Fourth of July - Breakfast

We had a 4th of July breakfast with our ward at 8:00 a.m.

The hope was that it would be cool at that time of day.

Well, it was not cool.

Within minutes of being outside - perhaps seconds - we all felt as if we had just gotten in a sauna.

But that did not deter us.

There was fun to be had and fabulous food to consume.

There was a pancake bar with 4 different kinds of pancakes.

Many toppings, fruit, etc.

It was a great start to a great 4th.

The only pictures I got were these.

I had to show how hot it was - McCall's hair was wet just from sitting and eating.

Gotta love the humidity!

A Capitol Fourth - Preview

We were so lucky to be able to attend the Capitol Fourth at the Capitol.

We had fabulous seats and so much fun.

We also made it on national tv!

Several times!

You can watch it here.

We were on three times that we could find.

What a great time.

McCall has been telling people she is a rock star now.

The boys were just excited to be silly on national television.

So much fun!

Pictures to follow!

Canadian Quiz

Just for fun on Canada day we got all dressed in appropriate red and white and headed into DC.

We stopped in at Ryan's office - which just happens to be a US Senator's office.

Said office just happens to be on the Foreign Relations Committee - specifically North America.

So I thought it was a good idea to introduce the office staff to a little bit of Canada.

We brought Smarties - a Canadian candy staple.

Pecan bars - it was the closest I could get to butter tarts.

I think Nanaimo Bars will be on the menu for next year.

And I gave them the following quiz - just to see how they are doing on their

Foreign Relations Committee assignment.

They passed!

Canadian Quiz

1.  If a Canadian says they are going to Tim’s, or Timmies, where are they going?




2.  In Canada, what is The Bloc?

       a. A television show

       b. A political party

       c. Biker Gang

       d. Dance Move


3.  Canadians lowest bill is a $5. What are the one and two dollar coins called?



4.  In what sport do you have a “bonspiel”, “rocks”, brooms and a “hammer”?



5.  What is Poutine?



6.  What is a winter cap or beanie called in Canada?



7.  What is Canada’s favorite letter of the alphabet?



8.  What is Canada’s national sport? (hint there are two, one for summer and one for winter)



9.  Name 5 famous Canadians



Canada Day 2011

We spent Canada Day doing what most Canadians do - just in another country.

We had so much fun with the Sorensen's watching fireworks and eating treats.

I thought it was particularly nice of the city of South Riding to do fireworks for us on Canada Day

 This little girl was pretty sure the entire day was just for her.

Lily was good enough to show us how to relax at the end of a long day.

It was a great Canada day.

Now if we can just get the Canadian Embassy to invite us to their big party next year ...

Scout Camp

4 Days of Excitement and Filth.

AKA - Scout Camp

Our troop sent 9 boys to scout camp this year, and I think they enjoyed every moment of it.

From the outset we found this beautiful "little" beetle.

 I'm not a huge fan of bugs, but you have to admit, he's pretty!

Then there were water fights, ultimate frisbee, art classes.

Pint sized boys everywhere I looked.

And pint sized boy smells everywhere I went.

 These pictures should put fear in every mother's heart.

BB Guns - all I could think was, "You'll shoot your eye out!"

But the protective glasses were worn and no eyeballs were lost in earning this belt loop.

The camp even provided lunch.

I haven't had a bologna sandwich since grade school, and you know what?

I haven't missed them!

Mormon Tabernace Choir - In Virginia and DC!

We took the kids to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Wolf Trap this past week.

They were astounding.

They sang beautifully and entertained the crowd with the dancing and jiving - a little different from your typical General Conference hymnal singing.

It was absolutely beautiful.

We had a great time picking out the 3 members of the choir that we know.

We were lucky enough to run into two of their spouses and catch up on our

old neighborhoods and wards.

We opted for the lawn tickets and enjoyed a picnic feast!

So many people from the office were there and we had a great and relaxing time.

The kids even enjoyed it.

I'm so impressed by this choir, orchestra and everyone who volunteers with them.

The fact that this is an entirely volunteer organization is so impressive to me.

I'm so grateful for so many people who will share their talents with others!

What a blessing.

They also participated in a flash mob in Williamsburg, VA - so much fun.

Go here to see their performance.

Odd Combination - Fantastic Night

I had the most fantastic night with my good friend Ellen and her daughter Janessa.

We got to sit with this lady (and 150 other people, but who's counting?) ....

Former First Lady Laura Bush. 

I absolutely adore her.

She is kind, sincere, unassuming, FUNNY, real, and a go-getter.

She is a great role model for women.

A sounding board, confident and counsellor to her husband.

She is one charming lady and I love her to pieces.

Afterwards we headed out and walked back to the Capitol.

It was a beautiful evening - one of the best in DC so far.

The fireflies were just starting to come out.

We headed to dinner over at 7th Hill for some real Italian pizza.

Ummmmm ....

DELICIOUS!!

How can you go wrong with Bacon on your pizza?

And everything fresh?

Not to mention the Nutella Calzone - go ahead and salivate because it was that delicious!

 Then off to home where the fireflies were in fine form and illuminating the trees.

It looked like someone had strung blinking Christmas lights through all the trees.

I have never seen anything like it.

It made me feel not so bad about not seeing the Northern Lights.

I guess God made Southern Lights to - just in different form.

We live in a beautiful land, full of God's beautiful creations.

And amongst some of the most beautiful people.

I am grateful to love and know the people in my life.

Just a day of gratitude and graciousness really.

Thank you for today!