Good-bye Ellie

After too long of writing and not writing then writing and not writing, I've decided to pull Ellie from blogging. I know it seems silly, but the pressure of making her presentable (even though I said I wasn't going to do that anymore) is stifling. So, I'm shutting her down. Well, at least her blog anyway. I'm going to keep writing her story (because I really want at least one project that I actually finished).

Thank you for those who have remained interested in her even though my posts have been few and far between. If you still want to know what happens, send me an email at endlessbrainvomit@gmail.com and I'll send you the first draft when I am finished (my plan is by April, if not sooner). I'd love your feedback!

Also, if there is anything you're dying to see happen in the book, let me know. I'll see if I can work it into the story. Lots of love... me

Merry Christmas and (just in case) a Happy New Year!

Pictures didn't get taken. Cards didn't get mailed. Presents (almost) didn't get purchased. But other than that, I think we're ready for Christmas! I've spent the last few days writing and taking care of very-last-minute things for the holidays.

Tonight we are headed to the Calder's for food and fun. About 2 hrs before dinner I decided it would be a great idea to make Lion House rolls (which take about 3 hrs). Thankfully Chantel is running behind too so it should all work out.

Tomorrow we're having the missionaries over for breakfast. I've put together a couple of stockings for them with treats and things. We're trying new traditions and I hope this one works out. We always had the missionaries over as kids and I loved it. Though I'm a little nervous considering I don't have any gaming devices or other things for them to do while I cook. I hope they're not too disappointed. At least the food should be good! The bacon, eggs and hashbrowns staple. For Christmas dinner we are headed to the Greenwood's. She's my awesomely pheonomanal RS pres and I love her daughter. I'm using the opportunity to make Grandma B's famous oatmeal cake as well as a hot grape drink I discovered YEARS ago. Leave it to me to try brand new things when I'm taking it to someone elses house. Joe thinks I'm crazy and maybe I am. I'll let you know after tomorrow!

Anyway, Merry Christmas everyone. Know that we love you and were thinking of you all the way over here in Maryland. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season!

I fell asleep in Maryland...

and woke up in freakin' Utah! What is up with that? We are in the midst of what Maryland considers a horrific snow storm. Seriously. People wiped out grocery stores last night of their bread, milk and toilet paper. What we consider a usual dump in Utah becomes the "end of days" out here. Leaders are already talking about cancelling church on Sunday and Joe's work gave him a hotline to call on Monday just in case they decide to close the office. Makes me glad to have our truck and just a little grumpy it won't pass Maryland's state inspection (they don't like lifts here). Anyway, a few last pictures for your enjoyment. The first snow fall melted quickly off the roads. Something tells me this might take a little longer.

Christmas Decor

Our humble tree (which looks so much better in this space than our last home) with stockings hanging in the background.

Our first broken ornament. Josser hit it with his tail during one of his bursts of excitment. It was inevitable considering his tail-of-death.

Our first snowfall in Maryland

This one was simple, beautiful and melted fast... just the way I like it!

One of Josser's favorite activities (when not allowed outside) is to watch the world revolve through our office window. Both he and I can watch time move forward from this vantage point without anyone the wiser. On lonely days I feel more like a spectator than a participant in life. I wonder if he feels the same as he stares through the glass.

Welcome to my very messy house

But I knew if I waited to get it clean, I would never take the pictures. I DO clean the house, by the way. It's just I always forget to take pics after such events. Today I had the camera going so I snapped a few of the house while it was on. So... ignore the mess if you can. If you can't, I really don't care! hehe

So, from the front door you can either go up the stairs, straight into the living space, or take a quick right into the master bedroom area. We're gonna head upstairs first.

At the top of the stairs are three doors. Don't you love options?! Door number 1 (straight ahead and dark) will take you to the second bath and the one we utilize most (no pics included due to privacy issues). Door number 2 (on the right with the light on) takes you to my craft room, which is very messy despite its lack of use. And door number 3 (not featured in this photo but directly to your right) is the office, a.k.a. the Man Cave. Maybe I should change that name considering I spend most of my time in there. Hmmm. I'll have to think about that one. Though I suppose I should let Joe have at least one room that can be his, even if it is in name only.

My work place. I spend HOURS here everyday blogging, writing, tweeting, emailing, IMing, facebooking and more. Want to chat? LOL

Joe's little slice of heaven. Someday he really will get his own place and he won't have to share with me. Then again, I kinda like being close to him so maybe that won't happen after all. Sorry Joe.

