Tea for Grandma

In just a couple weeks a collection of moms, sisters, cousins and friends will be gathering to celebrate the birthday of someone we all love and cherish, Edna Bergloff.

Her daughter, Julie, has sent out the invitations. And her other daughter, Diane, will be hosting the tea.

It will be charming. It most likely will be full of chatty ladies. But mostly, it will be a warm place to be as we honor Edna.

Please come!

(broken in & written by Lacey, Edna's 3rd grandchild)

A Most Favorite Thing

Christmas is a favorite time of year for me. It starts with the weather getting colder, leaves changing and the planning for Thanksgiving. Actually for me it's more about gathering my family and making and reliving memories. If I had my way, the season would last a little longer--not just because of Christmas Cheer, but also because I take decorating for Christmas pretty seriously. I love all Christmas music and could listen to it in my car all year--much to the objections of Jacob and Isaac. Several years ago I came across some Christmas history that gave new charm to a classic Christmas song--The Twelve Days of Christmas--always somewhat of a mystery because it didn't really make sense--I could never remember the order of the days and how they related to each other-- 2 turtle doves, 11 pipers piping--what exactly is a piper? and 7 swans a swimming--meaning what? Anyway, the story behind the song was so moving and charming to me that it too has become a very most favorite thing. A week ago, I was sharing with Melissa a find at Williams Sonoma-- The 12 Days of Christmas plates--I loved them but was trying to justify my need. A week later I received a gift card from Melissa and Chad--an early Christmas present to use and love this year and many more to come. The picture doesn't do the vintage images on the plates justice. You might have to come for a visit and a slice of pie to see for yourself.

PS You can imagine my delight when I found Jim Shore Christmas cards featuring the 12 Days of Christmas. I'll get them out early this year with the history behind the song included--maybe it'll become a favorite for you too.

When I grow up . . .

I can remember back to a time and season in my life when I was asked--What do you want to be when you grow up? My response was almost always the same--a nurse. When I attended BYU I took pre nursing classes--chemistry, physics, nutrition-- I opted out of school and into marriage, children and 10 years of being a single mom. Through the years I would still look into local nursing programs just to see--what if? A few months ago I found a local private college that offers a 2 year fast track RN program. I took the next step and passed the RN entrance test. Today I met with the director of the nursing program to make my name on the class list official. I left his office with a smile on my face. I recently read an article that ended with-- dreams are not age based--lucky me--I still have a few dreams left to live.

A Sneak Peek

It’s a tea party! My Mom is turning 75 next January. To celebrate her birthday and honor her as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend I am hosting a tea party. The party will be held at my home in Eagle, Idaho on Saturday January 17th, 2009. I am hoping all who know and love her can come to share this special afternoon tea with her. For the past several weeks I have been collecting tea cups and saucers, teapots and table linens. I bought metal folding chairs from a chapel that was being remodeled and am making chair covers for them. I plan on having a photographer and lots of yummy food. This will be a special memory for all so, please mark your calendars--you won’t want to miss the party! Formal invitations and details will follow next month. PS. Think tea party hats.

Baby Olivia is Here--Grandbaby #10

What a sweet little girl we have added to our family. Olivia is the third grandbaby that has been born this year--Melissa will give us #11 sometime around Thanksgiving.
In spite of all that is really crazy in the world today--there are a few rare and priceless gifts that remind me of a bigger picture-grandchildren--some of the very best that life has to offer.

Save the Date Reunion Postcards

If Lacey did not have your address, she mailed them to your parents and they should pass them on to you. It's not fancy, just a postcard. Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Jacobs Eagle Project

One of the odd things about Idaho that I still can’t get my head around is that you can drive—as in drive a car—here at the age of 14 1/2. I sometimes pick Jacob up from the high school and there seems to be a sea of cars. Anyway, one of Jacobs conditions to driving is that he earn his eagle award. Part of that award includes an eagle project that is approved and sanctioned by the local boy scout big boys. About 2 months ago Jacob decided to organize a food drive for a local men’s shelter. He contacted Albertsons who donated grocery bags and attached a flyer explaining his cause to each bag. The boy scout troop in our ward all 15 of them then spent a Wednesday night dropping the flyer and bag off at 500 neighborhood homes. Saturday that same troop and their leaders then drove through the neighborhood to collect the donations. They started collecting at 9am and by noon we had a pickup load to drop off at the shelter. One eagle project down—one to go. We learned a few things this time around—like you can’t knock on doors at 8:30 on a Saturday morning—your neighbors are likely to throw the canned food AT you. Also, we made 2 trips to the shelter because so many people called for pickups—because they had forgotten to leave their donations out on Saturday. All in all, as Martha would say—it was a good thing.

