Day in DC

Oh boy, this trip was a while back too. Couldn't tell you when, but we made a quick weekend trip to DC to visit Scott and Amy. As expected it was a very quick trip, but we had a blast! We spent the day in the city roaming, museum viewing, eating, etc. 

We got up Saturday morning and were out the door fairly early. We jumped on the metro right outside Scott and Amy's apartment, it was easy peasy! Here we are waiting for the metro. Can you tell by my big smile that I was a little excited??

This was about as close as we could get to the Lincoln Memorial. Just two days prior some crazy people had splashed paint all over it so it was closed to the public. From where we're standing here we could hear President Obama over a loud speaker giving a speech at the Korean Memorial. Again we didn't try to get any closer, security was most definitely tough to get around.

Walking by the WWII memorial we spotted North Carolina so we snapped a quick picture there also. After all, it is our home now.

The Washington Monument was still under construction after the earth quake a few years back. It had scaffolding all around it. At night it was pretty cool looking though because it was lit up, I really liked that.

The main highlight of our trip was a visit to the Newseum. Have you heard of it? It's a newer museum in DC focused on the history of news. It was a really neat building and had lots of fun exhibits. Here Joe and I are acting like new reports. I think I have it down pat.

From a balcony at the Newseum you could see the Capitol building. Great photo opp!

Then we headed to lunch at this really cool BBQ place. It was great to sit down, feel the AC and refuel. Amy and I had these fun drinks... but I couldn't tell you what was in it! Nevertheless, it was served in a mason jar!

I really wish this picture would have turned out better. Bummer!

Our plans for the evening were to return to Scott and Amy's apartment to let their dog, Kirby, out and freshen up. Then we had reservations at a restaurant back in the city. Well, after the long day of walking around in the heat we were all pretty content with just staying at the apartment complex and ordering pizza. We invited my cousin Daniel over, went to the apartment's game room and played pool. It was the perfect night, we had so much fun!

Thank you Scott and Amy for hosting us! Now let's plan your trip down to Charlotte!

Photo Friday #49

Sometimes you just have to enjoy life through someone else's pictures. Scott, Amy and my cousin Daniel attended a soccer game in DC a couple weekends ago. They sent us this picture and I just had to share it. Scott has recently become a huge soccer fan, or more specifically a Chelsea soccer fan. For Christmas last year Joe and I bought him a t-shirt and scarf. I love how all three of them in this picture all decked out in blue. I have a feeling Scott told them they both had to support the team or he wouldn't go with them. Am I right? Am I right?

Fourth of July

So... the Fourth of July was, what back on July 4th? That was well over a month ago and I'm just now ready to share our trip with you. Joe and I flew back to Iowa for a week. That's become our mid year trip home, coupled with Christmas we make it back twice a year normally.

We started the week with my parents. During our time there we drove to my old school. Really where I spend my kindergarten through 12th grade. I won't go into detail, but the school has been officially closed and this summer the demolition began. Sometime I'll have to post a comparison picture to show you what it use to look like. Sad to see the building torn down.

Joe and dad sifted through some of the bricks for souvenirs. I believe my exact words to them were "be careful!" Not two minutes later I heard "ouch!" No actual injuries though.

Joe took the opportunity to chuck a few bricks.I admit, it looked like fun.

We met up with two of Joe's brothers plus Abby while in Cedar Falls. We hit the town and saw wayyyyy too many people from middle school, high school, etc. But it was a blast spending time with these crazy cats.

It's normal for them to cuddle in the early morning hours.

I couldn't resist snapping a few Iowa landscape pictures. This, I believe, was during our drive to Joe's parents. We did a nice little switcheroo mid state and mid week.

 

And then we made it to the lake.  We had amazing weather all week. This was pretty lucky considering the week prior it had rained almost every day in Iowa and the whole time we were gone from Charlotte it rained. Couldn't be more perfect!

Yes we may look a little cold here, but it was early in the morning. Sun wasn't out yet!

There's my boy :) Cap'n Joe.

Joe's parents showed us how it's done. They're pros on the skis.

We had a great trip back to see family and friends. These pictures don't truly capture the entire trip or all the people we got to spend time with, but it's something. Actually, after going through and posting these pictures I'm surprised I don't have more of us with the family. Next time!

Photo Friday #48

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack! Thought I had completely given up on you and this baby blog of mine? Think again. When I took the first week or two off I didn't have intentions for that to turn into over a month (or two?) I can't keep track any more. But the point is, I'm back and I hope to check in more regularly. I have a lot to share.

First I wanted to show you how I am secretly an artist. Not really, but the picture below is actually a sunflower that I painted. I like to think I did a good job! A group of us here in Charlotte went to painting studio where you bring in your own food and drink (wine and chex mix for us) and the instructor teaches you how to paint. I love it and already want to schedule my next trip. My masterpiece now resides on our mantle and I really like it there. Our living room needed more color and this gave us plenty.