Visitors from Out of Town

Rachel and I just moved from Silver Spring, MD to Odenton, MD but we had several visitors our first week in a townhouse. Despite the boxes and several trips to Target to stock up, we wanted to show off DC while they were here. 

Alan came to visit and even with a flight delay due to bad weather we were still able to spend a day in DC touring all of the hot spots (both museums and Pokemon related).

Esther and Eliza came later in the day and we all met up and touched the Washington Memorial and ate at Founding Farmers near Rockville. Since we were close to the temple we decided to make a quick stop.

During the week Esther and Eliza fended for themselves in our new place while Rachel and I worked, but we had a full weekend to do lots of things. First we went to the Archives building to look at the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

Then we rented bikes so that we could ride around to all of the main sites in DC.

It was a great visit and we always love having people to show off where we live.

Florida Adventures

So we met up with most of Rachel's family earlier this month in Florida and had a great and relaxing time. It was hot and humid, but it also made it nice to jump in the water.

The beach was basically sea shells, which the kids loved.

Rachel did a zip line thing at a tiny adventure park (which also conveniently has the biggest gift shop in the U.S.)

This is the kind of stuff we found at the biggest gift shop in the U.S.

While at the resort--we got a chance to show off our skills. (Check out that bend! It actually was my best shot of the day)

Us getting ready for our air boat tour!!!

Crossed paths with some of the other fam.

Us on the boat!

After the gator show we got a chance to hold baby gators...which was very fun!

We liked how this one would smile for the camera.

Florida Panther!!! (aka Cougar)

Feeding time was pretty intense at the gator pond.

And yes...basically everything is gator themed

See ya later Gator!

Hannah's Wedding

So we went to Hannah's wedding a few weeks ago and enjoyed time with Hannah and Lance and also with family. It was a beautiful morning and we had an enjoyable time.

Baby Kayla was definitely a highlight of the morning in her pink outfit.

And as is normal with all family gatherings--the eiggy hug!

And Rachel likes to keep it real with the siblings.

It was very nice having it be partly cloudy because it made for a nice backdrop. But once the shade of the clouds went away and we had to stare into the brightness of day to take pictures--it was sometimes difficult. Only the pictures will tell if we all had squinty eyes or if some of the pictures turned out good.

Once Kayla got into her dress it was all pictures.

Even throw up in hair from Kayla is such a wonderful occasion.

The family dinner was at a barn in Draper--and we had waffles.

But at the end of a long day it is Faithy who keeps it real and brings us all back to reality.

Stay classy Hannah :)

Utah in July

So we made the trek to Utah for Fourth of July weekend with Luke's brother, Alan, and sister-in-law, Allison. Kona was in the back keeping it real while we made the long journey.

Our first stop after dropping our stuff off at Cedar City was going to The Little Mermaid at Tuacahn. It is a very beautiful place, but it is also very hot in southern Utah this time of year--whew! 

Since it stays lighter in Utah, the play didn't even start until 8:45. Although we had been driving all day, if little kids in the audience could stay awake during the whole play--we could too. And we did! And we liked the play! A lot!

The next morning we got up early (after a long night of mermaid) and had some Fourth of July breakfast at the church building with the family.

Then we went on down to the center of town for the parade. Lots of candy and goodies.

At the end of the day we went to the local high school to watch/set off fireworks.

Some of us rolled down the giant hill since it was such a nice evening to do so.

We set off some fireworks that Alan and Allison bought for us and had a fun time trying to beat the wind as it kept blowing out the matches and lighter that we brought. But we eventually got them all off safe and sound. Although other peoples' fireworks were going a little crazy with the wind.

We also made it to the Aquatic Center for some fun times. It was really nice and Michael went on the big slide all by himself and we were all very proud.

The next play we went to was Into the Woods in Cedar City. The Shakespeare Theater was in full swing in Cedar City but we only had time for one play. It was pretty awesome! Into the Woods--to Grandmother's house!

We had a great time spending time with family and it was fun listening to Glenn play the cello and seeing Glenn's Pokemon drawings. 

 

We had a great time together and although Luke had a test the next day, it was worth all the time away from school and work to just be with family.