Back down stairs (at the front door) we're gonna glance to the right. Yep, that's the door to the master. Again, due to privacy issues we won't be going inside. And don't get too excited, we aren't so crazy in the bedroom as to flip our mattress against the wall. A friend in the ward bought a new mattress and gave us theirs. We're finally upgrading back to a king! And it's only 2 years old! It's just not soft enough for her hubby. Thank you friend's hubby!

This is a glimpse of our masterbath. We don't use it for showering (weird, I know). But it's all tile and so stinkin cold! So we shower upstairs and I get ready down in the masterbath, which ends up working out really well. No steam making the doing of hair a workout routine.

Okay, back to the front door. Going kinda straight (and avoiding the stairs on the left) will lead you into our main living space with is a big and slightly awkward room for the dining and living areas. You can see the dining spot from here. And the floating picture will someday look okay when I get a shelf to float beneath it. At least, that was my thought when I hung this tiny pic next to a huge clock on an even bigger wall.

The living room is to the left. Just enough space for one couch and the tv. It works for the two of us and we adjust for the few friends that aren't too scared to hang out with Josser.

We have a sliding door to the back porch area that comes in handy. It's nice having a gated area where I can send Josser to play when he's getting on my nerves. I can't leave him unattended, but at least he can get a breath of fresh air while I sweep or do the dishes.

Past the dining room resides the kitchen. It's not even close to my old one and I miss my gas stove, but it's cozy and forces me to do the dishes more often (although it may not seem like it from the pics). It was the first place I had decorated when I unpacked. You'll also note a second door to the back porch. I thought it was weird too, but it seems to work out well. We come and go through this door as the parking lot is just past our gate. And I love being able to open it when the kitchen gets too hot. (Yes, I actually cook and I've picked up baking bread.)

So that's our little place. It's just the right size. Clean up is fast and easy when we get around to it. We've just found more joy in being with friends and exploring the area. Okay... and I don't jump for joy at the prospect of pulling out the duster, so sue me! I'd rather find any other excuse (see "my desk" section of this post) than load a dishwasher. Oh well. We can't all be Suzy Homemaker! hehe

Joe & Josser... the two boys I love

Suit Up

This is the suit I ended up with for my job interview. The suit is just a classic brown, but I took Amy's advice and found a shirt that was more inline with my personality. Thought I'd share. I LOVE the shirt and the crazy necklace.

I can't keep it all straight...

Too much is happening inside my head right now. So many projects to begin and complete, so many service opportunities to follow through on and way too much writing to do than is good for me. (Okay, well maybe not too much than is good for me, but some days it feels that way).

So here are a few updates...

Cheer & Bless
This is my new blog for gals around the world who at one time or another have felt like they don't belong in Relief Society. I decided to move forward with this project (despite my 1 million other blogs) because I feel that some of our pain and awkwardness would be dispelled if we knew other women out there were experiencing the same exact thing. I'm talking infertility, emotional/mental health issues, abuse, and even the dreaded S-E-X! (Really, why can't Mormon women discuss the big "O" w/out feeling guilty?)

The site is in its infancy, but I'd love for you to check it out and let me know what you think so far.

Ellie
I promise she is still coming along! It's been hard with the job search, resume building, networking and interviewing. So, for the sake of you readers, I'm just gonna publish the ROUGH draft as I go. And I mean rough. I'll be asking you which ending I should use for chapters or which direction I should go next instead of taking time to mull it over on my own. This means for my few devoted fans, COMMENTS ARE KING! So pretty, pretty please give me your feedback and (if you like what you are reading) share it with your friends.

Finding Faith
Has become a scripture journal for me. Bounce over there if you'd like to help me with my studies. I could always use a fresh perspective!

Brain Vomit
And of course, Brain Vomit... my brain child. I am still posting random poetry, short stories and personal essays. You'll also notice a tad bit-o advertising. I'm keeping it minimal, but every cent helps at this time of year. (Can I hear an Amen?!) I hope you'll feel comfortable commenting over there. You have the power to take the discussion in directions I'd never imagined! (And yes, poems and my other writings are all discussions. I intend for them to evoke emotion... even if that is anger. So, jump in and tell me what you think!) I'd love to learn from you!

Life
The big news is that I quit my job before I even started it. I know my decision will not make sense to many of you (especially when the economy is so down right now). But in the end, it was my decision and, with the Lord's help, I feel I made the right one for me. We've decided (the Lord, Joe and I) that I need a different focus in my life right now. One that will provide me safety and fulfillment. And so far, I am happier than I have been in almost a decade. I am so grateful for Joe's support and understanding.

