Quick Trip to Virginia

James and I took a quick trip to Virginia this week. James has a client out there so he had to fly out and set up a computer. The kids were begging to stay with grandma Marcia because they are off-track so James made arrangements for me to go with him. It was a quick trip. After James got the computer set up we went into Washington DC to see the cherry blossom festival around the Jefferson Memorial. I always love going to DC. There are so many beautiful things to see. I've decided it is like the Rome of America. The last time we were in DC with the kids, we didn't make it to the Jefferson Memorial so it was good to see it again. I am a big fan of Thomas Jefferson. He was a fascinating man. The more I learn about him the more I realize he was quite complex. He had so many interests and explored them all. This trip, I was impressed with his understanding that a "free government relies on enlightened citizens." I am understanding more how true this is.

James and I also visited the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. Neither one of us had been to this memorial as it is fairly new. It is very large, has various waterfalls, statues, and quotes honoring President Roosevelt's life. It was beautiful to see. President Roosevelt had some great ideas and others I didn't agree but, as I pointed out to James, that's what makes this country great. There is always more than one opinion and all should be respected.

To end the evening, we had dinner at a steak house. It was the same steak house we ate at in San Francisco. Very good food and atmosphere. We ended up spending two and a half hours there eating and talking. It was good to reconnect and spend time together.

Luke's Piano Recital

Luke had his annual piano recital this week. He played a piece from the opera "Carmen". He also did a duet with his piano teacher, "Love at Home." He and his teacher did the same duet in sacrament meeting. It is one of my favorite pieces to listen to. They do a great job on it. He has improved a lot over the year. I hope he will continue to take lessons as he gets into junior high. If I can get a couple more years out of him I'll be happy.

Happy Easter

We had a fun Easter this year. The kids woke up to Easter Egg hunts where they found eggs with a puzzle piece in each egg that led them to their basket. The kids also had a fun time decorating eggs.

Heather Turns 9!

April 5th was Heather's birthday. She is now nine years old. It is hard to believe that she is nine. It seems like this year has flown by. It seems like just a few weeks ago she was being baptized. She is such a sweetheart. She is always concerned about other people and concerned about other's feelings. She doesn't get into a lot of the "girl" things that others her age seem to get involved in. She tells me she thinks it's stupid. That could explain why the large majority of her friends are boys.

Heather invited 12 boys and 3 girls to her birthday party. She had a party with an animal theme. All of the guests were asked to bring their favorite stuffed animal. They played games with the animals, had snacks, opened presents, and watched "The Wild" (an animal movie.) Heather said it was her best birthday ever. (Of course, she says that every year--it just illustrates her positive attitude.)

On her actual birth day she woke up to breakfast in bed and then had to go to violin lessons. Sometimes you have to do things you don't like to on your birthday. She got some fun gifts from family. Savannah had made a book for her and Lindsey had made her a doll. She got a camera from us. Later that night we went to a steakhouse for her birthday dinner. We came back home for birthday pie which we all had to eat without forks or spoons. That is Heather's new birthday tradition, we eat birthday dessert without utensils. All in all it was a lot of fun for Heather and us to celebrate.

"I don't know" is not a word!

You have to love the curiosity of young minds. As kids hit the age of about three years old, and can carry on conversations, they want to know everything. Their endless questions can be exhausting. I hope I'm not the first parent who, occasionally, tunes out the eternal queries and just answers, "I don't know." In the past, I have found that this response will end the interrogation for a moment, giving me a little respite. However, I am again reminded that all my kids are different, and this response does not satisfy Matthew. If I answer a question with, "I don't know," he is quick to reply, "'I don't know' is not a word, Mom." He then waits for a real answer. Sometimes, I have to make things up, because once in a while-- I really "don't know!"

Surprise at the Jazz Game

At the first of this week, Lindsey and her cheer team performed at the Jazz Game. The cheer squad performed pre-game and the dance team performs at half-time. Lindsey was disappointed that they didn't get to perform at half-time but it all worked out for the best. As they were leaving the floor and entering the tunnel, they happened to run into President Monson who was coming to watch the game. It was a real surprise and treat for the girls to meet him. Lindsey got to shake his hand and talk with him briefly. He mentioned to her that their uniform colors were the same as the University of Utah and he wasn't too sure he liked that. He took time to pose for some pictures and then encouraged everyone to listen to him speak on Sunday.

I found it amusing that the Jazz Dancers were waiting to have pictures with the girls but most of them were more interested in meeting the prophet than the Jazz Dancers. Later, as I thought about the experience, I was grateful that the girls are involved at a studio that really tries to have modest dance and costumes. What a blessing it is to run into the prophet and not be embarassed by dress or presentation. It was an experience that Lindsey will never forget and one that she can remember with fondness.