Fall 2011 in Virginia

I am absolutely in love with Virginia - I can see why people were willing to brave the seas, the illnesses, the depravity and utter unknown to live here. This really is one of the most beautiful places on earth. 

Pumpking Patch 2011

I have been a slacker these past few months, with little time to post and computer troubles that are ailing me I have fallen behind. But I think most of that is behind me, at least for the moment! I vow to catch up!

We visited a "local" farm last month to select our pumpkins and pick some apples so I could bottle apple pie filling - oh it is so yummy!

The kids were excited to go, even though we were literally there for 20 minutes and we were losing daylight quickly. They chose their pumpkins quickly from the few that were left, yes I procrastinated just about as long as I could on this annual tradition. Every time I thought I would be able to go something came up and it kept getting pushed back. But finally we headed out to the farm. It was so beautiful. Even the drives on the freeways are beautiful out here, the autumn leaves and foliage all turning different colors are stunning and I can't help but marvel at the scenery and it continually reminds me that God is real and that he must really love us to give us all this beauty. 

McCall was thrilled to find a pumpkin just her size that she could actually hold all by herself. She was the first to pick hers out. The boys had specifications that were very important - they had to be BIG!

Grandma was in town with us and graciously went with me to help with crowd control. Only we were the only ones there right before closing time, in the middle of the week and so close to Halloween - I may try to do that again next year!

We found this sign right as we were leaving, it is meant for farm accidents, accidents picking apples, accidental vehicle dents, etc. But as it was located right outside the bathrooms, we found it fitting to pose right before the boys used the facilities before heading home. They are a bunch of clowns - but I'll keep them!

Family Pictures

We had our family pictures taken out in Maryland and a beautiful farm. It was awesome - at least once we got there it was. The location was only 30 miles from our house so I left an hour and 45 minutes before our appointment because I was sure that would be ample time. Traffic was the worst I have ever seen it and it took us 2 and a half hours to get there! I was biting my fingernails, we were literally running out of daylight and I knew we would have a very limited amount of time to get our session done. Thankfully the kids were on their best family picture behavior and we were able to do it all in 25 minutes. With only 25 minutes I was thrilled with how they turned out. Phew!

Arlington

Arlington National Cemetery is absolutely beautiful, inspiring, humbling and reverent. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to return. This will be a must see for any visitors coming to DC.

The cemetery sits on Robert E. Lee's estate. General Lee turned down President Lincoln's invitation to lead the Union troops after the state of Virginia decided to secede from the union. He was then made General of the Confederate Army. Lee was then regarded as disloyal by most of the Union officers and his property became a popular burial ground for Union dead. Lee never returned to Arlington.

 The Tomb of the Unknowns is guarded day and night, rain or shine, hurricane or blistering heat by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment. This guard has been maintained since July 2, 1937. Never has it been left unattended. It is considered an honor to be a guard here, the requirements are immense, and only a few are chosen each year. Everyone should take the opportunity to attend the changing of the guard, it was really neat.

 JFK's memorial was pretty inspiring here to. I pretty much love this place.

Mr. Smith goes to Washington ...

and he brought his family!

We were so excited to have Matt, Lisa and the kids come to visit for a long weekend. We have been friends forever - at least I think it has been that long! We love getting together and though several moves have spread us out over the years we still are able to see the Smith's. I have to say though, I am not happy at all that the kids are growing up so quickly. Kiana is as tall as her mom, and both her and Katy are way smarter than me. Tanner and Gage are two peas in a pod, watch out women of the world (in about 20 years), they actually took the time to compare girlfriends and share tips. AWESOME! McCall and Keilya just loved playing and catching rides on their daddy's shoulders. It was a great trip and so good to visit. Not sure when the last time I stayed up until 3:30 am just visiting and catching up. Oh how I miss those Smith's. Perhaps we will be Chicago bound soon to make a visit.

 I feel like I must point out that Lisa is tiny so tiny that I look huge, larger than I really am, but I do dwarf her, so that part is real.

 These two are hilarious together. They warmed right up to one another and enjoyed every second together. They were a hoot and I think they should have been brothers!

 The two "babies" of the families. Maybe in 30 years there will be a picture of them just like the one of Lisa and I above. If so, I'm going to tell McCall to sit down and try to look smaller :)

Thanks for coming out to visit Smith's, we thoroughly enjoyed you and all the fun we had!

Halloween 2011

Another successful Halloween

They are already planning for next year.

Right now, we are slated to be Lord of the Rings characters ... YIKES!

Trick or Treating at the Senate

Happy Halloween!

To start things off we headed into the city to join with the staff and their children trick or treating through the office. Each of the employees had treats to share with the kids. Some had decorated their offices and really got into the spirit of things. It was quite fun. The kids loved it as many of the staff gave out "whole" candy bars! I guess when you know exactly how many kids will be coming it is easier to do that. Or, it just may be that many of the *single* guys forgot about it and ventured down to the vending machines in the basement just minutes before the children arrived. Either way, the kids loved it and will probably think that they should have that kind of treatment each time they visit the office from now on. 

Gage was Flash - appropriate since he is now training to be the strongest man in the world and by his reports, he is already half way there. Way to go Gage!

 Audrey and Lily were super hero girls and played their parts very well. They had the best posing for pictures!

 Quite a coincidence that most of the kids were dressed up as super heroes. Perhaps they also feel the need to save America from it's current condition.

 Senator Lee of course had treats to hand out to the kids, mixed in with a few Canadian jokes, he's good like that. Only I'm not sure that the foreign relations committee would appreciate them as much as we do.

 Connor decided this year that he was to big and cool to dress up with all of us as super heroes, apparently those are "baby costumes and he would rather wear a tutu." I was tempted to grant his wish or call him on his bluff. But the tears got to me and I relented. He chose to be an Angry Bird. Good choice on his part. All the middle school girls were commenting on his costume the entire night while out trick or treating - he enjoyed it, to say the least.

 This little girl loved the camera. And the camera loved her. Everywhere we took McCall in her costume people stopped to admire her, it was fun and she loved telling people that she was "Wonder Woman, except I'm modest."Fun times had by all.