Washington DC or Bust

Today, I want to introduce a guest blogger.

My oldest son, Hunter, took his 5th grade trip a couple weeks ago.  I asked him if he would record his trip for the loyal readers of hasboys.

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My 5th grade class went to Washtington DC as our 5th grade field trip.  We left from school on Wednesday at 6 in the morning and we got back Sunday at 1 in the morning.  

The trip was fun because I love history and I had got to see many parts of American history.

Wednesdsay

Our first stop was at Luray Caverns in Virginia.

We saw different rock formations in the caves.

Thursday

We passed by the Pentagon.

At Arlington we saw the tomb of the unknown solder.

These are some of the Arlington graves.

One of the memorials we visited was the FDR memorial.

Another picture of use at the FDR memorial.

FDR memorial.

We also visited the WW2 memorial.

We did not get to visit the Washington monument but it was close to the ww2 memorial. 

Me at the FDR memorial.

Friday

This a picture from the National Indian Museum 

Picture from the air and space Museum. I think it looks like the death star.

This is a picture of the Jefferson Memorial.

Picture from the National Indian Museum.

Picture of the Capital.

Picture of something and me.

Picture of a rocket at the National air and space Museum.

Austrunot suits.

Something and me again.

Me and the Wright brother.

Its a bird, its a plane....

Its a t rex.

Picture from the National history museum.

Lego statue of liberty.

 Saturday

Mount Vernon.

George Washington statue.

Lincoln memorial.

Korean war Memorial.

Another picture of the capital.

At Mount vernon we saw them sher sheep.

Me petting gaots.

George Washington.

These pictures were some of the things I thought were cool.  I took over 100 pictures but you would not want to see all of them.  I hope to go back to DC sometime.

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 Thank you Hunter for that captivating blog post.  The kids finished with school last Friday, we closed on our new house Tuesday, and have been toting kids to numerous camps.  We have a packed summer.  I have many posts swimming around in my head and hope to be able to get them in between working on our fixer upper, getting kids from point A to point B, moving again, the beach, etc etc etc.

So keep checking in...

Ben and Cassie

This past Saturday, one of Chad's cousins got married.  Cassie was in our wedding as a junior bridesmaid so it was fun watching her tie the knot.  Ben is a great guy.  All kids love these two as they are so energetic and fun.

Gosh, I love these boys!

Hanging with Uncle Tommy (and the snakes)

The Mr. and Mrs....

Grandma and two of the my sweet nieces.

All the boys!

Cassie tossing her bouquet... she looked beautiful!

Aunt Sandee was one of the bridesmaids. :)  

Dance time... took Sheph some time to warm up

but finally, after seeing Hunter and Ashton up there, he gave in

Hunter popping the booty out... I have a great video of them, but I dont it will post

Busting some moves

... and here is the 3rd wild niece!

Come on!  How grown up he looks

There wedding was country chic.  As you can tell by the picture, the reception was a beautiful outdoor venue.  I seized the opportunity to take some pics of my kids.  I have not edited/ cropped these at all, but plan to before I print them.

I hate that I didnt take more time with the group shot as I think I could have nailed a good one!

Love this expression

So Bennett is not normally the most photogenic kid, but I got 'im here... so cute

Great pic of my curly headed kid.  Cropping this one in a bit, but it is a keeper

Messed up on my lighting. :(  Bu great picture of this boy

Lighting is right, but picture is average

This kid is just a natural picture taker

Another one where I just wander how he looks so old

Congratulations and  best wishes to Ben and Cassie!  Thanks for including us on your day!

GrandmaDean's Birthday

I love our new annual tradition to all get together at  GrandmaDean’s birthday.  We all converge at her house and have a wonderful day celebrating my amazing GrandmaDean!  This is our 3^rd year- Year Two and Year One.

Nailed it... kind of

One of the funny outtakes.  Eva escapes.

Eva was O-V-E-R picture time.

Our little gift for GrandmaDean.  I thought she could hang it on her porch... plus count the birds... there are 9, for her 9 great grandkids.

This year we did easy pick up foods and dips and everything was so good.  I am officially watching what I eat though after my constant munching yesterday! I got a really good corn dip from a good friend.  It was a hit and basically gone by the end of the visit.  Recipe is at the bottom of the post if you are interested.

3 of her 4 kids eat just like her.  (Notice her shirt)

Like mother... like daughter

...like another daughter

... and like son.  Train 'em right Anna!  haha

Mom also made this amazing chocolate cake.  Mom and I made this same cake for Mantis’ birthday back in March.  We found the recipe in Southern Living and immediately knew we had to have it.  Here is the link to the recipe--- you actually make your own caramel and it is quite the science experiment (if nothing else)… who knew that is how to make caramel.  Anyway, this time the top layer of cake just slid right off the bottom layer- no idea why.  Regardless, it was still so good and I wish I had another piece.

GrandmaDean getting her song on!

A fun surprise was seeing my cousin, Stephanie, who I had not seen in 2 years.  We were able to catch up a bit- so glad she was able to drop in this year.

Ready for cake

Here are some other pictures from our day.

Uncle Zach playing some football

Bennett loves this cat.  He requested a picture with Esther

Mantis taking his nap

Uncle Nolan was a hit with Esme

Esme wanted Hunter to tote her around

And then there is this wild woman! 

Love this pic of Miss Eva

It was a whirlwind of a Sunday as we just made a day trip out of it but it was so worth it.  The boys love getting together and playing, playing, playing with my brother’s kids. 

Happy Birthday GrandmaDean!  We all love you so very much.

Corn Dip Recipe

1 lb sausage (brown and drain)

1 package cream cheese (add to sausage)

2 or 3 cans of corn (drain before adding)

1 can Rotel (do not drain).

Mix together... Throw into crock pot.