Cake Anyone?

I turn 51 tomorrow. I know I am getting older because I’ve moved the font size from 12 to 14. I look back on the past 12 months—a short 12 months and wonder how it is that time really does speed up. I am very clear in my memories of being 8 years old and how I was even 8 ½ years old for what seemed like forever. I don’t remember any part of the 1950’s but I have lots of memories of "time” starting for me during the early 1960’s. I could almost believe that the changes that have taken place over the last few decades could be a convincing argument that I was born on another planet—some would still agree that I was. Still I treasure most, some memories that now are only written about. Walking to school for kindergarten at the age of 4-- alone—the 6 to 8 blocks would never be safe for a 4 or 5 year old in today’s world. Trick or Treating in our neighborhood where there were literally hundreds of small children out walking the streets collecting “safe” candy without supervision—my Mom was at home passing out walnuts to the Trick or Treaters. I remember being in highschool before the dress code was changed permanently to allow girls to wear jeans to school. I ‘d like to say we’ve only moved in an upward direction but honesty would tell you that all that has changed our modern day world is not all good. Still, I look back on my 51 year history and feel richly blessed. Age and the aging process changes us, softens us, teaches us better I hope, to love each other. I hope I am a better listener, that I have a more gentle heart—I think I cry easier. I’d like to say age possibly even refines us—not just that as I have gotten older I “have” to sleep with a down pillow, or that the Burberry cashmere scarf my sister sent me for me birthday is one of the most heavenly feeling things I’ve had around my neck—it rivals the taste of really good dark chocolate. Amazing to me is that some of this refining doesn’t require developing a taste for—it’s immediate. Some of that refining is reflected in how my heart and eyes see life. My friendships mean more, my relationships with my family mean more, --anyone who knows any of my daughters will know and understand the gratitude that I feel daily for having them in my life. I read their blogs about the little people—my grandchildren-- in their lives and can only smile knowing that the pride I feel for my grown daughters is such a treasure to me. My faith continues to be an anchor and beacon that willingly hones and directs me—I need only listen. So here’s to 12 more months of being 51. My Mom is cooking Sunday dinner tomorrow—cake anyone?

It's Huskie Football

Isaac decided to go out for football this year. Because we were treking through most of the month of August, he got a late start with the preseason practicing. He said the first week was so hard he just wanted to quit. I was proud of him for "hanging in there" and toughing out the daily practices. Over the next several weeks a conditioned and smiling Isaac is wrapping up this season with his team--the Huskies. Isaac is attending a brand new middle school this year and so this is the first team for this new school--and they haven't had a great winning season. But, for #47 -- well, he's an all star :)

A Visit From A Sister

We were delighted this weekend to have Michelle visit from Utah. Her visits are never long enough and so here it is Monday and she's already left to return home--ok, to her job and her cat too. She spent some time looking at real estate as a possible home once she decides to make a nest someplace. We also did some shopping and had lunch at Rembrandt's. Visits from loved ones are never long enough or often enough. She plans on returning for Thanksgiving so until then--God speed and drive safe.

So, this whole "visiting thing" got me thinking about ALL the reasons WHY you would want to visit us here in Eagle--besides coming to see family--

1. We traveled all over the US this summer and I am honest when I claim that bar none--Boise has the very best car wash--I mean the best --and it's also affordable--like $5 and they have awesome vacuums--the kind that can suck anything you don't want in your car--wrappers of all sizes, somebodies worn out socks, and all the STUFF in the small little cracks you can never get but can still see.

2. We are only 20 minutes from the airport--anytime, day or night.

3. We are also only 20 minutes from the Boise Temple. I am willing to go with or babysit for anyone wanting to attend.

4. We have an awesome $1 theater here. Any new movie will hit the $1 theater in a matter of just a few weeks. They also have the BEST homemade carmel corn--the kind that's still warm but it doesn't stick to your teeth--oh and it's only a $1 too, along with drinks, and candy. By the way, their restrooms are clean too. I've been to more movies since moving to Eagle, than I have in the past 10 years.

5. If you're visiting during the summer, then we have rivers to float and lakes to swim and boat in--all about 20 minutes away. If you come in the winter, we have Bogus Basin, great for skiing and snow boarding--also about 40 minutes--from our door to the slopes.