Joe is currently serving in the Elder's Quorum and is blessed to have such a wonderful president. The two get along famously, for which I am eternally grateful. I haven't EVER seen Joe this involved in church before and it is exciting to watch. He is even attending ward choir with me! I've just been called to serve at the Mia Maid advisor. I am EXTATIC!!! I've missed the young women and look forward to loving so many new girls. I am also super happy that I'll have the time to devote to YW activities and girls camp this summer (woot!).

On the work front, Joe is HAPPY! He comes home full of energy and smiling. His work is only 20 minutes away so it feels like no sooner has he called me than he is walking in the door. We love our neighborhood and our little townhome. Our ward is FABULOUS!!! and is making us feel right at home. Josser is adjusting and settling in. Though it's harder to walk him due to all the squirrels! He is constantly getting distracted by their jumping, running and playing, lol.

I'll try to get some pictures posted soon. I tend to forget that a good visual is nice to have. (I write like I talk... way TOO MUCH!)

So that's us in a nutshell. I am so grateful for all the friends who've been keeping tabs on us and sending us a note every now and then. We miss you like crazy!

Did you know I'm stubborn?

I didn't. Well, not really. I knew I was feisty, but stubborn? Nah. I'm always ready to listen to and take direction from others? Aren't I? Well before some of you fall off your chairs at my naivety, know that I finally discovered the truth. Okay. Go ahead and ROFL.

So yesterday I picked up a friend, drove us to an RS Christmas social and then took us to the stake center for a temple recommend interview. Simple, right? Ya. It was simple. Except for the fact that I got us lost MULTIPLE times because I wasn't paying attention to the road, street signs, or pretty much anything else. It is even sadder considering I had been to both places prior to yesterday so the whole "it was my first time" excuse doesn't really count. We ended up 20 minutes late to the party (which in Utah is right on time but here they actually start at the time listed! Crazy, I know). This wasn't a huge deal except for the fact that I had the program director in my car with me. This pushed back our end time to 8p which was supposed to be the time I was at the stake center for my interview. If you had looked out your window at 8:03p last night (and if you lived on this particular street) you would have seen two crazy silhouettes that might be women running as fast as they could in heels on a wet street while balancing a plate full of food. Better would be seeing those same silly girls jump into a truck that was not just too big for them, but for the entire state and proceed to complete a 20-point turn to get the mammoth truck out of the neighborhood. Let me tell you, good times. I'm sure the neighbors were shaking their heads and praying for their poperty.

Well, I figured we were on the road so all was well (don't worry I'm getting to my epiphany of stubbornness), but it turns out I shouldn't have taken that for granted. My first mistake was being on auto pilot so I ended up driving home instead of to the stake center. I fixed that error as soon as I pulled onto my street and found my way back to the 29North. Confident in my ability to find the church, I again went on auto pilot as I chatted it up with my friend Annie. At some point I realized I needed to make the connection to the 100 and posed the question to Annie who indicated I should get off on the 40. Absolutely sure I could get to the 100 from the 29, I STUBBORNLY ignored Annie's direction and unabashedly watched as we approached and then passed the 40 exit. Well, to my shame, I immediately learned that I was wrong. (I know, I know, that NEVER happens, right?). While you can get to the 100 from the 29, you can't do it if you've already passed the interchange! The 40 was my last chance and I missed it because of just plain silliness. A 15 minute trip turned into an hour as I continued to try and fix my mistake by blundering into more streets and neighborhoods I didn't know. (I even drove on someone's lawn! But shhh, don't tell anyone.) The Lord must love me because by the time we arrived, the counselor in the stake presidency was just getting ready to leave. (Yeah! A happy ending!)

As I drove around last night, running over lawns and backing into mailboxes, I learned 2 things. One, I REALLY shouldn't be driving a truck in Maryland. And (the more important) 2, I believe the Lord must feel like Annie did last night. He tells me to take this off ramp or that road and I smile and nod, say thank you, and then do my own thing anyway. I'm much too stubborn for my own good! So, I've decided to stop driving and to start listening. At least I'm going to try and do both... maybe not at the same time... but I really am going to put a greater effort into doing what the Lord asks of me when He asks it. Otherwise, I'll probably end up in Outer Darkness, driving over Satan's lawn while running over his mailbox just because I thought I knew the way better than Heavenly Father does!


P.S. No mailboxes were actually harmed in the making of this saga. And I'm not really as bad of a driver as I pretend to be. I'm close, but still decent enough to be entrusted with children and small animals.

