Happy Fall Y'all, 2024 Style

 My Sweet Grands,

I can not believe how quickly our fall flew by.  It feels like time was on super speed.  In order to get caught up on all that we did here are a few of our highlights.

Summer was extra long this year, it lasted clear in to November.  To help pass the time we had to come up with new things to do.  So, Grammy showed you how to wash the car.  Cutie E quickly became the controller of the hose.  It was difficult to get it from him so I could rinse the car.

We continued to take walks when the heat and humidity subsided.  Both of you loved to walk Abby, one from the stroller and the other by leash.  When the weather was too much to tolerate we moved our water play to the kitchen sink.  The sink, you and the floor were equally wet.

The last few months have been filled with a lot of change for both of you.  One of the changes I have enjoyed most is watching the two of you interact and play together.  Cutie E will make space next to him in a shopping cart or on the floor so you two can be together.  

During General Conference a choir of young children began to sing.  Both of you stopped what you were doing and gave your full attention to listening to them sing.  Music time is your favorite part of every day, especially if it is with Pops.  You are now starting to sing songs like Wheels on the Bus, ABC, 5 Little Ducks, A Sky Full of Starts, Let It Go and I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.  Thank you "Sing 2" for some of those top hits.

Days at the park are best, but going to the pumpkin patch was even better.  Well, Cutie O didn't think so, but Cutie E was lov'n it.  We love that we have found a small farm with a wonderful pumpkin patch that was perfect for little feet.

The east coast really shines during the fall.  Bright oranges, vibrant reds and glowing yellows hang, fall and blow in the wind from every tree.  It has been beautiful.  Both of you have loved playing in the leaves.  You have enjoyed jumping in tall piles, raking, tossing and rolling in them.

It has been a wonderful fall together. 

Favorite Words

My Sweet Grands,

This time in your life as little ones goes by so quickly.  Your sweet coo's, growls, first words, grand expressions of love, toddler antics and all the firsts, fly by in the blink of an eye.  

When I was raising my children I knew I would hold onto those moments and never forget them.  I don't remember all of them, especially the sounds they made.  As adults become entrenched in the happenings of daily life and as your little lives progress quickly we become accustomed to the new sounds, new words or new habits as soon as you make them.  Sadly we forget.

My favorite word from Cutie E, is UP.   I can not resist your sweet little face, blue eyes and deep desire to be UP.  We have many wonderful moments together when you are UP.

Cutie O, you aren't talking yet, but you have mastered a growl that will be hard to forget.  I'm sure you picked up the sound from our little Abby, but your's is much cuter, especially when you do it with a smile.  

I hope I don't forget these sweet sounds.

Celebrating Veteran's

Since I last posted on September 23,  I have been pondering what I want to do with my blog while reducing the time I spend on social media.  I will save that for another time, today I want to honor our nations Veteran's.

Yesterday was Veteran's Day.  Living in our nations capitol there is always something you can do or experience and Veteran's Day is no exception.

Dad & Paulette at Mount Vernon

The most notable activity in the area is to attend the Presidential speech at Arlington National Cemetery.  Yesterday was extra special, President Biden, Dr Biden, Vice President Harris and Second Gentleman were all in attendance.  The President and Vice President laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  

Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
 Arlington National Cemetery

On average 5,000 people attend this special Presidential speech.  One day I will attend, but this year I took my dad and Paulette to explore Arlington a few days before in order to avoid the big crowds.  We had a beautiful blue sky day that was like no other I have experienced.  

The National Park System acknowledges our Veteran's with special  free admission into all of its parks. Restaurants offer free meals or special treats and many other businesses offer discounts.  There are parades, concerts, flag displays, run/walks, and ceremonial events.  It isn't hard to find an activity that fits you to help honor our Veteran's.  

This year I spent the day with my family at Mount Vernon, George Washington's home.  I love Mount Vernon.  I love being in George Washington's home, walking part of his plantation and through his forest.  To honor Veteran's they had a special book for them to sign, entrance was free and they provided red carnations to any adult that would like to lay it at his tomb.

Our family had a wonderful day.  As Cutie E was sitting on my lap during one of the films I wondered how each of these events and the places we visit will shape his life.  He ran around the bowling green, walked through the house and held our hands as we walked through the gardens and slave quarters.  He was so good.  Cutie O enjoyed a lovely stroller ride through the grounds of our first president.