6. We have some great shopping all within about 20 min. max. There's Home Fabrics for great deals on all sorts of designer fabric and lots and lots of trims and tassels--all at bargin prices. There's also a new favorite of mine Grabbles. It's a home decor store with GREAT prices open only and every Thursday. You can change the look in a room on the cheap and love it too. Another favorite for me here in Eagle is that I am only a few minutes away from 3 church book stores. I can stop in for a new read or just browse on my way home from the grocery store or the car wash. There are 2 more up scale malls that are planned for opening in the next year or so but I am minutes from the only Marshalls in the whole state of Idaho and of course we have Costco--Ernie's favorite--for lunch too--and Sams Club--what more could you want. :)

So perhaps I am pleading my case and recruiting all family, friends and loved ones--come for a visit--maybe, just maybe you'll like it or even love it and decide to stay.

Family Reunion Notes

Iam happy about the positive response to the family reunion. Sara suggested that a save the date be sent out to everyone to help get the word out and to have a reminder to pin next to your calendar. Lacey agreed to help with that task so this is a heads up to the save the date card that will find it's way to your mailbox in the next two weeks. Please let me know if you don't get the invite.

RED HOT NEWS--THE BERGLOFF FAMILY REUNION

Save The Date
August 6 through August 9, 2008
The much talked about family reunion is finally going to happen. Our location for the party is at Camp Cascade--just over an hour outside of Boise. I know many of you will be traveling from long distances some with babies and small children. My hope is that your families can travel to Boise and either come in a few days prior to the reunion or stay for a few days after so it's not all travel time and so everyone can spend as much time together as possible. There is still lots of planning to do and I will need to have a head count of all those who are planning to come. Just a bit of info about Camp Cascade. I first visited the camp with our Stakes annual Laural retreat.
It has a large lodge and kitchen area-- plenty big enough for everyone to eat, visit, play games, watch movies etc. There are also game areas outside--volley ball, base ball etc. There are cabins that sleep 7 and a few cabins that have bathrooms. Overall I was so impressed with how clean it was and how beautiful and peaceful it was. The costs seem to be reasonable and I am hoping everyone has plenty of time to budget between now and next Aug. The camp is located on the high end of a reservoir--although in Aug. the water levels may not be what we would like --we may have to have water sports as the other end--approx. 6 miles. The fees are $20 per family per night with a $10 cabin charge (the $10 cabins do not include a bathroom--however the bathrooms that I saw were all very clean) meals are prepared at a cost of $5 per meal per adult and $2.50 for anyone 5 and under. I will talk more about food and menus over the next few months. There is also an additional Camp fee charge of $200 per night --this covers the cost of the kitchen, lodge and having our food prepared. It works out to only a few more dollars per person depending on how many people attend. For those of you who have attended other Bergloff family reunions--this facility is much. much nicer. We've talked about having a family blog to keep everyone informed and to have a place for everyone to post pictures--we're open to all suggestions. More info and pics to come.
Mark your calendars now-you won't want to miss the fun!

The Witch Is In

As many of you who know me very well know, I have a varied and sometimes strange assortment of collections—I started having children when I was just 19 and by the time I was 25 I had collected 4 sweet little girls. Although they’re not little any more they are the very best and most cherished of my collections. They have enriched my life in ways I can only begin to list and my relationships with them are priceless.

A little later I found the most charming antique salt spoons at the DeAnza flea and simply couldn’t resist and so bought the beginning of my salt spoon collection. I have a few on display and actually use them with the accompanying salt cellars. I still wonder why we ever stopped using them—because I still think they are so charming.
I am pretty sure that sometime long, long ago—like in the life before I was in charge of a bunny farm. As a result of that past life I now have many—well several bunnies in my house. I probably have one or two in every room of my house although you’d have to look to find them.


And lastly I love Halloween and have some unknown connection to the whole witch thing. I’d like to believe it has nothing to do with witch behavior or even looking like a witch. I hate heights and so am pretty sure the whole riding on a broom thing would never work for me—but I do seem to enjoy having several out in my house during October—hence the pictures of this newly created witch. I love her hat and especially her shoes :)
I have continued to add to some of my collections. I added 2 little boys with my marriage to Ernie and continue to add a salt spoon or bunny from time to time. Several years ago at my Grandmothers funeral there was a table displaying all the chickens she had collected during the last several years of her life. She had 22 grandchildren and as we left that afternoon each of us were able to pick a chicken to take home with us. I still have that chicken and I still remember her collection on high shelves around her home. But more, I remember sweet memories of being in her home, watching her in her gardens and spending family dinners with her. I hope that one day after I am gone those I love will remember with a smile these odd things that help to describe and define me but mostly I hope I leave a memory of being a wife, mother, sister and daughter who loves and collects bits and pieces from those I love most.

