Washington D.C.

We went to Washington D.C. today. It was an absolute perfect day to go, the weather was really nice. We traveled many miles on foot. I did not realize how big this place was and at how much there is to see. You can not with out a doubt do it all in one day. It was a very intriguing day seeing and learning new things. I have never known anyone personally who has served in the war but still some of the things I saw was very touching. We didn't make it to any of the museums like the Smithsonian so I am sure we will be making another trip soon.

Here are pictures of the Washington Monument.

I couldn't believe how low the planes flew over the bridge to land at the airport.

I can't a glimpse of this little fellow as I was walking by and actually thought it was a statue but then I saw him nibbling on the nut he had. Scott said he was a very old squirrel because he was gray. I don't know if he was pulling my leg or not.

This was just an interesting to me. It was on one of the walls walking into the World War II memorial.

Here is the big White House. I'm kind of surprised at how close you can actually get to the house. I would think it would be more secure. I was also surprised to see all the other buildings around the back of it. I just always pictured it off to itself. Unfortunately you can't tour the inside unless you have a group of ten or more, that was a bummer. This place reminds me of what New York city might be like. The bumper to bumper traffic and everyone blowing their horns. I could not do it on a daily basis. I said to Scott, "can you imagine what it is like during a work day if it's like this on a Sunday." It took us a little over an hour just to drive around the block of the white house.

These were taken at the Washington Monument. There are 52 flags that circle the monument.

This was just a close up of one I took.

These are pictures of the Lincoln Memorial. The first one was taken while the sun was setting as we were leaving.

The cherry blossoms were in full bloom and were breath taking along with all the other flowers.

This is what it is like for me to try and get a picture will all three of the girls in it.

Bringing Back Memories

Oh how I remember those days of riding in the back of my dads pick up truck going down the road. Sunshine beaming down on my skin, the wind blowing through my hair, enjoying the view. I know times have changed and safety comes first for kids but I miss those times. But this day my kids got to experience it, not on an open road but through a pasture my moms husband owns. The kids had a blast, my mom and I had a blast. We have never laughed so hard. We went four wheeling when we had to cross a creek and I just knew for sure we were gonna get stuck and have to walk back to the house but Raymond did good and got us out of there with no problem. It was really a fun day for everyone. The girls enjoyed seeing the animals. Madison was amazed when she saw a baby calf drinking from its mother. She also thought she had seen a human skeleton and spazzed a little but we assured her after we checked it out that it was a baby calf that apparently had not made it.

Martha's Cabin

This cabin belongs to one of my moms friends, Martha. She was kind enough to let me go through it and see what a unique and neat place it was. This cabin was actually used by slaves. If I remember correctly the cabin came from Michigan. The took it apart to get it Alabama and numbered the logs so they would know how to put it back to together. This little cabin sits off on the back of their property in the woods with a lake beside it, it's just beautiful and peaceful. All the decor on the inside came from her parents, her childhood or her husbands parents and probably grandparents as well. I just love the authenticity of it all. It actually has running water and power and is stayed in sometimes. Wouldn't that be so cool.

Madison's Ninth Birthday Photo Shoot

It has taken me a while to get these posted. I had so many good ones it was hard me to choose which ones to post. Madison is so photogenic I love taking pictures of her and she gets into it as much as I do. These were taken the day before we moved to Virginia. I stayed the night with my mom and took these at some places around her house. We had sooo much fun that day. Hopefully later tonight I will get the rest of our adventurous day posted.

The first four pictures I couldn't decided if I liked in color or bw.

Madison Gets An "A"

I am so proud of Madison. When she first started school here her class was in the middle of studying for a huge science test. While the other kids had two weeks to study Madison only had one week. Her teacher sent a note home stating that if Madison did not do well on the test she would not count the grade. I told Madison she needed to study really hard and ace the test and blow the teacher away showing how smart she was....and she did just that. I am so very proud of her. There were 31 questions on the test and she only missed three. Way to go girl!!