Life back to our norm

 We arrived home Sunday evening, unpacked, and then watched a 25 minutes episode of a show on television.  It felt right having all my kids with me watching the show. Monday, we returned to work. Christopher stayed home from school to spend the day with Aubree.  They went to the zoo and then back to the zoo when Will got off work.  I was not ready for Monday because I knew the next morning, Aubree headed back to Utah.  I am glad that she spent some time with her brothers and with her sister that evening.  It is never easy to watch your kids leave, I wonder if it is gets easier with time or if I will always be a little sad.

Fall Break Part 6, Day 6 Philadelphia

 Our break was coming to an end and it was conference day for me, well, actually I was working the recruitment table. That morning, after we checked out of the hotel, we walked to Independence Hall and explored a few of the historical sites. Some of the artifacts in Independence Hall were original, which was neat.  I enjoyed hearing the account of the coming forth of the Deceleration of Independence and even stories of every day people making a difference standing up for what they believe.  The mind set seemed to not just be on the present time they were living but for future generations.   I was not fully aware of so much there.  We saw the Liberty Bell through glass and saw the grave of Benjamin Franklin (I like old, old cemeteries).  During my work hours, Jake and the kids explored a little more and went bowling.  After the conference, we began our trek home.  It was an enjoyable time with them. I am reminded of how fortunate we are that are able to make small trips as this with our kids for their memories and ours. And I liked that Ginny sent me a couple pictures too. 

Fall Break Part 5, Day 5 New York

 Being less than 2 hours from New York, we decided we needed to go see the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, and Times Square. We took the Staten Island ferry over to see Ground Zero and it passes right by the Statue of Liberty.  Aubree loves musicals so we tried to get tickets to "Hamilton" or "Wicked" but both were showing sold out on-line.  We also tried an area in Times Square but no luck.  I asked Jake if maybe we could walk over and check the box office; we were able to get the last 2 tickets to the show.  I think he and Aubree were both happy.  I always tease that the kids will remember their dad doing fun things with them but we best remind them, I am the one who stays back or secures the tickets (all smiles).  While they were at the production, the boys and I spent our time looking in stores.  Christopher was excited to custom make M&M's and Will purchased a light saber with his own money, against me trying to discourage it.  He did have to borrow some from us but I get to control his checks until the debt is satisfied.  I have never seen such a busy place as Times Square and even at 11:00pm, it was so very crowded.  

As much as I loved seeing the Statue of Liberty (and we saw Alexander Hamilton's grave which was neat because of the old cemetery), one of my favorite memories occurred in a watch store.  Will likes watches, we went in a watch store to browse. The had a "crack the code" where if you guessed the correct 4-digit combination that opened  the lock, you won the watch inside valued at $425. Each of the boys tried and then Jake tried, using our anniversary date and the door opened.  We heard excitement, so Aubree and I went over.  The employees were stating it had not been cracked in 2-3 years and Jake must be lucky, teasing he should buy a lottery ticket or something.  Jake responded, "I am lucky, I married her" and looked over at me.  He has a way of making me feel loved.  I am grateful for him.  Overall, we enjoyed sight-seeing in NY.

Fall Break Part 4, Day 4 Philadelphia

 Off to Philadelphia we go!  We stopped by Ft. McHenry for a bit and then had lunch in Baltimore.  That evening, Jake and I did a session in the Philadelphia temple with Aubree.  I felt a certain joy seated by her as we went through and then seeing her and her dad play around some after. It is a wonderful feeling to go to the temple with your children.  After the temple, we went back to the hotel, got the boys and walked to a philly sub shop for dinner.  We felt we needed a Philly cheese steak since they are known for that. In the end, we discovered that Will was obsessed and I think he ended up having 3-4 the couple days we were there.

Fall Break Part 3, Day 2-3 in D.C.

 We spent most of Tuesday and Wednesday exploring D.C., beginning at the Holocaust Museum, which is sobering.  I do not understand how anyone could deem another person as awful as the Jews were treated and labeled. My heart ached as we walked through, read, saw pictures, and looked at short videos.  I hope that I always treat people with dignity and respect. After the museum, we began walking to the national monuments. Will eventually convinced us to bike some, and we actually all enjoyed it. We biked to the Natural History Museum and then to dinner. The weather was perfect.  That evening we had dinner at a Thai restaurant that Jake had previously with his dad and brothers and wanted us to try, he liked it so much. 

Wednesday, our day began with a White House tour, followed by the Art museum, and ended with Arlington Cemetery. I enjoy hearing the stories shared and historical facts.  Who would have ever thought I would enjoy history like I do.