We're Back To Fall

So perhaps I’ve been a little slow blogging my somewhat unorganized life. In spite of the changing pace during our 5 week road trip, it was easier to write about the places and sights we saw daily. We got home just in time for school orientation and now we’re back into the school year again. Isaac has a full load playing football this year and also finding time for piano lessons—and the practicing. Jacob started high school this year. He has seminary zero period and is so so close to finishing up his Eagle. He went to his first church dance last week and loved it-- the life of a 14 year old. The weather here in Eagle has cooled some from the hot summer days of August. I love fall and am looking forward to the trees turning and shorter days. Maybe what I love most is that as the season turns—the holidays come—I love the Christmas season and how Thanksgiving seems to be the beginning of the party. I even love Halloween—there is something about this witch thing that I can relate to. Sara, my niece—maybe even a very favorite niece came to visit my Mom and Dad the first part of Sept. She came with her husband, Matt and sweet little daughter, Ava. It was so fun to spend some time with her. Lucky me, I get the benefit of seeing those I love when they come to visit any family here in the Boise area. And then finally, this past weekend I has able to meet up with Summer, Lacey and Melissa at my sister, Julie’s house for a long weekend. Lacey brought Landon and Melissa had Izabelle-- always a big draw for me. We laughed and cried and stayed up way too late. We missed Ashley and my Mom who both had conflicts on their calendars. We’ve already planned a weekend for next year to make sure we all keep our calendars clear. I can already hardy wait :)

Marshmallow Warriors-- Isaac Turns 13

Isaac turned 13 on August 22. It makes it official now—I have 2 teenage boys. Isaac asked if he could have a few—8--friends over—like a party. I like parties, I even love parties, but the thought of have 8 which became 10 because Jacob also invited a friend over only sounds like wild and loud to me. We talked about all the options and settled on pizza, a movie and a marshmallow war. We bought ½” pvc pipe and added a few elbows, tees and end caps. Glue it together, load with a small marshmallow put in in the hands of a 13 or 14 year old and you have a marshmallow fighting machine. Needless to say “the war” had zero casualties. You can’t really get hurt although you’d be surprised at how hard and fast you can shoot a marshmallow. You can only load one marshmallow at a time and so it requires strategy and timing to win. It makes you wonder what the world would be like if all wars were fought with marshmallow guns. I now have a hundreds and hundreds of little marshmallows all over my back yard—a feast for the birds I am hoping. Can you imagine having marshmallow bullets--we'd wipe out all world hunger. The warriors came inside when it got dark and are now watching “Water Boy” on our 11’ screen. I am at the complete opposite side of the house and I can still hear every word. I am wondering if the movie is better if it’s louder? Anyway, watching Isaac today has made me reflect back on Aug 22, 1994. How did I know I could love a little boy so much. I love that he has always been a hugger and a lover—even as a baby. I love that he has a quiet way about him but he can be totally funny and entertaining. I love that he has such a strong sense of right and wrong and is very sensitive about how others feel. I love that he loves the piano and that he can play it so well. I love hearing him play—and could you please play that just one more time for me. I love it that he keeps his room fairly clean without prompting. He also is a bit of a clean freak and so showers daily without ever being reminded. I love that Isaac is a morning person and is always ready for the new day to start. I love it that he loves school and learning and wants to do well—he stays on top of his homework on his own. I love watching him pass the sacrament on Sundays. I love sewing his merit badges on his sash—it reminds me that I will soon have an Eagle Scout. I used to tell Ernie when the boys were still in elementary school that these are the easy years. I looked at Isaac today and thought I may be at the noisy and wild years but I am still loving every day. Happy Birthday Isaac!

Five Weeks and Home Again

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Grand Junction--The Grand Finale

Blessing Day
It was so nice to be able to share this day with Melissa and Chad. Their sweet little Izabelle was blessed today. Many of Chad’s family were able to attend so we made a visible impact on their ward sacrament meeting. This little girl was given a sweet blessing by Chad that will follow her from this, the almost beginning through many years to come. Melissa is a “party planner” so the lunch after church was beautifully presented and yummy as well. We’re at the tail end of our 5 week road trip. Grand Junction has been a great finale— besides the blessing today--Jacob and Isaac spent Saturday with Chad and his brothers—the Barney Brothers—off roading and target shooting. They both had sooo much fun. Both are already talking about the “next” visit. We leave for Eagle tomorrow—almost 7,000 miles. We’ll stop in Salt Lake tomorrow to have lunch with Mechelle. It’s strange to think that tomorrow night I’ll be sleeping in my own bed. That’s the up side—the down side—I’ll have loads of laundry to do and no room service. :)

Falling In Love--In Kansas?

