Connett in Minnesota

Connett came home with us from DC and we have enjoyed him this week preparing for him to go to Boy Scout Camp. The boys and Bishop White were going to leave on Friday but we had a baptism today so they left right after.

This morning I offered Connett waffles and he said No Thank You. I told him no one else was going to eat them so he took one and even through I told him he could have as many as he wanted he would only eat one at a time three times. I decided to take a picture as he was enjoying them like a piece of bread covered in brown sugar. He was very indignant with me trying to take his picture but he finally let me.

Happy Fathers Day!

June and July are very good months for me. First comes Fathers Day in June and then my birthday in July. If I am lucky enough to be in the same place as Amanda, I always get a delicious breakfast (in bed if we have a tray) of Belgium Waffles with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. This July I will miss out however as we will be on the Oregon beach and Amanda will be flying across the country. She also gave me a set of barbecue tools (I guess I am supposed to do more barbecuing).

While we were in DC, Eileen asked Steven if he thought I would like an iPhone4 for Fathers Day and he and Micah both said Duh! So for Fathers Day and my birthday Eileen gave me an iPhone4. Of course it won't arrive for awhile. It was ordered on the first order day with a June 24 delivery but the acknowledgment shows a July 6-8 delivery. So for now I will just have to wait. It won't be an easy wait as I like Eileen's iTouch and I think the iPhone4 is going to remove some of my computer frustrations. I have also been considering a new camera as mine is 7 years old and having some problems. So now I will also have a new still camera and an HD video camera - lots of pluses for my Fathers Day and birthday present.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

When we first moved to Austin 31 years ago, I got roped into being a cast member in Annie in the local summer theater. I didn't want to then and I still don't want to but I have been enjoying going to the shows most every summer and seeing Eileen and then our children participate including having the lead in several shows. Tonight it was seeing our grandchildren in the show. Our oldest grandson - Gunnar played Dan and his solos and dance numbers were great. Three other grandchildren - Qatar, Zeke and Cenny were in the children's choir.

I think this show lends itself to be one of the most enjoyable ones and the entire cast made it one of the best shows we have seen. It is fun to see people you know in the show and to also see so many people you know in the audience - one of the blessings of living in a small town - albeit one that does a great job with musicals.

Eileen decided to take pictures when I told her the program said no pictures. She got caught by the Director who came to our seats and told her not to take pictures. They didn't turn out any way. So all we have is this one after the show and they were too quick getting out of there costumes.

Won't Miss the Traffic

After going to a Farmer's Market this morning and getting some delicious hummus and great vegetables, we went to see the Iwo Jima Memorial and take pictures for Grandma Connett. We intended to have the grandchildren in their Marine Corp t-shirts but I think the heat and Mom's cold interfered with our plans. It is a beautiful memorial to all the Marines since 1775.

After all the battle grounds we have been too and the museums about the many wars we have been in, it sure makes you realize how a few evil men in the world can destroy the lives of so many people. It sure would be a much happier world if we could all learn to live as the Savior has taught.

Regarding the traffic in DC - as we were going around the round-about in front of Arlington Cemetery, the driver beside me decided he wanted my lane and just basically pushed me over into the other lane which (to both our benefits) was empty. Generally the traffic has been heavy but not bad except today when there were several other drivers who did not seem to concerned about those around them. The worst however was Thursday night when we decided to go to the Temple - a 20 minute trip took almost 90 minutes. We just missed the 8 PM session. So with a half hour before the next session we decided to look around the Temple. Temple President Tingy came up to us at one point and Eileen explained we wanted to see the Baptismal font so he took us down the stairs and unlocked the door for us to see it - it is quite beautiful.

As for the rest of the week we have been to Connett's concert, Benjamin and Gideon's field day, Gideon's powerpoint presentation on the Ant, the Smithsonian and the Spy Museum. It has been a great week of sightseeing and also fantastic food.

What a Fun Place

Saturday afternoon we left behind all the great history of Williamsburg and headed to Steven and Micah's in DC. We arrived in time to go to dinner at a great Mediterranean restaurant. Steven heard it had great food which appeared to be the case as we had to eat outside as the inside (which was quite large) had been reserved for a party. The host seated us and he and Steven spoke in Arabic. After the host said he is quite good. While waiting for our meal we enjoyed some time around a fountain in the middle of the street. The food was fantastic - Mediterranean food is becoming one of my favorites.

Monday Eileen and I went to see two memorials we had never been to - Jefferson and FDR. I think the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials are my favorites. The FDR one was very impressive too. We then went through the Korean War Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial and the World War II Memorial. Topping off the day we celebrated Connett's birthday with a delicious dinner and fabulous cake.

Today we headed to see George Washington's home at Mt. Vernon. What a spectacular site for a home. The last time we were there was in 1985 and wow have they added to it with an educational center and museum. This is one fantastic place to see and learn about American history. I think you could easily spend the whole day and not grasp it all. It is such a wonderful experience to learn about these great men and the times around the founding of our great nation.

Tonight Connett and Benjamin went swimming in their apartment pool as it was a perfect day.

Memorial Day

After spending a great week in New Hampshire we headed south Saturday morning arriving in Falls Church, VA our overnight stop. After Church we headed to our final destination in Williamsburg VA to spend the week renewing our knowledge of the founding of the United States of America.

After settling into our condo, Steven, Micah, Connett, Benjamin, Gideon, Abigail, Peter and Eliza arrived on their way back home from North Carolina. We had a fun evening and then Monday afternoon they continued their trip home and we finished up our Memorial Day touring historic Williamsburg. It has been a great place to remember the sacrifices made by our founding fathers and military throughout our great nation’s existence.