D.C.

We had a once-in-a-life time opportunity to go to Maryland to see Chris' parents. It was so wonderful seeing them in their element - they are such awesome Mission Presidents and it is evident how much they love each missionary and are cherishing each experience. Here's a synopsis of our adventures:

May 20 - Arrive in Baltimore. Dad/Ek took us to see Annapolis. It was Navy graduation - kids loved seeing all the uniformed men/women. Ate at Cracker Barrel...one of Chris' favorites from his mission.May 21 - Headed off to site-see in DC. Took us a while to figure out the metro system, but once we did we were off and rolling! Kids loved the "train".First we went to the National Archives. Obama had just been there giving a speech so we had to wait in line for quite some time as the reopened it. We loved seeing the Declaration, Bill of Rights, Constitution, Emancipation Proclamation.

Then to the American History Smithsonian. Barbara Bush's gown:Dorthy's (not so) red ruby slippers:Abraham Lincoln's Hat:Steel from the World Trade Center:Washington Monument:Capitol Building:Pond in front of the reflecting pool:Lincoln Memorial:Reflecting Pool from the Lincoln Memorial: (this was one of our favorite spots!):Veitnam Wall:Ethan found a Moody:White House:
May 22 - Off to DC again!
Spent most of the day at the Natural History Smithsonian. We LOVED this place!Kaden's favorite - the DINOSAURS!!!IMAX: Dinosaur 3D - Emma and Kaden did NOT like this!!! (surprise, surprise!)Ford's Theatre:Home accross the street that Lincoln died in:DC Temple:The Infamous Ritas!!!:
May 23 - LuRay with President and Sister Moody. Happy Birthday, Pappa!Harper's Ferry with all the Senior Couples:LuRay Caverns: (another one of our favorites!)May 24 - Happy Birthday, Taylor! Went to the LuRay Branch with Nanna/Pappa. We doubled their primary!
On our way to Gettysburg, we stopped to see Shenandoah National Park:Gettysburg (another favorite):
May 25 - Welcome Greg, Kelly and Ryan!Ft. McHenry:Baltimore Aquarium: The dolphin show was an obvious hit!Another IMAX: This one was a million times worse for the little ones! It was 4D - sprayed water, blew air, and little snakes tickled your feet...and this picture is BEFORE the show even started!Then we drove around and saw some more of Baltimore and saw the Mission Office:Back home at the Mission home and ready for bed!
May 26 - Time to say goodbye :( and leave for home! Thanks for a wonderful time and many wonderful memories!

11 Going on 16

My baby is 11! I am so thankful I have such an awesome daughter! She amazes me!!!

One For The Record Books...

Mother's Day was awesome this year. Let me start by saying my husband always has good intentions, but these kinds of holidays just aren't his thing. This along with Valentines Day just aren't his cup of tea. Normally I get a last minute card from the kids and a kiss on the cheek, which is better than nothing...I've learned to not have any expectations! I think it started back in our too-poor-for-presents college days and it has stuck through the years. So, I have to blog about this because it could be my one and only!

On Saturday I got flowers....can't remember the last time that's happened. (That's mostly my fault, I think they're a waste of money.) But regardless, they were nice and brightened my day!On Sunday he let me sleep in. Which would have been nice, but we have 9am church. Then to top it off, he helped the kids make me breakfast and served me in bed. This was a first, so all the kids wanted to join me in bed. They helped eat my VERY well done french toast, bacon and eggs. After church Ethan sent me on a scavenger hunt for my presents. They got me a horn for my bike, a license plate for my bike that says, "2 fast 4U" and some caramel/chocolate. Then they said I get to go pick out a triathlon suit!!! Sweet! I laughed so hard at my presents - and the kids loved seeing my reaction! That horn is so loud it will scare people a mile away! They keep asking when I am going to put it on....maybe I should share it and let everyone have a turn with it on their bikes?! Thanks, Moody for a wonderful day! Now this means I actually have to do something for Fathers Day....shoot! :)

Also, Happy Mothers Day to 2 wonderful mothers who each raised 8 children and somehow survived...love you both!

Jitters

Taylor had her first fast-pitch softball games yesterday. It was just a jamboree but she was SOOOO nervous! She rocked ('cause she's a Moody!) :)

First time up to bat (can you see the knees shaking?):Yes! On base! She hit it every time, but ended up 4 for 5:
She switched off between 2nd and center field:Great spectators that were easily entertained by food:
Good job, Taylor! You are truly amazing!

Breaking the Ground

We had a small ground breaking ceremony for a new building we are finally starting on.

Can you tell how thrilled Chris is?
The kids thought they were pretty cool:
They each got to "break the ground":
They quickly ditched the shovels and went to check out the big equipment:
Good job, Boys!

Mother's Day Tea

Emma had her Mother's Day Tea at school. She was so excited for it she could hardly stand it! She told me how she was going to hold my hand and help me sit down, pull out my chair, serve me food and sing for me. Well, lets just say that she sang for me! She was too excited to see all her friends that she barely wanted to sit with me, let alone serve me! :) No just kidding, her teacher made her serve me cake. But we did have a great time together - it's amazing how much she has grown this year!

Can you see the excitement?My crazy girl: Her awesome teachers, Miss Amy and Miss Brenda:(I forgot my camera and Emmers reminded me that I could use my phone. I'm surprised she knew to do that 'cause I've never used my phone camera before....it's funny that the kids are way more up on this sort of stuff than us!)

Germs

This is what you get for messin' with my camera!!!

Chopsticks...

Quotes of the week:

Taylor: "Piano is TOTALLY ruining my life!!!"

Ethan: "I need to quit piano because it makes me remember soooo much, then I don't have any room left in my brain for school work."