Day 32
Hayes, KS to Denver CO
348 miles
Kansas, home to Dorothy and Toto, and miles and miles of corn fields. We are westward bound on the 70 West—just before we reached Colby we saw huge fields of big yellow sunflowers—makes sense—Kansas is the sunflower state. But, driving by and seeing these glorious fields filled with huge yellow flowers and blue skies with white clouds—I fell in love. I would have liked to stop and, well, pick as many as I could hold—what to do with them next—I am not sure—but there is something awesome about seeing a sea of yellow flowers—it would make a great back drop for a picture. It made me think that maybe in my next life I could choose to be a sunflower farmer—ok and a bunny keeper. We’re staying at a Marriot that has a Lone Star Steak House across the parking lot—the boys have already looked at the menu and have dinner planned. Because it’s early we’ll go see the new Bourne Ultimatum movie at a local theater and then count the miles tomorrow before we get to Melissa and Chad’s house in Grand Junction. :)

Missouri--Another Chapter In Church History

Day 31
Independence to Hayes, KS
378 miles
This morning we stopped at the Church Visitor Center in Independence to view some of the church history here in Missouri—it’s located right across the street from the head quarters of the Community Church Of Christ—(the RLDS church). We stayed to watch the latest Joseph Smith movie. Jacob and I had already seen it during a lay over in Salt Lake a few months ago—it was a first for Ernie and Isaac. I enjoyed it even more this morning because we had just visited all the sights that the movie had been filmed at. From Independence we drove the 20 minutes to Liberty and were able to take the tour there of the Liberty Jail—a sad story that shares with us a season of faith for those early saints. Our last stop was another short drive to Farr West. We were able to visit the dedicated temple site and to read the plaques that again shared with us a snapshot—of time and of a people that lived and died and left a legacy that moves me still. By this time it’s late afternoon with a 5 hour drive to our next tack on the map—Hayes, KS. Tomorrow we are westward bound again to Denver. I will go to sleep tonight with the visions of what I saw today. It was a good day.
Just a note--Jacob and Isaac are standing by one of the original temple corner stones(now in a covered display case)in the second picture:)

To The Top And Back--Still Westward Bound

Day 30
Louisville to Independence, MO
500 miles
The last few days have been such a happy blur, it’s hard to keep track of what day of the month it is and exactly where was I last week at this time. It’s hard to believe we’re west ward bound on the map and that by this time next Tuesday I’ll be home—sleeping in my own bed, going through a pile of mail and gearing up for school to start. This has been a wild ride and I will never be quite the same—I have loved it all. We left Lacey’s house this morning a little teary and headed out across Indiana, Illinois and through Missouri. We stopped in St. Louis for lunch and to take the tram to the top of the Arch. It’s amazing to watch the documentary on how the arch was built –prior to our hyped up computer age – not one person died during the construction. I am not one for heights -- just standing at the base and looking up made me queasy. I made the only need to once in a lifetime trip to the top and landed back at the bottom in one piece minus my sun glasses that had fallen off in our tram car—not good. Lucky for me my glasses were found and made the second trip down to the bottom. I left smiling—glad to have my sunglasses back on my face and glad we had made the stop. We passed several firework warehouses today and Jacob finally prevailed in his pleas to get us to stop and replenish his supply. Most of his stash he had used with Ryan and Tanner—we stopped and Jacob is still smiling. We’re in Independence tonight and I hope to see Liberty Jail, Farr West and maybe Hauns Mill tomorrow before we head westward again. We’ll be in Grand Junction for the weekend—Melissa and Chad will be blessing baby Izzy on Sunday. I can’t wait—again:)

Visiting The Williams

Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Louisville, Kentucky

We arrived in Louisville, Kentucky on Thursday afternoon. Are we there yet? And now how much longer? were frequent questions. The scenery and Harry was a nice distraction. What can be better than driving across this beautiful country and then being able to spend a few days with those I love and cherish the most—family. Lacey and Ryan had lots planned for our visit but I am happy to just be here. We went to Mammoth Caves on Friday. It was really hot so the caves—which remain a cool 50 degrees was nice. The tour was 2 miles into the cave and 2 hours long. I had heard so much about the Mammoth Caves that I am glad we got to visit them but would only need to do it once. We also made a visit to an awesome ice cream parlor called Graetars—that is something I could do over and over again. We plan to leave Tuesday morning for Independence, MO –we’ll pass through St. Louis and we hope to at least do a drive by to see the famous arch.

