Update on our happenings!

Well all, it has been a while and we have been busy here in Arkansas...and in Virginia. Kenneth, Ella, my mom and dad, and myself all took a vacation to Virginia to see my brother Rob and his wife Cari in the middle of May. We had a wonderful time and saw lots of sights (Kenneth's favorite part) and got to see lots of friends (my favorite part). This was Ella's first plane trip and she did wonderful on the trip down, but apparently caught a little bit of a cold while there, and we had a pretty rough trip home, but she was a trooper. My brother and his wife promised at the beginning of our vacation that this would be the most well documented vacation we had over been on...and, I would have to agree. Rob and Cari never left home without their camera's and they took some wonderful pictures. I have to give them credit for all the pictures posted here...and you can check out more on http://www.pinkroomphotography.com/.

Well, our trip started out with a picnic in the park at the local park in Springfield. Ella had a great time and Rob and Cari got some great shots. The evening concluded with grilled pizzas on the patio and a visit from friends.

The plan for the following day was originally scheduled to include a water tour of the monuments, but rain threatened those plans and we ended up out at the Udvar-Hazy musuem near Dulles Airport. This is basically the annex museum for the National Air and Space Museum. I had never been out there and I was highly impressed. If anyone ever has the opportunity or is looking for something to do, I highly recommend it.

On Monday we visited the Marine Corp Museum in Quantico, VA. This was another new museum since I had lived in Virginia, and another must see. Our official photographers had to work at their day jobs that day, so unfortunately, I have no pictures of that trip.

Tuesday included a trip to the National Zoo, a tour of the Supreme Court, and an evening at the Ballpark watching the Nationals and Pirates play.

Wednesday we took a day trip to Gettysburg, PA, so that Kenneth could learn all about the civil war from my dad, who was more than happy to ablige. Again, our official photographers were working that day, so no pictures!

Thursday...I don't actually remember what we did on Thursday...I am sure it was good...oh, it just came back to me. We took a trip into DC to visit the National Archives and the National Museum of American History. Well, the trip to the Archives was unsuccessful, as the President was there that day and the line was huge. But, we did make it to the Museum and enjoyed seeing all the great exhibits. Rob joined us that day, but I don't have any of those pictures, so they will have to been on a follow-up post.

Friday...we were able to take a tour of the U.S. Capitol and were able to go on the floor of the House Chamber...thanks Jennifer for arranging...and then spent the evening with wonderful friends eating, playing games, and enjoying the company!

Saturday we had re-scheduled the water tour of the monuments...however, we got out to the boat and unfortuantely the trailer had a flat...so, still did not get to go out on the boat...guess that just gives us a good reason to plan another vacation!

Well, that is the quick summary of our trip and we got back home Sunday night and back to real life come Tuesday morning, luckily Monday was a holiday, so we got to extend the vacation just a little bit.

Since we got back to town we have been as busy as ever. Kenneth is taking summer classes, so he has class just about every night of the week, except Friday, I think. Softball season has started, so that is where you can find Ella and I every Wednesday evening. I am the official scorekeeper, and she is the Junior Official Scorekeeper. She loves being outside and loves watching the team play. On Saturdays you can usually find us at Magic Springs, which is a local amusement park/water park. We bought season passes along with some of our friends and love spending the day out there!

Well, Ella is now 11 months old, I can't believe how fast the time has flown. We are in the process of planning her 1st birthday party... it will be on July 11 and we are having a BBQ...all are invited so call me if you need the details. Ella is now walking too....Kenneth and I had a hard time keeping up with her when she was crawling, I am afraid it is all downhill from here!

Well, you guys are probably sick of my rambling, but just wanted to post an update!