Summertime Fun

Along with Anna's first birthday we have been super busy having fun and exploring all that our area has to offer. There is SO much to do around Fairfax and Washington D.C. and we have been taking advantage of it! A couple weeks ago our good friends from Texas, the Joneses, came to town to visit three different Exxon families that they are close with. Although they didn't stay with us we saw them multiple times and had a great time catching up. Emma loved to see her BFF Avery and they even had a sleepover. Emma was in heaven!

While our friends were in town a bunch of us took Metro into D.C. for some sightseeing. Here is little Emma, big Emma, and Avery on the train

The girls in front of the Washington Monument or as Avery calls it "The Giant Crayon"
Anna asking Brady what all this fuss is about being in the Nation's capitol?

Our first stop was the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

Emma loved seeing the "dinosaur bones"

Group picture as we were leaving the museum - what a good lookin' gang!

Next stop was the Smithsonian Art Museum for lunch and our gang apparently liked the fountains better than the high class art!

Then we headed to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Emma is showing off her piloting skills

That night Avery came over to spend the night. The girls had a great time goofing off in the tub!

They snuggled up with some popcorn to watch "Tangled"

The next night we all went to a barbeque at Brad and Jenny's house. They set up a little bounce house and Anna definitely wanted in on the action!

Brady got into the ball pit, too!

Anna finally got in when the big kids were done

Jamie and Anna with her "Shrek" hair

When my parents were in town we made a trip to Arlington National Cemetery. It was very interesting and amazing to see. The headstones go on as far as you can see.

One of the main attractions is JFK and his wife.

While we were there we saw a funeral procession of someone being buried with full military honors. There was a military band followed by a horse drawn casket draped in the American flag which was then followed by lots of marching soldiers. This was extremely amazing and sad to see. We had no way of knowing if this was a soldier killed in action or a retired veteran who died of natural causes. One thing is for sure, it quickly puts life into perspective. Not only am I extremely thankful for all of the men and women who serve in order for me to keep my freedoms, but in light of all that has recently happened to my family, I am grateful to have everyone alive and by my side everyday!

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Changing of the Guards. This was an amazing process to witness. They have such precision in everything they do. The Tomb has been guarded 24/7 since 1937. The soldiers have even stayed during multiple hurricanes - amazing!

Earlier this week I took the girls to a local park called Burke Lake Park. We started the day with a carousel ride....

then went for a train ride........

then played on the playground for a little while............

went for a little walk to see the pretty lake............

and finished the day with some ice cream for lunch. What could be better than all of this in one day?

Today I took the girls and met some friends from play group at Frying Pan Farm. We played on the tractors

Anna all smiles (she seems to always get stuck in the stroller!)

We had our SECOND carousel ride in one week!

Went on a wagon ride

Saw lots and lots of different animals. Emma enjoyed petting the goat and when she saw the turkey she belted out the "Albuquerque is a Turkey" song for everyone. Thanks Aunt Jenny for teaching us that song - definitely came in handy today!

I am worn out from the busy week but we are ready for the season opener MSU game tonight. Anna is quickly following in the family footsteps and becoming a super fan already!