Day 24
Williamsburg to Charleston—368 miles
We drove through Virginia and into West Virginia—home of the Hatfields and McCoys—and beautiful green rolls hills—and did I mention all the green? It made me wonder –Where does everybody live? Charleston feels old and charming with a bank of riverboats and rows of old stately looking homes along the river. The travel book didn’t mention much about Charleston except the capitol building—we drove by it and couldn’t miss the very ornate gold dome that decorates the building—nice. We’re off to Louisville tomorrow—me, all three of my boys and Harry—the 4th book—Jacobs favorite. The boys are swimming, Ernie went to find a Staples store and I am enjoying all the temporary quiet.:)

Stepping Back In Time

Williamsburg
Day 23
If you wanted to know what life was like in the 1700’s—Williamsburg is a great place to visit. It’s rich with history from our young nation. The Declaration of Independence was signed in the Capitol building here. There were 500 town people dressed in period clothes to add to the charm—in addition 88 of the 400 buildings are the original—mostly brick. We visited the Capitol building, a brick yard—the boys took their shoes off to stomp in the clay, the gunsmith, silversmith—way cool—post office, grocery and we watched as history repeated itself in the street with riding horsemen carrying news of a revolution. It was very hot and humid again—Isaac decided to carry a small cooler with drinks—actually he decided he should sell the drinks and make some money and then decided that the drinks were worth more to him—so he carried the cooler and used it as a seat. Leave it to Isaac—he’s counts his vacation spending money daily to determine how long it still has to last. I loved Williamsburg—one day isn’t enough to see everything though—if I came again I would plan on 2 or 3 days and plan around cooler weather. We ate lunch at the Kings Arm Tavern—the food was only fair but it was a charming stop and it was air conditioned –a plus. I bought a plate from the tavern as a keepsake. Jacob wanted to know what I was going to do with just 1 plate—I looked at Ernie who said—I know, she’s going to put it on the wall—he’s right. Tomorrow we end west again—homeward. We stop in Charleston, WV for the night and then Thursday we stop in Louisville, KY to spend a few days with Lacey and Ryan.

Washington DC Temple

Day 22
Leaving DC and venturing to Williamsburg, VA
156 Miles

We left DC and detoured to visit the Washington DC Temple. Not only was it beautiful but the surrounding neighborhood was beautiful too--Character homes on big lots and lots more green! The temple has 6 gold spires that in fog make the temple look like it really is floating on clouds-a nice way to end a great visit to DC. I will definitely want to visit again. Our drive to Williamsburg included Harry Potter--Jacob laughs like he doesn't know what happens in the book--go figure. We only have 1 day to explore here. It's hot and humid here--our hotel has a great pool with an indoor pool that connects to the outside pool. The boys have been swimming twice already today.

DC--Day Three

Day 21
We started the day with a drive through Arlington Cemetery and made several stops on our way back to the Smithsonians. The Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials were awesome—truly bigger than life. We also made a visit to the Vietnam Memorial—Ernie grew up with a boy who lived across the street who died in a fighter plane in that war—Ernie was also enlisted in the air force at that time. Seeing almost 60,000 names of those who fought and died has a strong impact. We spent only about an hour at the Natural History Museum—long enough to see the Hope Diamond and the Bird on a rock—both amazing— though not something I’ll put on a Christmas wish list—lucky for Ernie my vice of choice is still chocolate. Our last stop was the National Archive building—home to the Magna Carta, Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence—they were the real deal but very faded and almost impossible to read. They are housed in a huge vault-high security, no flash cameras. I left thinking I need to get copies of them and really read them. The weather in DC was strange today. It was so hot and humid that at one point I thought I’d pay some little kid in line $100 for his little hand held fan and then after being so hot and sweaty it was almost too cold in the National Archive building. At 6:00 we left the metro to rain—go figure. We leave DC tomorrow—so sad --and drive to Williamsburg for the next two days. Both Jacob and Isaac are anxious to see family—It’ll be fun to spend a few days with Lacey and Ryan and their kids later this week.:)

