Visit with George and Abe

I was lucky last week to tag a long with Rick to a seminar in Washington DC. We got to stay at the Gaylord National, it was incredible. The views from the hotel looked out over Washington Harbor. Of course the best part was, we were close to Jamie and Becky and family. Beck and the kids drove over to spend the day with me at the hotel on Tuesday. The kids were a little freaked out with Abe and George but I convinced them we needed a picture or two. Darn my camera was on the wrong setting.

Here are some of the views from inside the giant atrium.


You can see 2 of the sand sculptures in this picture.

This was the view from the mezzanine.

Veiw from the lobby at night.

Gavin was really not liking being this close to the wax figure of George Washington.

but...it was Abe who scared him the most.

After a quick trip to the gift shop and a lunch at the sports bar we sat out in the atrium because Rick was in the room presenting a web cast in between meetings. The kids had a great time playing and then it was back to the room for naps.

Laynie wanted a flashlight too.

We took time to walk the grounds and smell the flowers.

They had several sand carvings..the capital.

We walked down to the harbor and watched the ships.

This is the back view of the hotel.

The kids loved the fountain!

We could have stayed there all day.

After naps, it was off the swimming pool and splash pad. Gavin loved jumping right in the water as it came up from the ground.

Cute little Coppertone shot.

Fun! Gavin loved the water....

he thought it was great to get squirted in the face.

Laynie liked the water as long as it was not in her face. She sat it, put her feet in it, and enjoyed the splash from the distance.

I love this picture.

See, I don't have to get wet to enjoy myself.

After a great day we ordered room service for dinner... Papa had a business dinner.

The next day I was lazy...but that night Rick took me on a bus tour of DC at night. It was so fun and the monuments are beautiful at night.

We did hit the Capital before it got dark. I was glad, because my camera needs a bigger flash at night. I was disappointed with a lot of the pictures I got.

I thought this was a great shot.

Here is Utah's representation at the World War II memorial. I think this is Ricks favorite memorial.

The view of the Lincoln Memorial from the World War II memorial.

One of my favorites...

I had never been to the Jefferson Memorial.

View of the Lincoln Memorial at night was beautiful.

We ended the tour with the White House no tents around it this time... Yeah!

The next day Papa was done with meetings and we were off to Mt Vernon via river boat on the Potomac. The kids had a great time on the boat.

We passed Fort Washington on the way.

After a lunch we headed for the main house at MT Vernon. This tree was huge, it must be hundreds of years old. Notice how small Becky looks standing by it.

I loved this house!


Isn't it beautiful?

It was one hot day. We thought we were still in Houston!

They wouldn't let you take pictures inside of the house. Here is the back porch. The view from the back porch looking down on the Potomac was incredible.


Papa and Gav having a great time talking and resting.

Gav and Laynie inspecting the tree.


Laynie was a trooper for being only 2 years old.

The tomb of George and Martha Washington

The final resting place of the slaves that worked at Mt Vernon.

Then it was back on the boat for our ride back.

Laynie was asleep before the boat got out in the harbor.

Gavin practiced his fireman skills on the pole in the boat.

We went and stayed at Jamie and Becky's house for the next 2 days. We went to Toy Story 3 on Friday, the kids loved it. We went home without any tears...because they are coming to Houston tomorrow! It will be fun to have everyone back home for a few days! It was good to be out and about.

Bishop Rick

It has been awhile since my last post. A lot of life changing experiences have come our way as of late. Rick was called to be a Bishop over the young single adults in a dual stake area, consisting of Cypress Stake and Katy Stake.


For my friends not of my faith, that means he was made a spiritual leader over a congregation of young college age people. It isn't a paid position, but one that we feel will bring many blessings into our lives. It will consist of long Sundays and a few weekly activities. He and his counselors are in place to help guide and oversee these young people as they run a ward or congregation that helps meet their needs.


I am so impressed with the young people's ability to run Sacrament meeting, teach Sunday school lessons, and Relief Society for the women and Priesthood for the men. They are such capable people who are trying so hard to emulate the Savior's teachings in their lives. I am in awe at their love and dedication.


I will work with the bishopric's wives to support and encourage the young people in their activities. I will especially cheer on Rick as he serves. It is so refreshing to be around the youth.


We have already seen great changes in our home. Our television hasn't been on much in the last two weeks. Our knees are a little sore from kneeling often in prayer and our reading has changed to more gospel related materials. All which are good changes, right?


The first week there, I wanted to jump in and help. It was hard for me to sit back, watch, and support. I thought to myself, I have to do something! So this week I made a candy jar for the Bishop's office, there ya go... I know that you who have worked with me are laughing...I always had a candy jar at work!




I am sure there will be many more postings and pictures on this subject.

Meaniful Memorial Day Weekend

Just spent a great weekend with two special gals in my life. They lost their Mom, my sister, at the ages of 9 and 14 years old. One, being the oldest of 5 children, took on a great responsibility at a tender age, and has had more heartache her her life in the last 15 years than one should have to endure. The younger with a desire to know more about her Mom and just where she fit in. I can tell them both, that their Mom loves them dearly, not wanting to to use the past tense of the word love because I know she is still with them. It put my heart at peace to have them here. I guess to see just how they evolved from the trials of their lives, and to be able to talk about anything. It was wonderful spending time with them.

Ashley and Hailey at Pappasitos, of course. We started their short stay with a girls night out at Pappasitos. Followed by a very late night of girls chat. Did not make getting up for Sunday too easy.

Ashley and Hailey

Becky, Sarah, and Looli

On Sunday every one has different church schedules. Those who could make it went to my sister's house for a meal together...and more chatting. Brianne, Falicia, and AJ helping themselves to the feast.

Hailey and Ashley chillin in the living room.

Monday brought on shopping at a few of Brianne's favorite shops. Ashley and Hailey loved her choices too. We had fun trying out the merchandise, Ashley has pics hope to get them soon. A visit with Brandon and Loo's family was next. They got to meet their new puppy Rocky. Then we headed for Texas BBQ at Valley Ranch so much cooler than cooking on such a hot day! We ended up at Brianne's and Jarod's for berry shortcake and more visiting.

Aren't the berries divine?

The girls enjoyed preparations and chatting in the kitchen while the boy's watched baseball.

Little goat (because she drinks goat milk due to milk allergies) enjoyed cake and berries.

Benz and Ike loved the treat, Ike the cream, Benz the berries.


Can you tell who liked it the most?

Jake got a little taste of cream, but that was all for him. Bryn is almost a year older than Jake and Jake weighs the same. So maybe it was okay for him not to eat too much! LOL

It was good to see the girls. We wish Hailey the best on her mission and hope to see them again when she returns. Thanks for coming down, we love you!