Not every kiddo has the opportunity to visit, experience, explore and listen to the words of the men and women who laid the foundation for our country.  They are so lucky to have these expereinces build who they will become.

Fort McHenry

I continue to wonder,

How will their parents, uncle and great grandparents military service shape them?

How will the words and information they hear about our nations history impact them?

How will running around the first presidents plantation shape their future?

How will these experiences early in their life influence their path?

I am excited to see who these beautiful boys become.

I am so honored to be part of a family that has been willing to serve, that love our country  and the history it holds close to its heart.  I hope all Veteran's felt loved and appreciated on their special day. 

The "First" Washington Monument

Many of you know how much I love Washington DC.  Each time I have visited I have stopped at the Washington Monument.  It is stunning at sunset and the views to WWll and Lincoln are some of my favorites.  What I didn't know with each visit is that it was not the first Washington Monument. The honor of that title belongs to the city of Baltimore.

A few weeks ago Sean and I visited the FIRST Washington Monument.  It is located in a beautiful section of Baltimore.   The monument sits in the center of Mount Vernon Place, where it is surrounded by four small parks, one each side.  

Like all other monuments and memorials they need to be enjoyed during the day and at night.  They take on a different feel when the sun sets and the lights come on.  Our decision to venture out to the monument was last minute, so our first visit was in the evening.  

We arrived just as the sun disappeared for the day.  The lights were already on as the sun faded, but the parks were still alive with visitors.   Each park has beautiful architecture, history, fountains and landscaping to be enjoyed all year.  There were a lot of people out playing games, reading, visiting, drinking coffee and eating ice cream.  

Each of the four parks had  their own feel, a bit link a different room in your house.  The one thing they had in common were the bistro tables with chairs and park benches.  These tables and benches invited visitors to sit and stay a while.  The canopy of the trees made it feel very cozy, a place you would want to  enjoy any time of day or evening.  Our walk through each park allowed us to admire the monument from each side all lit up.

 There is more to the monument than the stunning views at sunset or at night.  It actually provides a history lesson on Washington as well as the construction of the monument and area.  We definitely want to return during the day, so we can walk the 227 steps to the look out tower, tour the gallery, visit the Peabody Library, art gallery and Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church.  

When we found out we were moving to DC, I was excited to explore areas that aren't on the typical tour.  I wanted to meet people that either grew up here or have lived here for many years and learn about the places locals know.  Getting to explore these lesser known places has been thrilling.

* I have included links so you can explore on your own virtually or add it to a trip itinerary. 

Have I Told You Lately . . .

. . . that I love you? 

Thirty-one years ago Sean and I said those words as we knelt across the alter to be sealed for time and all eternity in the Portland Oregon Temple.  

Portland Temple Spring 2021

When selecting our date to be married we did not consider that as a school teacher I would be in the throws of the start of the new year on our anniversary and wouldn't be up for more than a dinner out.  Not much has changed except I'm not teaching, but Sean is still traveling for work.

Portland Temple, June 2023

This year we planned ahead.  Sean arranged his schedule so he was home all week and we decided to do a few things together throughout the week.  

On our anniversary we shared a yummy steak dinner at home with the kids.  We tried our best to mimic our favorite steak dinner at Ringside Steak House.  We celebrated many anniversaries at Ringside and figured if we couldn't eat there we would at least try to make it at home.  I have to say, Sean did an amazing job with the steaks.  We didn't even try to mimic their famous onion rings.  

Like other young girls I had visions of my wedding day.  One of my visions included a delicious white cake with lemon filling from Beaverton Bakery.  They made the best cakes in town and each birthday my favorite cake appeared in time for me to blow out the candles.  

I took Sean on a taste testing trip before we selected our cake and he too fell in love.  So much so that he endured years of trips to the bakery around holidays to get some of their yummy fare.  Beaverton Bakery closed after 93 years and we don't live in Portland any more.  As a substitute I picked up Nothing Bundt Cakes in our favorite flavors, chocolate and lemon.

Before dessert we played a little golf at a 3-par course near our house.  For years I have viewed golf as a crazy game where you try to get a little ball into a little hole among a whole bunch of grass.  Well, I have changed my mind and now own my own clubs.  My shot isn't terrible, when I hit it.