At a Loss

I was surfing last night (the web, that is) and came across an article on the vulnerability of stay at home mothers. The writer asked for comments regarding her plight. She wondered if other wives felt this way and, if so, what advice would they give for changing those feelings. As I read some of the comments before posting my own I was surprised at how many not only felt the same way but went on to express that the SAHM (stay at home mom) role wasn't as important as their husband's income providing role. Or at least that is what I felt as I read their experiences. Some mentioned husband's that won't share the money (he earned it, it's his money). Some mentioned that while they play the homemaker role, they aren't good at it, citing that they're unorganized, don't like to clean, and aren't creative with the kids. Others stated that it would be easier to replace a SAHM than it would be to replace the income of a dad. I ultimately responded with a way-too-passionate response on how we need to change our own self concepts before we can change the feelings of vulnerability and dependency we may be feeling. I am sure I offended someone (which is never my intention but seems to be my consistent outcome... but I suppose we can deal with that in another post). The article and comments have been floating through my brain all night and into this morning. I am left wondering, do more women feel this way? Do you feel vulnerable as a stay at home mom? Do you feel utterly dependent on your husband? Do you believe you are more easily replaceable than your counterpart? I'd love to learn more and understand these feelings, especially from women I know.

I should also express gratitude for the husband I have. It's never been "his" money or "her" money. It's always been "our" money. Though I'll admit I have felt guilty for not working when I know a second income would be helpful, I haven't ever felt like my lack of work effected my access to the bank account. Joe and I are partners and partners share. I'm not even the "perfect homemaker." And I use that term lightly because I don't believe there is such a thing. Women are different. We have different personalities and strengths. Marla is AWESOMELY creative with her kids. I never will be. That is okay. Amy is one of the most incredible decorators. I cheat and still her ideas. Katie--I LOVE your cooking. And while I am no chef, Joe doesn't starve. I'm good for beating my husband and keeping in line! Just kidding... but he does always have clean clothes and I know he can lean on me for my other strengths. Every one of my friends has her own strengths and together I feel like I grow in leaps and bounds. When I find I'm struggling with a particular issue, I know I can call any one of you to receive help or some ideas. We may not know it all, but I think we know who to call to find the answers.

And as far as this idea of "replaceable" goes, that is just plain craziness! I couldn't believe my ears last night! (I guess that would be my eyes since I was reading). Not a single woman I know is replaceable! Our tasks are not lighter or easier, they are just different from our working counterparts. And those women who work and take care of the home, BLESS YOUR HEARTS! I don't know where you find the energy. Could our husbands learn to do what we do? Absolutely. But could we learn to find a place in the workforce and excel? You bet your booty!

Like I said, it breaks my heart to know there are women out there feeling this vulnerability and dependency on their spouses, as if their own role wasn't important. As if there would be zero possibilities for them if their husband left or died. Am I living in a fantasy world? I don't feel these emotions. Maybe I'm clinically insane.

What do you think? What would you say to a woman who was struggling with these emotions? Have you felt this way? If so, would anything I just said be helpful to you or do you feel like I am invalidating your emotions? Thanks for being honest.

To all the women in my life, know that I love you! I value you immensely! The gifts you share, whether in the workplace or at home, are a blessing to those around you. And I don't believe for one nano second that you are replaceable. Because you're not!

Our First Turkey Day...

By ourselves, anyway. This is the first time in over a decade that I haven't been near extended family for Thanksgiving. Weird. So we decided to try some different things. I believe this is the first ever Turkey Bowl that I have attended with Joe in the history of our relationship. (I don't even remember him going to one, but he thinks he has). Anyway, it was so much FUN! Joe played with the other members of the ward Elder's Quorum while I cheered him on from the side lines. I must be getting old not to want to play, but I seriously didn't. While we didn't have snow out here, the ground was saturated with moisture from a rainy week and a misty morning. Seriously, like walking on a sponge, so I was content to chat and cheer. Only two other wives showed up, but we had a great time! I sure do LOVE the women in my ward. SWEETHEARTS. Like we've been friends forever. The game was over all too soon (too many wet, sweaty guys complaining they were tired after only 2 hours of playing) and we headed home for a much needed nap.

By the time I woke up (late afternoon) I decided it was too late to begin any serious cooking. I figured I'd let this first holiday slip away into oblivion as if it were just another day. But by 4p I changed my mind. Joe wouldn't have cared, but I didn't want our first Thanksgiving in Maryland to be a dud. So this was my evening...

