After Cody's baptism (can you believe I didnt take one photo there?) we went out to eat with one of our favorite Elders. Elder Payne served in Walla Walla and now serves in Grandma and Grandpa's and the Evanson's ward. he will be returning home to Arizona in just 6 weeks so we were so glad to see him one last time.

He is a great missionary!

Wahington D.C.

We had a great time in D.C. What an experience. This is definitely a trip we want to do again with the children once they are older. It was amazing to see the history of our nation. We visited the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial as well as the memorials for the war veterans, also Arlington cemetery. Wow it was powerful to see all these remembrances and be reminded of those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedoms.
I explored the Smithsonian and also spent time at the Holocaust Memorial Museum while Brent was in his meeting. We also went to the temple. (pics a little dark) The Washington D.C. temple is quite a sight as it appears out of no where, right in front of you as you are driving down the freeway. What a great trip!
The children had a great time staying with the Cornia family. Also Addy and Jackson got in a little special time with Grammy and Papa over the weekend. :) Thanks Mom!

He's the Man

Cole is really going for it these days!

Yesterday he learned how to ride his two-wheeler! Yahoo!
Looks like the trike days are gone.. and just in time as his trike had just broken the day before that.

Later that night when he got out of the tub he gave himself a new look.

This boy is going for it!

This one's for Aunt Nataley

Alright so I can see there is still a lot to learn on the blogging. I am feeling good I can post pictures but then realize I really don't know what I am doing. Why in the world are the photos all so big??
Addy, Jackson, and Elle went all out for school spirit day. They were serious about wanting to sport their red and white. Complete with red colored hair and painted faces they showed how much they love their school. Addy and Jackson were each picked from their class for having the most school spirit and got to help up on the stage at the end of the assembly.
Just think if Aunt Nataley had been here to help. For sure they would have been over the top!

Old News

Well since this blog is serving as a record of happenings, I need to write about the trip Brent and I took last week to Long Beach, CA. We had a great time. Brent went officially for business (he receieved his recognition for passing his boards ((yahoo!)) and attended a conference) but we certainly got in some fun too!
Can you believe the first night we ended up at Hooters at nearly midnight.. our flight in was late and we were starving. That restaurant was first for me.. and had it not been for the fact it was the only thing open dont think we would have ever ended up there.. we got our order to go and even after the 10 minute walk back to the hotel the food still tasted so so good.. (I am always a big believer in eating food right when it is hot and ready, unlike Brent who will remember 4 things he needs to do and 2 calls he needs to make right as his hot plate is placed in front of him)

who knew it could be half way true when people say they really go there for the good food..

The next night we (well at least I) experienced a dream come true. We went and saw the musical "Wicked." We both loved it. It was held at the Pantera (sp) in L.A. and it was a beautiful theater. We loved, loved, loved the story and how it had so many insights into the Wizard of Oz... also some great potential of life analogies and the bigger picture.. 5 stars for sure~

The next night we went to the USC- Oregon game.. that was alot of fun and Brent remembered who he really was after a day or two of shopping and spending the night before at the theater.. :)

And the last evening we went to the LA temple.. Of course it is huge compared to what we are accustomed to, and really quite unique in many ways.
All and all a great great getaway.
A big thanks to Lani and Charlie for staying with the kids. Of course they loved every minute with them.