DC-- Day 2

Day 20
Tomorrow marks 3 weeks of our cross country trek. The time has flown by—we’ve stayed busy and yet most days are still flexible enough to make you think you’re still on a vacation. I suppose the timing is right with the boys too-- we have no babies and the boys are still close enough to pre-teen to be cooperative—most of the time. They carry the luggage and load and unload the car at each hotel. They can be found swimming almost every night and don’t need pool supervision—nice. They like each other about 90% of the time-- like the same books, games and TV programs—so there’s little negotiating –most of the time. Today we took the tour and ride up the Washington Memorial. It was very hot and humid today and so the fact that the memorial was air conditioned was really nice. The Memorial is the tallest building in the Capital so you had a great view—only ever need to do it once though. The subway system in DC is wonderful—clean, fast, affordable and air conditioned:)--You can get all over the city easily and most everything is close together in proximity. From the Washington Memorial we jumped on a tour bus—one of those you can hop on and hop off for the short ride to the Smithsonian museums. We started with the castle a big wow and then spent the rest of the afternoon at the air and space museum. Jacob would still be there is it didn’t close at 5—They have the Wright brothers first airplane, several of the Apollo space capsules , a moon rock you can touch, several WWI and WWII planes and several other exhibits that are very male oriented—it was crowded but clean and air conditioned. Back on the tour bus and we hopped off at Union Station for a late lunch. Union Station was the largest train station in the world—built with no limits on cost in the early 1900’s—it was refurbished in the 1980’s and is a show piece with a history of it’s own. The building is beautiful—the food was only fair. Tomorrow we’ll see the Vietnam Memorial , Arlington Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Archives and the Hope diamond.

Washington DC --Day 1

Day 19

I love it here! I love seeing the places that match the stories that we hear about-- starting from elementary school. I love hearing about the men and women that showed such courage and laid the foundation for much of what we have now. Today we met with an aid from Senator Craig’s office for a tour of the Capitol building. We walked through rooms where much of our government—past and present has led our country through war and peace, triumph and failures. We walked through the first supreme court –very small in comparison to the supreme court we know to day but—it was impressive! The paintings, wall murals, statues, wood work and some of the tile floors—Wow! Unfortunately, I was in such a hurry to not be late that I left my camera in our room—so sad. Our next stop was the Holocaust Museum—a very sobering way to spent the rest of the afternoon. The museum is 4 stories of a very large building dedicated to the memories of a very tragic time. Isaac spent several weeks last year learning about the Holocaust in school and yet was overwhelmed with the images and items on display that were sad reminders of what had happened in a not so distant past. We entered the museum and were given identity cards that told the story of a real person who had experienced the Holocaust. It has to be a sad state to know that that level of evil is possible. I left again feeling glad that the burden of that horrible time is not something I had to carry and wondering how anyone could. After a late lunch we walked the few blocks to the Ford Theater—the place President Lincoln was assassinated—again much more of an impact to see in person. Tomorrow we have tickets to visit the Washington Memorial and then a stop to the Smithsonian—I will not forget my camera again!

More Pics from NY

Day 18
220 miles

Today we left NY moving to our next tack on the map--Washington DC. I visited DC several years ago and fell in love with all the history. It's has to be one of the best vacations you can take. There's is so much history you don't see living on the West Coast. I am excited to be here and hope it has a lasting effect on all three of my boys. We drove through 200 miles of green landscape and blue skies listening to most of the 3rd Harry Potter book. We're staying at the Marriot in Arlington, just a block from the metro which gets us everywhere we want to go. Tomorrow we meet at Senator Craig's office for a tour and then we have tickets to the Holocaust Museum--I can't wait.

Zoo York

Day 17

So this morning we headed out for the Bronx Zoo. Mapquest directions give us a 22 minute travel time—piece of cake right? The problem was that most streets are unmarked and so we made lots of U turns. It was more like an hour by the time we walked through the zoo gates. It was hot today and so although there was plenty of shade –it was still hot. The Bronx Zoo is nice but only a distant second compared to the San Diego Zoo. We lasted about 3 hours and headed for the parking lot to an air --conditioned car—nice. After lunch we attempted the drive back to our hotel --by this time it was rush hour and again our GPS seemed to be lacking in the giving directions category or maybe it user error—we crossed a bridge, 2 underground tunnels and drove down 34th street --twice. We reached the Hotel with a combined sigh of home at last. Ernie thought the adventurous drive was the best event of the day—go figure. The part of New Yorkers being friendly and polite completely morphs into another animal when their behind the wheel. The boys all vegged out in the room and I took a trip to the laundry. New York City has been a great stop on our travel trek. The harried pace here would wear on me—much different even from the Bay Area—it’s why I call Eagle, Idaho home. :)
PS--Yes, Isaac is wearing a safari hat--ok for the zoo--anywhere else it seems a little random.

