The Grande Finale

Sunday, our day of rest included some much needed recent pictures of the family. Da has a talent with the camera that actually helped inspire kent and I to get our DSLR years ago. He has the added experience with editing programs and I have often thought how I would love to get into that and add a little extra to my pics. La sigh... When I have more time, right?!?

It was freezing out, only in the 30's so we took pictures for a five minutes and this is what we got! My personal favorite is of the kidlets, it's just so them!

Abbey was so sweet to take the time to buy a mango mousse cake to celebrate Eli's birthday. It was a good thing too since his actual birthday was the day after we got home and I was so busy getting life back in order we almost forgot to do anything. Keila and cayleigh made decorations, a card and a crown that survived all of three minutes!

The kids made their final farewell that evening as they had an early schedule the next day. Isaac was on the verge of tears at bedtime and nearly all morning the next day. Even keila, not one to become super attached was withdrawn and quiet. Good byes are so hard for children, especially when time passes "like FOR-EVER!" As Isaac would say!

The following morning was devoted to my enjoyment. Kent wanted me to have some part of the trip that was new and exciting for me so we headed out to the national cathedral. It's was beautiful! It's a cross between the old and new world, the gothic cathedrals of Europe and dotted with stain glass often themed with the history of our young country. One of the windows pictured below contains a rock brought back from the moon. Given that the structure has no metal beams to secure it there was some damage during the 2012 earthquake, hence the netting to keep tourists safe from possible debris. But even without the colored lights falling to the floor it was amazing and beautiful to seesee bits of American treasures scattered through the building. Quotes from famous historical figures, quarters embedded into the flooring representing each state, homages to famous presidents, etc.

Kent and I are determined to go back again without the kids to enjoy high tea and further explore the gardens and enjoy the view from the top. One day .....

Though filled with surprises, we really did have a lot of fun, enough so that Isaac says we have to start saving up to go again next year! Then again with awesome friends, good food and fun places to go he might be on to something!