A Trip!

In the middle of June, Allan and I went on a trip to Washington, DC. Allan's good friend, Carl, lives near DC and consented to be our host/tour guide along with his girlfriend, Susan. It was a short trip, but we did A LOT and had tons of fun.

Wednesday was our travel day, and praise the heavens we took a non-stop from SLC to Reagan National Airport. Carl met us at the airport, and we took the metro to our hotel. We then walked a few blocks to an Afghan restaurant and had dinner there. It was actually quite tasty.

Thursday was Mall day. Here's Allan and I on the metro heading to the Mall. We became quite the experts in all things metro since we didn't rent a car. It was quite convenient.

This picture was taken toward then end of the day, which is why I look EXHAUSTED. The Lincoln Memorial was probably my favorite monument. There was such a spirit of reverence for this great man. Inscribed on the walls were his Gettysburg address and his second inaugural address. He spoke wise words. I couldn't help but feel God knew this man and put him on earth during the time he was needed.

The Washington Memorial.

The first part of Thursday was spent in the Smithsonian museums. We first visited the Natural History museum which was AWESOME!!! They had so many great exhibits. We even saw the Hope Diamond.

They had a Darwin exhibit which was very well done. Carl refers to me as his "biology nerd friend," which I am, and so we went in had a good time and some good conversations. Carl is very well educated and versed in evolutionary theory, and so we had fun making conversation and making fun of creationists.

Thursday was our actual wedding anniversary, so we sent Carl on his way after the Mall and celebrated once the swelling in my feet went down and I was hydrated. We had dinner at a little French bakery just down the road from our hotel. We came back to the hotel and reminisced about the past two years. How quickly they have gone by! But they've been a great two years. I can't imagine life without Allan. The best decision I ever made was to kneel across the altar from him and make those amazing covenants. I am ever amazed by his patience, wisdom, humor, and love. I know that marrying the right person (Allan), in the right place (the Temple), at the right time (two years ago) was the very best thing I ever could have done. I thank the Lord every day for my dear husband and for the Temple covenants which bind us together for eternity.

Friday was a more laid-back day. My feet were grateful for it. Allan and I took a taxi to the Temple. When the taxi driver pulled into the parking lot, he asked, "So this is a church?" We answered yes, but I wanted to tell him how it was so much more! We did an endowment session. It's a beautiful Temple!

After the Temple, Carl and Susan picked us up and took us back to Susan's place where we ate a delicious crepe lunch. We then traveled to Chesapeake Bay and went shark tooth hunting. We found quite a few!


Me, Carl, and Susan on the boardwalk. Those two were so patient with me! Thanks for enduring the bathroom breaks and constant need to sit down, you two!

On Saturday, Allan and I were left to ourselves, so we decided to go back to the Smithsonian museums and see all the things we didn't get to. Here I am by some deep sea fish. I taught deep sea fish in my zo/bot class, but I really had no idea of their size. They were tiny!

Allan by the Hall of Swords in the mineral and gem exhibit.

On Sunday, we went to Church with Carl and Susan. Ah, the singles' ward. Good times. Good memories. We then took the metro to the airport and flew home! Hooray!

Now we're back to the regular swing of things. Baby Boy is growing and growing. He woke me up last night about 3am with his kicking. Kick, kick, kick, I'm having a party in here, Mom. And why not? It's warm, cushy, and he gets fed all the time. =) And in church on Sunday, I swear his little foot was on my side. I didn't know my uterus was that wide. I swear this kid is laying sideways in there.

If you have any name suggestions, leave them in the comment box. Allan and I are having quite the time deciding on one. I'm of the mindset that I need to see the baby before we name him, so we're not narrowing it down to one. Just five or so. But we need ideas!

I think that's all! Let me know when you want to come pick up the yard sale goodies!