Friday, May 8, 2015
Greensboro Ballet Student Concert 2015
Landry has enjoyed ballet at Greensboro Ballet with Mr.Dennis (Mommy's instructor). We were able to record a portion of your student concert at dress rehearsal.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Washington DC May 2015
We are wrapping up an amazing trip to DC. Planning and the help of Sentor Riched Burr have afforded us an awesome stay. God has blessed us with beautiful 76-80 degree, sunny weather and great energy and health.
We arrived in DC with quite a wish list itinerary and have had a memorable time seeing so much of our Nation's Capital for the first time.
The initial glimpse of the Washington Monument as we drove in to town was exhilarating. Seeing it for the first time was awe inspiring and elevated everyone's excitement for the days ahead. We also passed the Pentagon as we neared our first official stop at Arlington National Cemetary. We were impressed and humbled at the Changjng of the Guard we were able to witness twice as well as the Military Wreath Ceremonies. Seeing the Kennedy graves first hand was special as well.
Day two was a big one. We started off with a bang with a White House Tour. Highlights there were the small pieces of knowledge Secret Seevice shared about hidden areas in the walls, furniture. how decor has changed , learning that the president is not allowed to drive and seeing the China from presidential families. We then hiked around to the following memorials; Lincoln - wow, Korean, Vietnam, WWII, MLK, Jefferson. A true highlight was meeting two Holocaust survivors (one named Greenburg). 
We also toured the Smithsonian American History Museum. We saw the buggy which carried Lincoln's body during his funeral, the actual flag that inspired the "Star Spangled Banner", First Ladies' gowns and china, and many glimpses in to our past.
Day 3: Okay, this trip keeps getting better... So we head over to Ford's Theater to take a look around at the place where Lincoln was assassinated. We end up getting tickets to "One Voice", a 30 minute play recounting Lincoln's last days alive and what took place in the theater that infamous night. We then toured the Petersen House where he was cared for until death and the museum next door. Robert was thrilled and amazed.
We then hung out in China Town and decided to pop in to the Smithsonian Art & Portrait Gallery. 
And who should we meet but Abraham Lincoln (who insisted we take our first photo with him the historical way by not smiling and then make history by using jazz hands) and Thomas Jefferson who taught us that he was the first President to shake hands with the people rather than bow.
Finally, we ventured to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. We enjoyed meeting an astronaut, seeing Doolittle's many medals, learning about all the shooting compartment on WWII planes, seeing the Wright brother's airplane, trying to land a jet on an aircraft carrier and seeing Amelia Earhart's plane, coat and flight goggles. 
Day 4 we venture to the top of the Washington Monument. What a view! The kids really loved it. 
They have read so much over the years, both fiction and nonfiction, and they have been impressed with the experiences of seeing first-hand what it is all about. They have observed and studied many of the details and we have had enjoyed conversation about the people and places that have shaped our country.
They ran the circle around the Washington Monument to verify all 50 flags were present. 
We took a serious step in to the Holocaust Museum. Brooks and I have long awaited the opportunity to see some of what Brooks has developed an interest in knowing about. Brooks has really related to the stories of boys who survived the Holocaust. We breezed through the dark museum to begin the process for Brooks to understand just exactly how horrible the images really are of these realities. There was a children's area called Daniel's Story which was an appropriate area for Landry to explore. Smithsonian Natural History may be our favorite of theSmithsonian Museums. We saw an IMAX about Mammoths and fossils being uncovered in American and enjoyed seeing the Hope Diamond and other breathtaking jewels. Brooks and Landry both loved seeing the rare beauties. Some of the creatures that live deep in the ocean were impressive to see as well, such as a 40 Meter squid - yikes!
Our final day was spent touring the Capitol Building. In front of the Capitol Building was a monument to President Grant and President Harrison as well as a Peace Memorial. There was a cool little brick building that had water fountains inside. Senator Richard Burr was responsible for giving us many of the passes we had in DC. A member of his staff gave us our tour of the Capitol and it was cool to see where much of history takes place as well as some super cool statues and paintings. Landry and Brooks are pictured here with a statue of Helen Keller. This trip truly exceeded our expectations. The pedometer which marked the 13 miles the first day and around 10 minutes subsequent days, was proof to the kids' grit and lack of complaining. They are just no whiney kids which is so helpful. We all learned a lot and have a better appreciation for our amazing country and those who pursued and fought for the freedoms we enjoy every day. God has blessed America!
Steps Taken on our trip:
Friday: Brooks - 32,002
Saturday: Landry - 27,544
Sunday: Brooks - 28,618
Monday: Landry - 16,755
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