A week in Washington (D.C.)

My in-laws gave us a wonderful Christmas gift. Complimentary airfare to anywhere in the country for a little family vaca. As we discussed where we wanted to go, it was suggested that Dad was going to D.C. for a conference and they wouldn't mind if we came along. So, we left Brayden with my parents and hopped on the plane for a week of fun in the nation's capitol! :) (My mom did offer to watch Brayden...)

After our oh-so-exciting experience with Delta last time (if you haven't heard our honeymoon story... you should sometime...) I wasn't too thrilled with the idea of flying with them again. Dad fixed that by getting an upgrade ticket to first class and he gave it to me! (so kind!) I told Bryce I would switch him when the pilot turned off the seatbelt sign... which he didn't... *smile* (I paid him... *wink*) It was quite an experience...

We landed around 3:00 EST so we had some time to see a few sights, get a little east coast clam chowder, and snap a few pictures of the monuments at night! What a pretty sight! (p.s. I LOVE my new camera!)

On the way back from our tour of the warm memorials we took a short cut through a field. Little did we know the other side of the field was completely fenced off by a 7 foot chianlink... What other option did we have? That's right, we all (yes all four of us) climbed over the fence. The only thing between us and our hotel was finding the metro station... which disappeared. Funny enough we walked right by it at least twice... we finally figured it out with 2 minutes until the entrance closed. phew! That is the way you start a vacation! 

When I was asked where I wanted to go, the first thing I wanted to do was the International Spy Museum. It is a blast! They instruct you in the skills of espianoge, give you a "cover" (that you must memorize and remember throughout the exhibit because there's a test at the end), and let you explore exhibits covering everything from disguise to famous people you didn't know were spies. There was even an air duct that you could climb through, you had to be very quiet. You can't help but feel a little paranoid after going though... The rest of the week we would pass someone on the street and Bryce would say "he's a spy..." Naturally, no photos allowed...

We also took a tour of the capitol building with an intern from Senator Hatch's office. It really is a facinating building and it is fun to see where laws are made and passed.

The underside of the rotunda

The original Senate room

Day 3 took us to Gettysburg (my other suggestion). We bought ourselves an audio tour and book (so if anyone plans to go, give me a call! I have it!) and after we went through the visitors center and museum we took it to the field! It was a lot of fun to share one of my favorite places with my new family.

The cemetery where Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address.

On Sunday we found a ward that meets in one of the oldest chapel buildings in the country. They even had a little frame with original wood from the Smith cabin on the wall! They were such a wonderful friendly ward. We then toured Mount Vernon. This is seriously one of my favorite places in the world. (Monticello is up there too...) It is so beautiful and peaceful and George Washington is truly an American icon, hero, and all-around good man. As my dad put it "Him and Bilbo Baggins... the only two men to willingly give up power..." Well said. :)

Mount Vernon

The rest of the week we spent at the Smithsonian museums and other sites. We saw pretty much everything...

Natural History Museum

Dorothy's Slippers in the American History Museum

Arlington National Cemetery

On Wednesday we got tickets to see 1776 in Ford's Theater! It was a highlight of the week! We had balcony seats that looked straight across to President Lincoln's chair. The play was fantastic too! I am so glad we were able to go!

Sketch of the assassination

Lincoln was sitting there...

The stage!!!

Brayden sent us pictures all week updating us on how he was doing and what he was up to. It was good for me (I missed him a lot!) and, lets face it he's just darn cute!

Dear Mom and Dad, Stay Hydrated!

Dear Mom and Dad, I now control the remote

Dear Mom and Dad, Look at my new play area!

Dear Mom and Dad, I love you!

Dear Mom and Dad, Can't wait to be in my own bed again.

Dear Mom and Dad, They are feeding me. 

We finished it off by attending a session in the gorgeous Washington D.C. Temple. The best way to finish off a great week!

That's it in a very general nut-shell. Thanks again to my in-laws for the amazing time! It was fun to spend some one-on-one time with you.  I didn't think you needed to read every detail! :) Thanks for reading anyway!

The Art of Smuggling Watermelons

The whole process of smuggling the perfect watermelon is an art. One that will take time, practice, and a few tries in order to achieve. Each watermelon is different, with its own challenges and successes. While I am, by no means, a professional (more of a novice really...) I have learned a few tricks along the way... this knowledge could change life as we know it! (at least it has a great impact on mine...)