Day Two In New York City

Day 16
Lady Liberty—Ellis Island—Ground Zero

We thought we’d get an earlier start this morning but found ourselves leaving the hotel closer to 9:30 again—I tell the boys school is starting again in just a few weeks and Jacob has early morning seminary this year—they may both have a hard adjustment with early mornings classes. Anyway, we stood in long lines again as we waited to get on the ferry to Liberty and Ellis Island. At least the lines were fast today and the day was beautiful—not to hot and with a slight breeze—nice because NYC doesn’t always smell great. The Liberty Lady is glorious and I felt proud to know she stands for all the freedoms we have here. Ellis Island processed 12 million emigrants and so has quite a history. Both the Cole’s on my mother’s side and the Bergloff’s on my father’s side probably spent some time on Ellis Island. It was interesting to hear stories from so long ago that had such hope and promise. I left the dock with a lingering good feeling , glad that we had made the time to visit both islands. It was just a short 10 minute walk to ground zero. The actual site has a chain link fence with green plastic tarps blocking almost any view at all. There’s new construction going on although it’s still the early stages. I was amazed to see how close the towers had been to so many other large buildings—that were just across the street and yet there wasn’t more more catastrophic damage. We were fortunate to walk down Liberty Street to find the WTC Memorial Museum—It was a solemn reminder of a very dark day for our country. I remember well the morning of 9/11—Lacey called early that morning to tell us to turn on the TV. I remember watching the unbelievable happen right before my eyes and knowing that the world would be forever changed. Today, as I looked at the wall that had the list of names of those that died I wondered—if it happened once—can it happen again? --sadly I think it can. Isaac seemed moved by the quotes from survivors and both boys seemed taken by the bits of plane and torn building that were on display. I hope this is something they both remember for a long, long time. On a more positive note we have all been pleasantly surprised to find New Yorkers, polite , helpful and happy to share their city sights with visiting outsiders. Tomorrow is our last day in New York and then we’re off to DC.

A Day In the City--New York City That Is

Day 15
New York City
Because our hotel is in New Jersey, we took the train into Penn Station and Madison Square Garden. It was just a short walk to the Empire State Building—but a very long line to first buy a ticket and then an even longer line to get into an elevator to ride to the 86 floor. It was a beautiful day in spite of what looks like smog in the picture. They said visibility was 5 miles. We could see the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island—but she looked very small in comparison to all the sky scrapers. From the Empire State Building we took the subway to China town. I have very fond memories of visiting China town in SF so I was disappointed to find China town in New York—crowded and dirty with lots of only junk stores. I am glad we came but don’t think I’d ever need to visit again. We got back on the subway and stopped on 34th street to visit the biggest Macy’s store ever. I understand it is the biggest department store in the world. We had a late lunch and I wondered what it would be like to be here for the Macy’s parade—too crowded I am sure. A 10 minute train ride back to New Jersey and we’ll regroup for tomorrow—my feet were killing me--we’ll visit ground zero and then catch the ferry to Ellis Island and the Liberty Lady. It was a good day with a bonus because we didn’t get lost once and didn’t lose each other either. Shopping isn’t nearly as fun with 3 boys but it’s been a very positive experience for all of us to share this time together. This is such a beautiful land we live in—I will never be ungrateful again for what we have—it is bar none simply the BEST.

The Hill Cumorah--A Lasting Image

Day 14
300 miles
As we left Palmyra this morning we made a visit to the Hill Cumorah. It was a beautiful morning and you could hear the birds and the view from the top of the hill was breathtaking. We had driven up the hill to the Angel Moroni Monument— the one picture I had of all of us and the monument –taken by another visitor wasn’t focused—so sorry. The boys walked down the hill on a trail and we picked them up at the bottom. I was glad we stopped –it was such a nice image to leave Palmyra with—I was surprised at how far it was from the Smith home—probably 5 miles and I know they call it a hill—but it’s a very big, steep hill. Then we headed through New York and Pennsylvania and into New Jersey—listening to Harry Potter and being wowed by the beautiful landscape. Miles of green rolling hills—forested and meadow. We saw farms with red barns flanked by silos and still more green. We saw several steeples peaking out above tree tops—all picture perfect—again who would have guessed New York would be so beautiful?