410p Run to store for much needed dinner supplies
430p Set yeast to raise
445p Turkey into the roaster
450p Finish off homemade bread dough and leave to raise; pull out frozen pie shell to thaw
6p Check Turkey (burned my nasal cavatiy by inhaling a ball of steam... leave it to me to find the stupidest way to hurt myself while cooking)
610p Dough raised 2hrs early... I think my kitchen was REALLY warm, so tore it into sections and readied for baking; Joe started on potatoes
630p Rotated bread in oven and began making pumpkin pie
650p Set Joe to drain and mash potatoes while I tended to the homemade bread
7p Turky finished (gotta LOVE roasting ovens); finished up potatoes and served up Turkey dinner; slipped pumpkin pie into oven
8p Pie finally finished, removed and let stand

And by that time I couldn't believe it! We had actually pulled off a Thanksgiving meal complete with turkey, mashed potatoes, homemade bread and pumpkin pie! It was fun and we laughed our way through the hectic kitchen schedule (except for when I cried after inhaling all that steam... I don't recommend trying it). I am grateful for a husband who supports all my hair-brained schemes. Though we didn't get a single picture, it will always be a Thanksgiving worth remembering!

Thankful for Tough Love

I was on a publisher's blog that I like to follow when I found this interesting post. The basic idea (which she puts more eloquently), is that in giving thanks we should be aware of the challenges that make us grow in addition to the blessings we enjoy. I liked it. And so I've decided to give it a go... I'm thankful for hardship, anxiety and stress that make me reach to be a stronger person. I am grateful for self doubt that helps me strive to grow into something more than I am now. I am thankful for fear that keeps me aware and on my toes and also teaches me to trust in my Heavenly Father. I am grateful for those who have "hated" me because it forced me to walk on my own (look ma, no training wheels!). They also pushed me to redefine my perceptions of friendship and family, leading me to discover the place where I belong. I am thankful that so many things fell apart for a while there because it forced Joe and I to evaluate our situation and make some difficult and scary choices. We would never have ended up happy in Maryland with out a long string of unfortunate events. I am grateful for traumatic events that offer greater insight and discovery into the human experience. We would never change if we were never challenged. I am thankful for nightmares that lead to deep discussions between Joe and I, and also become the catalyst into some of my most entertaining writing. I am grateful for my little Josser who is teaching me patience, self sacrafice, and service. It's not easy being the mom to someone who doesn't speak your language, except for the one whine that he uses, sometimes for hours! I am grateful that I haven't been able to have children because the experience has made me hypersensitive to others feelings and situations. I am thankful for all the struggles, trials, hardships, and misery that I have experienced for making this life of mine unique and for giving me the opportunity to choose to be more than I was yesterday. I haven't always made the right choices. I haven't always enjoyed misfortune (and not that I'm starting now). But I am grateful that my Heavenly Father allows me to fall in order to learn.

In addition to the difficult times, I am thankful for the blessings in my life. My husband (who is my number one fan) for being able to uplift and console all of my different personalities. The man is a SAINT! For my family who I miss deeply. I took you for granted when I was close and miss you deeply now that I'm gone. I appreciate being able to cry with you, yell with you, and have fun with you. And it doesn't matter who I am, you will always love me. I've missed you! I am grateful for my friends who influence me everyday. I am amazed when I reflect upon my varying friendships. You are awesome!!! And I am blessed by your examples (even when you don't think I'm watching... I am a crazy stalker like that). Even those who I haven't seen for years, please know that your imprints are still felt on my heart. All of you have shaped me into who I am and will continue to influence me throughout my life. I am thankful for a Heavenly Father who sticks around even when I don't. I am humbled by His willingness to bless, even when I don't feel worthy. I am SO very grateful for our new ward members. They have accepted us and enfolded us in the arms of their love. It has been a true blessing to enter a foreign state and almost immediately find the comfort of new friends. They have made this transition easier to bear.

Know that I love, my dear friends and family. I am sad I am not closer during this holiday season. Thanksgiving has always been a family holiday to me. This will be the first time in over a decade that I will not be around for the Porter Thanksgiving. So this year, I'll be grateful that I am with my husband and for the opportunity to create a new family tradition.

Love you! And have a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

P.S. I was lazy this morning and didn't spell check, so don't mind the errors. Anyone know where spell check is in the new posting editor? I can't seem to find it.

