Washington D.C.

In the weeks before our trip to Memaw and Papaw's house, we started preparing the kids for what they were going to see in the many places we would visit.  We looked at a lot of books and watched a couple of videos on Washington D.C. studying the memorials and a few of the presidents.  Our trip to Washington D.C. was especially anticipated!  Maylee Grace was really excited to see the Lincoln Memorial.  It was a great day to visit!  We also visited a wing of the National Museum of American History and spent the rest of the afternoon in the National Air and Space Museum.  A-MA-ZING day!!!!

White House

White House

Washington Monument

World War II Memorial.  Pillars represented all 50 states that sent troops to war.

Strolling with Papaw

Lincoln Memorial

Baltimore

We drove to Baltimore and spent the morning at the National Aquarium At Baltimore.  We had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe in the harbor and then got a close up look at the a couple of the ships in the harbor.  We made a quick stop at Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles, to pick up some souvenirs with Camden's name on it from the gift shop.

Watching the dolphin show

Standing in the harbor with the National Aquarium at Baltimore behind us

Payton sportin' Papaw's Bears hat at lunch

Jonah and Kitchen Kettle Village

We traveled to Pennsylvania to go to "Jonah" at the Sight and Sound Theater.  This has been on my bucket list for years.  The show was great!  Then, we headed over to Kitchen Kettle Village in Amish country to visit all the shops.

Visit to Papaw and Memaw's house

 We boarded a plane from Albuquerque to West Virginia to visit Papaw and Memaw.  We had lots of fun and got spoiled more than we deserved.  :)

Papaw and Maylee Grace playing a little soccer.

So excited to fly!

Pee Wee Bull Riding Champion!

Pee Wee Barrel Racing

Pee Wee Stampede Rodeo

We visited the fair a couple of different days this year, because Matt was working a booth for the Baptist Convention.  It was the only way that the kids would get to see Matt, because they were sleeping when he left and when he got home at night. 

The littles decided to try their hand at the Pee Wee Stampede Rodeo.  Maylee Grace competed in barrel racing and Payton competing in Bull Riding and WON!  It was too cute!

 

NM State Fair

May was so excited to get close and pet the animals.  The one goat below was interested in her necklace.

As I snapped this picture, Maylee Grace is saying, "I have his goatee."  My guess is he wasn't too happy with her.

The boys were watching the Mountain Board show....we were doing self portraits. 

Leading and Loving It Retreat

My friends, Serena and Ashlee, and I boarded a plane to Oklahoma City for a Pastor's Wives Conference.  Everyone attending was in ministry.  We had a great time meeting new people, being refreshed and laughing until our stomachs hurt!

One of my dearest and best friends from high school came from the Dallas area and met us at the conference. Elisha fit right in with our crazy crew.  It was such a treat spending time with her!

 "Pinkitzil" the cupcake shop

We also visited the Oklahoma City Memorial from the bombing in 1995.  What a peaceful and sobering place.  It was beautiful.  The chairs in the picture below represented every person and floor (row) they were on in the building.  The smaller chairs represent children.  They were each engraved with the names of the victims.

Who needs a school room?

We've been taking advantage of the cooler weather and doing school outside!!