More to this life: 2011-06-12

Okay, does anyone know what day it is? Not really. One thing that happens when we are out like this is we don't have much contact with the "wired" world. Consequently, we kind of lose track of the date and sometimes the day of the week or even what month it is. Limited sightings of newspapers in the racks in downtown DC have given us a headline or two of what's going on in the other world.

We had talked about going back into DC today, but a late night at the Panter house (we've had a few of those this week!) caused us to reconsider. That, along with Jena and Josh and the girls spending the night there changed our plans a little. And a late night thunderstorm. Jake was able to take the day off today so that made last night the night that the girls got to have their "sleepover".

Here are some pictures from the last few days.

Our two loners hanging out together.

A double dose of monkey kisses!

Mom getting her dose of the water battle.

Armed and dangerous! Just ask Jena!

Justin found out it can be hard being the only boy in the group!

Is my tongue blue?

The only word that comes to mind is PRECIOUS!

Getting ready for Taco night!

Samantha trying to avoid getting her picture made

She finally gave in.

Prayer time before the meal. There are some good prayers going up from here!

Donna and I visited the Holocaust Museum while the others were at Arlington. I'm not sure I have words to adequately convey my feelings. Some that come to mind are: HORROR, ANGER, EXTREME SADNESS, OVERWHELMING. If you are in DC, this is something that every adult should see so that we NEVER forget what evil can come from the hearts of men. It is NOT a place for children.

We were able to drop in and spend a few minutes with our Congressman, Phil Gingrey. A good man doing a tough job!

His office is in the Cannon Office building (the oldest congressional office building) and it is quite impressive!

The rotunda area of the Cannon building.

One of the first floor hallways.

My sweetie in front of the US Botanical Gardens building.

A shot along Jefferson Ave which runs along the mall.

Here's a link to the pictures that Holly has uploaded. Lots of kid fun. dropbox

Here's a link to some more pictures we took. picasa

This morning, the radio provided that all too shocking reminder that there are things going on in the "real" world. Jena, Josh, and the kids visited Arlington on Wednesday. Today, there is all kinds of police activity and road closures around Arlington and the Pentagon because of someone having a "suspicious" device. Yes, the world is still real and sometimes a dangerous place to be.

We all leave here on Sunday, but maybe I'll get a chance to do more before we go!

On Monday we went into DC for the day. What a great day for being there! Temperatures just about 80 and a terrific breeze! We had such a great time. Didn't see it all but we're going back another day.

Our capitol is so full of things to do that are free or inexpensive. Just the museums that are a part of the Smithsonian are worth two or three days at least! Then add in all the monuments and memorials about our history and the people that have been a part of it and you've got a week's worth of (mostly) free things to do.

Be prepared to do a LOT of walking! There are a number of places you can pay $20 and park all day. If you're adventurous (or cheap like me) you can find some free parking along the mall. Here's what we hit on day one (more coming).

We started at The Marine Corps War Memorial (also called the Iwo Jima Memorial) outside the walls of the Arlington National Cemetery (across the Potomac River from DC).