Washington D.C.

I served my mission for the LDS Church in Washington D.C. I loved loved my mission because of all the people that I was able to meet. When we found out we were moving to Philadelphia, I was excited because I knew how close it was to D.C. I could bring my little family there! So to start of Shawn's Christmas break, we celebrated, by making the two and a half hour drive to D.C. Oh man did we have such a great time. We started our trip by going to the Visitors Center at the Washington D.C. temple. The Visitors Center has a Festival of Lights every year. There is a free concert every night in December and there are so many lights, nativities etc that bring the Christmas spirit. It was so neat to go back. The Visitors Center was completely redone and it looks amazing! There is such a special spirit there. If you are ever in Washington D.C. I highly recommend it. We were able to meet up with Jenny, Kristen and her family (sisters I served with) and another dear friend from the mission, Koshell.

We stayed with the Gordy family for the night. I helped to teach Ramona and Pat while I was a missionary. Ramona was baptized a short  while after I started my mission. I love these two so much. They are such a strength and example to me. I am so grateful I was able to meet them. If you ever want a spiritual pick me up you will have to check out Ramona's blog here. They spoiled us so much while we were there!

Our day in the city consisted of the National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, eating hot dogs from a street vendor, yum yum :) and we ended by going to the white house to see the national Christmas tree. That was pretty neat to see. Even though we weren't to impressed with the decorating of the tree (I feel like some malls have better decorated trees), they did have a littler tree for each state. We found Pennsylvania, Colorado, but could not find Idaho. Of course it was way in the back tucked in a corner decorated with potato ornaments.

Sadly it was around this time when we noticed all the flags were half staff. We asked someone why and he told us about the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting. Our hearts were so broken. All that kept going through my mind was "an elementary school?? really??" I did my student teaching in a first grade class and I just kept thinking about when we would practice the intruder drill and get all the kids under a table, lock the door, turn the lights off and keep them quiet. They were so scared even though it was just a practice. I cannot imagine what it would be like for real. Those teachers, and others that losted their lives for the children's sake will always be heros.  I just could not believe it and to think what is happening with our world is so scary. I still think about and pray for those families that were affected and hope that they find peace. I know those little ones are with our Heavenly Father and are in a good place.

Brother Brewer is outside the Visitors Center every night during the Festival welcoming people. Ice, Rain or snow he is  still there! IT was so good to see him!

I love the Washington D.C. temple. Here is a short and sweet video that explains about temples. 

jogger strollers on a city metro doesn't work very well :)

The Harry Potter rob! Shawn would have been a great Harry...look at that face.

My baby is being eaten by a dinosaur!

National Christmas tree

We wanted to knock on the door and sing a Christmas carol to President Obama, but the guy standing on the roof with a big gun steered us away  :)

The Gordys! Thank you for everything you did for us!

Love hot dogs :)

I think Shawn decided to forget PA school and run for President of the United States