DC

This past weekend, Jake and I went on a date to DC. Through his work, Jake was able to score two tickets to the White House Garden tour. This was awesome, because most people were only able to get one!

This was a great day to take the tour, because they were also dedicating the Martin Luther King Jr. Monument!

We walked down to the monument along with ten thousand other

people and found a spot about 200 yards from the stage.

We were sooooo excited when the keynote speaker

came onto stage.

Can you see him there in the picture?

No? I'll give you a hint.

He's the leader of our country. :)

We left the dedication a little bit early, so that we would be on time for our tour. Guess who happened to drive by on our way there?

Yep. The same guy we had just watched on stage.

We finally made it to the White House and spent a lazy hour walking all around the grounds.

Let me tell you, it was simply amazing.

View from the White House

Rose Garden.....this is where the Beer Summit took place.

Did you know that the White House has it's own putting green?

Michelle's Garden

Looking back at the White House from the vegetable garden

This was an incredible experience. I feel so lucky to live in a place with so much history!

Kyle's Visit

A few weekends ago, my brother Kyle came to visit. We were all super excited!

It was so much fun to have him here.

The first day, Friday, we hung out, took Kyle out to lunch and celebrated Bostyn's birthday.

Hayden had a blast giving Kyle all his toys and smacking him on the head with a spoon!

After he calmed down, he sat down and let Kyle read a stack of books to him.

Saturday, we gave ourselves blisters walking around King's Dominion.

The Intimidator 305 was our most favorite roller coaster. It has a 300 foot drop, 85 degree angle and reaches 95 mph. Woah baby! This ride was AWESOME!

We all took turns hanging out in kiddie land with Hayden.

Sunday we went to church and then up to Gettysburg.

Gettysburg is an amazing place. So beautiful and serene. It's horrible to think that so many men lost their lives here.

We had such a fun visit. We were all sad to see him go. He kept us laughing the entire weekend.

Can't wait to see him again in December!

Twelve

Bostyn is twelve!

Hard to believe the time has gone by so fast. This year she is celebrating in style.

We celebrated on her actual birthday with cake and gifts.

Then we celebrated the next night with a special guest and some friends.

That guy hiding in the corner? That's my baby brother Kyle.

Bostyn was thrilled that he was able to be here for her birthday.

We also celebrated her birthday a few weeks ago with Jake's family at his parent's house. AND...we're still not finished! She's having a big birthday bash with her friends next weekend. Talk about a month-long celebration!

You are the sweetest, most loving girl I have ever known. I am lucky to be able to be your mom. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our family.

Happy Birthday Bostyn!