Randomness...

Lately, I don't exactly know why, but I have felt so stressed and overwhelmed. Possibly because we are in week 13, and the end of the summer selling season is coming up (which is EXTREMELY stressful considering Dustin is trying to reach his sells goals) and I am getting ready to go back to school! Yes, you heard me right...I am starting back up at Snow to finish up two pre-reqs that I need to have before I apply for the Rad Tech outreach program through Weber State. After a lot of debate, and going back and forth on career choices, I have FINALLY made a decision.(Thank you Bree for ALL of your help! It meant so much, love you!!!) Deciding to be a Radiology Technician just fell into place with location, future plans, and the stability of going medical! (which I LOVE!) I have always been the type to watch any show that shows gory surgeries, injuries, and plastic surgery. I find it so fascinating ! I am very relieved that the decision has been made and I am working towards a specific goal! Wish me luck, because I am going to need it=)

We had a great weekend of dining out, date night, and touring!

Before we headed out for some sushi with our friends, we HAD to stop by some of the "single guys" apartment so Dustin could practice his guitar skills. He wants to learn SO bad, and I must say, he is pretty darn good for a beginner!

Saturday night, was our FIRST date night since the since coming to Maryland! Holy cow! We are usually pretty good about having date night, but this summer...not so much! When Dustin got home from selling we jumped in the car and headed to the movie. As much as we LOVE spending time with our friends, it's always nice to go out--- just the two of us!

Sundays are our only days to really get and do things. So...we decided this past Sunday to go the International Spy Museum with Josh and Allayna. It was very interesting. It shows you different equipment spies use to eaves drop on their enemies, it tells you what a spy gives up and what they put on the line to be a spy, it talks about different situations in history where spies helped determine huge decisions, and spies who have been caught and interrogated. It covers it all! We were able to crawl through vents and hear fake conversations...so much fun! D.C has the highest number of spies in the nation...hmmm...makes me take a second glance at people I see on the streets!

Ha, maybe I live with a spy...he looks like one!

Josh and Alley! So cute...

Quick picture before hopping on the metro!

Today, Alley, Court, Brooke (Ty's girlfriend), Kellie and I went to lunch at a little resteraunt nearby called Carolina Kitchen. It has the BEST corn bread! Mmmmm. Afterwards, we dropped Kellie off at the apartments because she had to work =( and we went to the Columbia Mall for a movie and shopping. We decided to go see G-Force, in 3D! I must say, those stylish glasses are the coolest invention! We had a great time! Then...after a little shopping we came home and painted our toe nails!=D What a perfect "gilrie" day! (a picture of us girls with our rockin' glasses will be coming soon...)

2008 Blog Book

When I first began blogging, I had heard through Bree that you could print your blog semi-anually or anually, or as often as you would like, and keep it like a journal. So I figured that since I haven't been in to scrapbooking as much as my Mom, Bree and Kayla, that this would be my journal/scrapbook. (it is much cheaper than scrapbooking, too!:) I had our 2008 year printed, and I received it this morning! I am so happy with it, it turned out great!!! So, I highly recommend, for those of you who are wanting to get yours printed, that you do it!!! You will love it!

Part 2 of Mom and Kiley's Visit... WARNING- picture overload!

*WASHINGTON D.C*
Our first day back in D.C started really well, we were able to get a tour of the Capitol. It was so neat to see it in person and hear the background behind all of detail, and what went in to building it. Thanks to Buzz's girlfriend Camille, we had a great time!!!

Also, as we were standing by the gift shop, I looked up just in time to see JOHN MCCAIN walk right passed me. I tried to get my camera out so that I could get a picture, but by the time I turned it on he had turned the corner... It was so cool to see him in person.


Kiley and I standing in front of Ms. Freedom. This is the mold for the statue on top of the Capitol.


The center of Washington D.C inside of the Capitol Building


Our countries motto: "E Pluribus Unum"- "Out of Many,One."

Ms. Freedom standing on Kiley's hand.

There were three sets of news casters in front of the Supreme Court Building. I am not sure what was going on, but I figured I would take a picture anyway...

