D.C.

OH MARYLAND!

This is Jim and Sarah (Rob's Uncle) They live in Thurmont, Maryland. We love them so much! These are their grandkids -- our cousins -- Audrey and Kate. It was so fun to see them! They live in such a beautiful countrylike town,(above the pic of Rob and me on their deck) with 10 acres, tons of fruit trees, huge gardens, neighbors have horses and chickens and a dog named meat! LOL While we where there Jim caught a raccoon, it was so cute but it soon went to heaven for eating all his garden. :( I got to help drive the riding lawn mower-- a definite highlight of the trip for me -- It was so fun! Jim and Sarah were so gracious and fun to just hang out and talk with. I think they have the most peaceful home I have ever been in.

My Grandpa Huber made the duck that we are holding. Sarah's sister Leslie lived in my grandparents ward and took care of my grandparents before they died, they were good friends. Small World! My Grandpa had given Leslie a duck, (only a few of these handmade duck are out there) and she had gifted this one to Sarah! neat huh!

This is Star and Brian, parents of Elizabeth, Anna, Audrey, Kate and a new one due in May!! They are so sweet and so fun. We hope they decide to move out west soon! Although I wouldn't mind moving there!

Elizabeth and Friend (her Dad is Christian Neilson's brother). It was neat to talk to them about the recovery of Stephanie and Christian. These are really nice people. We had a outdoor bar b q with the Nielson's and some other friends of Star and Brian's in Jim's backyard-- which was like being in the mountains, a big fire pit and rope swing. So fun!

Rob and Leif. Jim's handyman who comes to do chores on the ranch a lot
Here is Jim in his 1000+ sq ft barn. Can you tell he likes to collect antiques. I think this trumps my Mom even. Look he even has an Civil War wheel chair hanging from the ceiling! He clears all this out and has huge barn dances. Over 700 people came to his last bar dance and 4th of July Celebration!


This is Anna, who is Elle's buddy. We had to call Elle a couple times on the cell phone just to check in. :) We had so much fun being around well mannered, sweet kids! And this is the road we ran down every morning! The pic doesn't do it justice!! It was so pretty! By the time we left all the leaves on the silo were varying shades of yellow, orange, and red. Rolling hills, trees and green everywhere!! So peaceful!
The White House
The Jefferson Memorial
This pic was taken after we had gone to the Holocaust Memorial in the Smithsonian. I was crying for almost 3hours that we were there. It was amazing. We came out and sat under the cherry trees and had lunch here in front of the Jefferson Memorial. So pretty!

The Capital

We had a private tour of the Capital, thanks to Jim. He works for the Army/Government so he has connections. :) It was really neat, my favorite was the underground subway system they have for the senators to get back and forth to buildings! And all the history!! We just finished watching HBO's John Adam's-- if you haven't seen it it's a definite must see! It was so neat to be there with all that history.

Inside the Capital The Lincoln Memorial. It was huge! The White house at night. We decided to walk around at night since everything is lit up. Looks so pretty but our camera couldn't quite capture the beauty of the night. For instance here is the Washington Monument, it was huge and was just glowing in the reflection of the water in front. This is Harper's Ferry it is a town where Robert Long came and tried to free some black slaves. This day we went they were doing a reenactment-- it was awesome to see everyone dressed in colonial time. Especially after learning all about Gettysburg and the Civil War. Reenacting the Vote of 1860 (When Lincoln won)

Where the Potomac River meets the Shenandoah River

Changing of the guards at Arlington National Cemetery

Right next to the eternal flame of JFK at the Arl. National Cemetery

Gettysburg

Gettysburg-- there are monuments like every 10 feet, It was overcast that day and eerie, Jim came with us and told us of all the war stories. He is a big history buff.

This barn is still there after the fight at Gettysburg. Isn't it so beautiful!!? This is what all of DC and Maryland is like~ I loved it! Can you tell I loved it! It was so refreshing and peaceful after visiting NYC. And the food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is so much more to do there we can't wait to go back!!! We had such a blast!

Then the sad part

We got stuck in the airport overnight!!! 7-7!!!! 12 hrs

Oh well - at least someone was able to sleep! I am still having nightmares about the freezing cold air blowing on me and the stinky hard ground, and the music!! oh that music! that elevator smooth jazz!!! Blaring so loud! and the TV buzzing about the latest news, talking so fast in my ears! and, oh yes the every 15 min!! "Passengers do not leave your baggage unattended.....bla bla bla!" Oh well right, thanks Delta!

We landed and were about to catch our connecting flight from NYC to SLC and then we taxied around for 45 min! Supposedly our terminal wasn't clear yet. We literally missed our other plane by like 5 min!!! errr fir sure writing a letter to Delta! No hotel, most of the restaurants were closed! Ooooooo! If we did leave we would have to be back at 4 am and go through security again, and Rob lost hid licence in NY so he luckily had his old one which was expired. They padded him down and made him go through all this extra checking completely emptying our bags etc!!! so no we were not leaving we were stuck 12 hours in NY in the stinky airport. "OH well, what can ya do?" Rob kept saying

Tears are over, it really was such a fun trip! Thanks hun! But mostly thanks to Mom and Dad and JUDY a.k.a. Nana, for loving our kids. They had a great time with you!

Here are a few pic of the kids while we were gone! OH I missed them so bad!

I know he and Drew need a haircut! Every 2 weeks they do! LOL

My Dad went with Isaac to his field trip to the pumpkin patch.

Thanks Judy! The Zucchini bread is delicious! and So were the enchiladas!!!! You are amazing!