He is much better

A couple of days later we went to the Washington DC Temple.  The temple is always a place of peace and comfort, this visit was no different.  

Attending the temple together on or near our anniversary is extra special.  It is a great reminder of the covenants we have made with the Lord and to each other.  With the Lords help and our commitment to one another anything is possible.  I love being married to Sean and that we are on this journey together.

We spent part of our anniversary weekend exploring parts of Virginia.  Our first stop was at the  Luray Caverns, the largest caverns in the eastern US.  I have never toured caverns, I was not disappointed.  My geekie science teacher side came out loud and proud.  

For many years I taught a "Geology Rocks" unit in science.  It included many pictures and a few videos of stalactites and stalagmites.  We even tried growing our own crystals in the classroom.  Pictures and videos can't even come close to seeing these natural creations in person.  

We took a lot of pictures, but none of them truly captured their beauty or majesty.    Dream Lake was one of those areas we just couldn't capture.  At its deepest the lake is only 18-20 inches, not deep at all.  What makes it so amazing is that it acts as a perfect mirror of the ceiling.  

Dream Lake

Around one bend we came upon a fallen stalactite that looked like a fallen redwood tree.  It fell due to a massive earthquake 7,000 years ago.  This was incredible and we felt like we were in a stalactite forest.

It was time to move on and walk through the Toy Town Junction and Car & Carriage Caravan Museum. I enjoyed the toy museum more than the car.  Seeing and reminiscing over the toys you use to play with is so much fun.  Sean enjoyed both as well, but throughly enjoyed the old historic carriages and cars.

Little People

Portuguese Carriage

We did walk around the Shenandoah Heritage Village.  It is a great visit back to the 18th century.  Some of the buildings like the Shenk Farm House are on their original site, while others like the Hamburg Regular School have been moved to this area.  After so much walking and reading we were ready for a little lunch and ice cream.  

Our next adventure took us to the Shenandoah National Park.  It is a beautiful forest that snakes along the ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  What makes this park unique is the 105 mile Skyline Drive with 75 overlooks.  We only drove about a third of Skyline Drive, but were impressed by the views, we have missed the mountains.

The leaves are just starting to change, Shenandoah will be spectacular in about 4-6 weeks.  We can't wait to go back and rent a cabin, check out the trails and waterfalls, visit the lodge and drive the other two-thirds of the park.

On the way home Sean asked if I wanted to stop and see the Manassas Battlefield.  Why not, it was still fairly early.  What a wonderful surprise this was.  We arrived just before sunset.  My photographer hubby refers to this as the "golden hour".  The soft golden light cast beautiful colors on the rolling open grassy fields, cannons and the light coming through the trees was amazing.

 The visitor center had already closed, but we and many others enjoyed an early evening walk (or portrait session) through the battlefield.  Visiting battlefields gives new perspective to wars or battles you may have studied.  I know it changed how I taught about Gettysburg after visiting it.  This visit would have changed how I taught about the first battle of the Civil War.

We read personal accounts of families living in the area, about those who sat on nearby hills to watch the battle, how homes were peppered by cannons and the personal descriptions of Thomas J "Stonewall" Jackson.

It was incredible to walk among a well preserved battlefield.  You could get a sense of what these young men saw that day at Henry Hill on July 21, 1861.  Little did they know then that on that day they would suffer over 5,000 casualties and the war would last for 4 years.

Golden Hour is a beautiful time of evening, in fact its our favorite.  Saturday we enjoyed bright vivid colors as the sun slipped behind trees and mountains.  I remember a Lifesaver Commercial where father and daughter were watching the sunset together.  The most memorable line was the daughter saying, "Do it again Daddy."  Sean and I often share this statement at the end of a beautiful sunset.  

Do it again!

Living with our daughter and her family have provided us with so many treasured opportunities.  We could not have imagined how wonderful it would be to live with our grandsons and to support our daughter and her husband in such a personal way.  But the moments we get to spend together exploring areas we never thought possible has been a true gift.

I love you Hun, and can't wait to visit again.

* I have included links so you can explore on your own virtually or add it to a trip itinerary. 

Shenandoah National Park