CBS

CNN

After our tour of the Capitol, we decided to make our way down to the Smithsonian's. Our first stop, which I had not seen before, was the Native American Museum. Growing up, mom always made native American history a priority considering it is part of our family history. Learning about our past is so incredible, but what's even more incredible is that our past was part of the Indian Nation! Dustin and I both came from the Cherokee tribe.

This picture has all of the tribal names. I knew there were a lot, but I had no idea there were this many!!!

There was an area dedicated to just the Cherokee tribe. I learned a lot about the Cherokee's just from a few plaques.

I had no idea that they believed earth was created by a water beetle...interesting...


I know, I am such a natural!!! ha ha

After the Native American Museum, we walked a little ways down to the Air and Space Museum. I am so glad I went back, there is so much to see!

Mom and Kiley in front of the Smithsonian castle.

Kiley and I in front of the Museum of Natural History.

Now, for those of you who make fun of me for being horrified of snorkeling...Take a look at this whale's jaw! You could lay three grown men in there! Now tell me that's not scary...

Here is what the whale would like...AHHHHHHH!!!! I am going to have nightmares for the rest of my life just knowing that I stepped foot in the ocean!!!



Our next museum was the Museum of American History.

This is Abe Lincoln's suit.

...And his famous top hat...


Mom and Kiley with Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers!


Michelle Obama walking her dog Bo. I was so excited that we got to see her! They had Pennsylvania Ave closed because the President was coming home, and then the guard said something to Michelle, and she ran in the house! Very, very exciting...


The Washington Monument


WWII Memorial


This felt refreshing on our blistering feet...Awwww....


The next day, we woke up and went to the Arlington National Cemetery! Here is the memorial set up for the women who fought in the air force.


I would not have done well if I had to wear this uniform...ha ha.





Tomb of the Unknowns who fought in the battle of Bull Run. There are 2100 unidentified soldiers from this battle.


Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I was so glad my mom and Kiley got to see this. It is still my favorite part of D.C. I find their discipline so fascinating, and learning about what a high honor it is to be able to guard this tomb is unbelievable.


There were a bunch of guards from all over the world in town for an International Field Study (Experiment???). It was so neat to see them donate a wreath, and have them all in different uniforms.


After Arlington Cemetery we were supposed to catch the bus to go on the Twilight Tour. Well...I explained our luck with buses in the last post and...yep! We missed it! Ha We thought, or should I say "I" thought, it started at 8:00p.m when in fact it actually started at 7:00p.m. We had rushed home from the cemetery, got our vouchers, and headed to the metro station to take the metro going towards the stop for the Twilight tour. Just in case they would still let us on since we paid $30 a piece. After realizing that we would be an hour late we decided to turn around, and head back to my apartment. Well...I wasn't paying attention and we rode the red line all of the way to the end...not good! I felt like such a ditz this whole trip! I couldn't have been more scatter-brained... So after spending 2 1/2 hours doing...nothing...we headed back to my apartment to get some rest...



The next morning, we drove out to the Mount Vernon Estate where George Washington lived, and is also buried. It was absolutely gorgeous. George Washington loved his home so much! The home is still furnished with its original belongings, and everything is where it was when the Washington family lived there. You are able to walk through the entire home, and see the bed where George Washington had died. It was hard to imagine that we were standing where he once lived! Amazing... The home overlooks the river, and the estate is on around 8,000 acres. His home is such a peaceful place, I can see how come he loved it there so much!


When we took our tour of the Capitol, our guide informed us about how there was a vault made, in the center of one of the rooms, to be the resting place for George Washington when he died. Pres. Washington didn't want to be buried there, but instead he wanted to be buried at his estate. The vault at the Capitol remains empty, and here is where Pres. Washington and his wife Martha are buried.


Everyone needs a little Dt. Coke now and then...


Finally, our trip to the Holocaust Museum. What an overwhelming, yet neat experience. I could hardly keep back tears after seeing what these poor people went through. Being treated as though they are dirt...such a sad time in history.


The museum is full of information telling us chronologically how the holocaust came to be, and what happened throughout the years that it existed. I knew that it was a devistating time, but I had no idea how inhumane the nazis treated the jews. It is unreal.



I had a great week getting to spend time with family. It was nice to be able to hang out, and take them to see all of the incredible historic places here in our nations capitol. Thank you both for taking the time to come and see us! I love you both so much, and I am already missing you!