No one told me about the smells... it seems that watermelons heighten your nose sensitivity by about a thousand. This new sensitivity can trigger a quick visit to (my new friend) the toilet almost faster than brushing my teeth... I have also learned that there is a certain grace to puking and certain warning signs you should never ignore. These new skills have come in handy on certain car rides where I did not have a bag with me (I know, a rookie mistake.)

Always, always, always have a water bottle with you at all times... you just never know...

Now, the watermelon will become more pronounced as is grows into the 4th month or so. This is the time to embrace it... and do those things that you will not be able to come month 8... (like tie your own shoes... shave your legs... those sort of things...) Continue to enjoy pants with a waistband for a little longer... and shirts that are not the size of small tents...

Eventually your appetite will come back to you and you can start eating real food (not just cold cereal and Campbell's soup) again. Don't get too excited however, anything with any amount of flavor will be problematic as indigestion and heartburn will have you tasting your dinner 3 or 4 times... so if it is strong the first time... hope you enjoyed it!

With the new weight (and rearranging of your insides) I have come to know the importance of a close bathroom, soft seating, and a pillow (or in my case, my fluffy coat wads up quite nicely). My first week of the semester was spent figuring out what buildings are best for those hour breaks between classes... and what drinking fountains and vending machines offer the best results. I am fairly expert now... And no, not all bathrooms are created equal...

As bad as it sounds there are good things to this smuggling business. Some highlights for me:

The look on my husbands face when I said "Congratulations Daddy" for the first time.

Watching my mom's face transform from utter confusion to excited tears as she realized the album I gave her said "Grandkids" on it. Then watching her proudly show her mother that she was going to be a grandma too.

Peanut Butter has become a food staple... with everything...

Feeling the strange stomach spasms and then finally realizing that it was my baby I could feel... I love feeling him wiggle around... (despite the bruised ribs...)

Seeing the little person for the first time at my doctor's office... then again to measure his growth and figure out the gender.

Big Bird's attempt to hide a smile when the doctor told us we were looking at a little boy.

The excuse of the extra passenger gives me to eat what I crave... when I want... and I can eat as much as I want without having to feel guilty! I am supposed to gain weight... :)

I learned how to make myself a maternity shirt (and it is amazing if I do say so myself.).

I have been able to watch my husband. He takes such good care of me. He rubs my back when it aches, he lifts things that are too heavy or in awkward places for me to reach, he doesn't laugh at me when I make funny faces as my ribs are kicked... He is incredibly sweet and patient and I can see what an amazing father my children will have. I thank God every day for him and I do hope he knows how much I truly do love him. (I know mushy... but hey, I'm pregnant!)

There has been an incredible, overwhelmingly awesome spirit in our home among our little family. We look forward to becoming parents for the first time and the anticipation and questions that come with it are scarier than reason. We have felt such an incredible support from our families, our friends, and mostly from the Lord. We have learned a lot about the unknown and how much faith it requires. We practice our faith every day as we take it one day closer to "D-day."

Can you believe that we have just over a month left of this incredible journey? I have grown so much in the past 8 months... literally (Honestly, we have passed the uncomfortable stage and are now just trying to to burst or rupture everything.) and spiritually as I have undertaken the biggest step in my life thus far. I have learned to rely on the Lord in my insecurities, because lets face it, I'm not perfect (yes, I said it, you can sit back on your chair now). I have so much to be thankful for and pray that I can remember that as I finish the last leg of this journey...

Wish us luck!

The Epiphany

Today we came home from church and found ourselves at the kitchen table. After a pause in the conversation Big Bird exclaimed, "Sweetie! I just had an epiphany!" After giving him an inquiring look (as my mouth was full and it is impolite to talk in this particular situation) he continued, "You are my Pensive!" (After the initial confused look I'm sure I looked amused.)

He felt the need to explain (probably because I was trying to decide if this was a compliment or not...) that he can extract his memories and thoughts into a safe place and that I make sure he remembers the important things when he needs to. :) He followed with "... and I mean that in the best possible way..."

I think reading these books has gotten into his thinking patterns a little... but he's kinda cute and I love him with all I've got. Thanks for keeping our conversations interesting!

P.S. I have permission for this particular post... including picture... Big Bird picked it out!