Grandma Belle

This is my father's mother, Grandma Belle Smith. (I think her name very much suits her.) My Aunt Susan sent it to me to hang on my wall. I am SO happy she was thinking of me. I LOVE this photo!!! I am so grateful for family and for the way we are connected through out time and space. No matter how far away you are, I love you and know that you still love me. I can even feel my Grandpa Travers (Bell's husband) who died before I was born. I don't think I ever recognized him until I was married (he was with us in the temple), but I know he's been looking out for me ever since. I love you, Grandpa. I love you, Grandma. And I love you, Susan. Thanks for sharing the family photos with me. I'll treasure them always!

Just Humor the Crazy Lady

In answer to all the weird looks and ?? I've been getting. Yes! I'm serious about collecting your family photos. We don't have any rugrats to dress up and plaster all over our walls and after 8 years I'm a little tired of looking at Joe and I.

Really, I consider all of you my family and I want to hang pictures of the family I love in my house. If you are wondering if I want a picture of YOU (because you might be thinking she wants everyone else but me), I DO! I want a pic of Y-O-U!

I know, I know... I'm weird. But if you know me (and you do) I always have been! Weird... that is.


P.S. I have a 2nd job interview next Wednesday! Keep your fingers crossed for me!

I need you... like the flower needs the rain

Oh my dear friends! How I miss you! I know I try to put on a brave face and act all tough, but I'm am total mush inside. While I LOVE it here in Maryland (because I absolutely do) I miss you all beyond belief. Because of the pain in my little heart I've decided to use a wall in our apartment to capture our entire "family" of friends. If you think about it (and please do), would you send me a picture of your family for my wall? You can send me a physical photo to my address or email me one at debbie@burnsfam.org. Then I can print it off, frame it, and hang it on my wall. If you are reading this, SEND ME A FAMILY PHOTO. It can be funny, serious, candid, whatever. I would just love to be able to look over to my wall and see everyone I love. Maybe I'll even call it my "Wall of Love." Okay, that sounds weird. Maybe not. Doesn't matter... just send me the photo!

When did Joe become a cheerleader?

I don't know. I think it's been happening gradually, culminating in a display of acrobatics and too-cheerful good mornings when he woke me up just minutes ago. Really. Way too chipper to be my normal husband. With my head screaming at me like a bad hangover, his howdy-doody hellos left me numb, except for the desire to slap the smile off his face and out the door. I told him so and he happily blocked my only free arm from its goal. Oh well. I didn't have the energy for a good swing anyway. I just hope the aliens come back and replace the cheerleader in my bed with my real husband. Otherwise I may be collecting life insurance sooner than expected. And by the way, good morning.

Halloween in D.C.

Saturday we had the chance to visit Washington D.C. with some new friends from our ward. It was a blast! They showed us the ropes of downtown site seeing. We rode the metro to town, which was awesome! I love that it's easy and there's no traffic. When we arrived I saw all these signs for "the mall." Imagine my surprise when the mall turned out to be this huge stretch of land from Capitol Hill to the Washington Monument.

This is a pic of Joe with Annie & Matt (our guides and life savers!) on the mall. Annie even packed us water and lunch for the day (with some killer homemade bread). She knew we were total tourists! I'm so grateful to her foresight. It made the trip super cheap and loads of fun!

Our first (& major) stop of the day was the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Joe was a kid in a candy store! There were a ton of great exhibits. I think the Wright Brothers were crazy! But thanks to them and the forward thinkers following, we have the technology we do today. We also enjoyed the many war exhibits dedicated to those who have fought for our country. Fascinating! (More than I thought it would be!)

The Air and Space museum took up most of the day. It's nice when you know you can come back anytime. We weren't rushed to pack in a million museums at once. So after the fabulous lunch (care of Annie) we decided to head over to the archives for a glimpse of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

This is Joe infront of the Archives building.

The only other picture I took inside (as "no flash" meant really horrible pictures) was a wall plaque of the Rosa Parks arrest paperwork and a diagram that was used in her hearing. I actually had never heard of Rosa Parks until I met Katie Armga Larsen. Thanks girl, for setting me straight on some important U.S. History!

We decided to end the day with a quick visit to the White House. On the way we found this cute little nook in the EPA building. I couldn't pass it up!

Finally! Our last stop of the day. Our feet were so tired!

We look forward to MANY more trips to D.C. It is awesome and a little sureal having our nation's capital so close. Next time Joe promised a whole day at the Art Gallery because I was such a good girl at the Air and Space Museum. Woot!

The only thing missing that day were all the costumes. I didn't see a single trick o' treater until on our way home. All in all, it was happy Halloween!