glimps of what it's decorated like back here during these festive times. The east coast is so patriotic and honors the military forces. We love that part of this side of the country!

More Photos of Day Three

Some photos I couldn't leave out, The Hope Diamond (girls best friend), Mark's Million Dollars, Minerals, Family Photo at Bureau of Engraving and Printing. There were no photos allowed at the Holocaust but we all know those are sacred and sad moments that don't need posted. Kids really absorbed this Memorial and it's been a highlight of the purpose of this trip with the Independence Holiday.

Day Three in DC

The morning came early as we've been running all week. Mark and I took off to pick up tickets for the Holocaust Museum and Bureau of Engraving and Printing. We had to get tickets early for these two places and managed to get the last tour for the Bureau of Engraving for the day which we were glad since they are closed until next Monday. The Holocaust was amazing and a must see if ever in DC. Very moving tribute and memorial. We also managed to make it to the Natural History Museum. The day started early am and ended for us about 8 pm. We then took advantage of some down time to prep for the Forth of July Festivies. We are having a blast and everything is RED, WHITE and BLUE! We are looking forward to celebrating America's Independence in the Morning.

Day Two in DC

It was another great weather day. We had our line up of things to view and visit starting with our Tour from Senator Dole's staff. The Capitol Tour was awesome and full of fun memories for our family. The kids love the tunnels and trains that connected all the office buildings and Capitol. We continued onto the US Botanic Gardens, Native American Museum, Air and Space Museum, and then back to our hotel for a rest and swim. Then we ended the evening walking to the White House and to our amazement waited to see if all the police blockade was due to the President arriving or departing then came to find out it was a bomb scare of a backpack left behind. It was another evening in DC.