Vacation Finale, Finally

 It has taken FOREVER to get through a weekend vacation! Our final visit in DC was to go to the White House. We didn't take a tour and actually by this time, we only wanted to see the outside and go home and rest.

 By this time, Lily had taken over Olivia's stroller..

 And Olivia was on Matthew's shoulders!

 The next day, we headed out, but not without saying goodbye.

 We loved seeing Grandma and Grandpa. It was so good to catch up and get all the hugs we could.

 You'll just have to forgive my kids in both of these pictures... sometimes they are crazy!

 Jacob and Allison were awesome hosts. It was fun to see them in Virginia. They're on their way to medical school in Pennsylvania this summer! We're excited that they still won't be too far away so we can visit again soon!

 William and Lily wanted to hold sweet baby Reed. William held him for a little while, but Lily only held him long enough to take a picture. And then she was done.

When we were getting in the car, Olivia decided she was going to come with us! It was so great to see some of Matthew's side of the family. It has definitely been too long! We need to start planning another trip!

Vacation Part 3

 Here is the Lincoln Memorial from the outside.

 When we were walking up to the building, the park police came trotting by on their horses. Lily almost had a heart attack. So, we went up to them and waited our turn (there were a surprising numbers of adults who wanted their picture taken with the horse) for Lily to pet the horse. While this horse was biting at some of the other people, he was leaning into Lily and was being so nice to her. Maybe I have a horse whisperer on my hands. I think riding lessons will be in her future.

 Okay, so guys... I'll be honest, I had a little bit of anxiety the night before we went to DC because I was worried about the big statue of Lincoln. This is something you might not know about me or understand because frankly, it is weird, but I am scared of statues. I am laughing to myself for admitting this, so it's okay if you just laughed too. Well, I think I hyped myself up for this ginormous thing that I was a little relieved when I saw the real thing. For real, it is huge. But, not as big as you would think. I mean, I was brave enough to take a picture with it.

 From the top of the stairs in front of the memorial, you can see the Reflection Pool (which they're in the process of repairing), the World War II Memorial, and the Washington Monument.

And here is a sweet picture of Grandma (or Nana as William has decided last minute to call her) with all of the grand babies that were at DC.

Vacation Part 2

My favorite Memorial in DC was the World War II Memorial.

To me, it seemed to have the most spiritual connection that made my hear swell.

I'm sure that it helped that there was a high school band playing songs of our country and all of the military songs. There were Veterans there in wheelchairs. I was proud to know that Big Daddy served with the men that were there and he was a part of this.

One star was representative of 1,000 soldiers who died during the war. There were over 4,000 stars on this wall. The number of soldiers who died in this war is only second to the Civil War.

"Here we mark the price of Freedom"

There wasn't any way to get the entire wall in one picture without getting lots of people in it. I really just wanted to get a picture of the words. When I read them, it hit me like a ton of bricks. So many men and women were killed so that I could be free. Not really a new revelation, but the way that it is represented is so literal. I honestly had to take a second to hold back tears. I had a knot in my throat until we left.

Here's the wreath for Utah..

And Tennessee.

I loved having the opportunity to go here. It has made me have more love and gratitude for our freedom. I've been feeling very blessed to live in the land of promise.

Memorial Day

 Before I went on about the Memorials of our country, I wanted to share some pictures and thoughts about Memorial Day here. We went to see my grandparent's grave and other family who were buried around them also. Grandmama passed away last June and Memorial Day was the first time that I had gone to her grave since she's passed. It was special to see her name next to my grandpa's (Big Daddy) and know that she is happy where she is.

 We brought paper and crayons for the kids. They ran the crayons over the engravings on the foot

stones and the names became clear as day on the paper. It was fun for them to go to each one.

 Grandmama and Big Daddy are buried side by side. Grandmama's parents are buried on the other side of her. Grandmama's grandparents are buried on the other side of the head stone next to my uncle who passed away before I was born.

I know I made a comment of how cool it is to see the memorials for the people who have made this nation, but it was so great to show love and remember our family members who have passed and are doing remarkable work on the other side. These wonderful people have served our country and our church with their whole hearts. I'm proud to be a descendant of such people. I know they are near and can only hope that I can live up to their example and expectations of me.

We have a Brunson Family Reunion on Sunday and I'm excited to reminisce of those who have built our family. 

Shouting From the Rooftops

Matthew is probably my favorite person I have ever met. Good thing I married him, huh? He is my best friend. The one person I go to for even the more mundane things in life. He always has a place in my mind, especially when he's not with me. Matthew can make me laugh with only one word or one look. He does what he can to help me.

He is definitely one of the most hands on dads that I have ever met. William and Lily adore him and are excited to see him walk through the door.

Matthew is a good man. Kind. Honest. Positive. Loving. I won't bore you with all of the adjectives that I think describe him. Just know that I think he's pretty great. I am honored to know him, to share life with him, and have him forever. Even though he doesn't like his birthday and has pretty much forbidden me to have a party for him...EVER..., I can't help but do something to celebrate the day Matthew Townsend came into this world. So, this is my way of shouting from the rooftops.

Happy Birthday Matthew!