Washington D.C. trip

Our little family vacation was a success. It was so nice to take a trip - just the three of us - and to explore new territory! We really liked D.C. and found it pretty easy to navigate. It helped that our hotel was downtown by everything - we just parked the car, grabbed a map, and walked until we found something that we wanted to see. Our agenda was light and that made for an enjoyable couple of days. Get ready for lots of pics. . .

Bella playing at a rest stop on the way. Our hotel bed - this kid has a great time playing on beds, so this king-size was quite a treat for her!Our first stop was the Lincoln Memorial. This was probably one of my favorite sites to visit. So much history has taken place on these steps.Looking out - while standing on the Lincoln Memorial steps - is a great view of the Washington Monument.I think this was one of Bella's favorite sites as well. She looooooooves playing on steps!Next stop: Vietnam MemorialThis wall is very reflective - almost like looking in a mirrorWorld War II Memorial: Even though we don't live there right now - we'll always consider Wisconsin to be our home. Our hotel had a pool on the roof Bella didn't enjoy swimming in the cold pool water but did have fun getting splashed by Daddy!We had to check out of the hotel by noon - right before Bella's naptime. I figured that she'd just get her sleep on the car ride home, but shortly after we took off walking through the city, she fell asleep in her stroller. She was pooped - loud buses and motorcycles went past and she slept through it all. Daddy and Bella approaching the White House.

There they are - Bella's still asleep.

Here's the back of it.

Bella woke up by the time we walked around to the back.

From here, we headed to the Smithsonian - Natural History Museum. There were so many museums within the Smithsonian to choose from, but we heard great things about this one. We didn't get any pictures while there but had fun looking at the dinosaur bones, mammal exhibits, and the Hope Diamond. It must have been field trip day while we were there cause the place was crowded! After leaving the museum, we stopped for a rest on the National Mall.

One of the few times that we actually let Bella out of her stroller.

It felt so good for us to sit - we did so much walking!Cute photo of Bella - too bad I cut off part of her head. Bella and Daddy playing silly games.

Now that we're back, we're in pack mode. The apartment is starting to look more and more bare (except for the boxes that are now lining the walls). My mom and sister, Jodi, are coming out for a visit this week. Lots of fun stuff going on!

Messy meals and cute clothes

Messy face after drinking some of my blueberry smoothie!This photo is a little blurry because she was running. . . but isn't she so cute in this little outfit!Gotta love ravioli!!!Yummy! Yummy!We went to a wedding yesterday. Bella wore the same dress that she wore to my brother's wedding back in July. I was so happy that it still fit!We came home after the wedding reception to find that the power was out on our entire street! We ended up putting Bella to bed by candlelight - which was actually kind of nice. The power came back around midnight.

This week we're taking our little trip to Washington D.C. We'll be gone Wednesday and Thursday. Should be fun!!!

Sick

Early last week, I woke up with an icky cold that totally zapped me of all my energy and made me pretty miserable for a few days. Now, poor Bella seems to have the same cold. I heard her tossing and turning last night and making some whimpering sounds. Shortly after 3am, she woke up crying. When I picked her up, she felt really hot. I took her temp. and it was 102.5. After stripping her down to a t-shirt and diaper, we rocked - for an hour. She was so congested and I'm guessing that her throat was hurting because she seemed to want some water but would push it away after taking a quick sip. She took an extra nap today. Her nose was constantly dripping and I was constantly wiping it. I really hope that she feels better soon. Andy's out of town at a seminar, so it's just me and the little one. At least I'm not sick anymore or this would have been a rough week.

Yesterday, before Bella was feeling so crummy, we went to the library to play on the steps (Bella's favorite activity). How's this for a different view?

Andy's last Sunday/Mother's Day

Andy has interned at Nazareth Moravian Church for the past two years and this past Sunday was his last day. He received many gifts from the church and so many people were very generous. They also provided some yummy cake after church for a final gathering and a time to say goodbye to everyone. Denny has been Andy's supervising pastor during his time at this church. It's amazing how similar these two are. Denny often comments on how much Andy reminds him of himself. Here we are outside the church.Later in the day, we shifted into celebrating Mother's Day. First, Andy's mom opened up her gifts. Bella really enjoyed playing with Grandma's shoes. Whenever she'd get the chance, she'd often bring them to Grandma. Looks like she's trying to read me my card. I received some new summer tops! Definitely something that I needed and wanted! Andy picked them out all by himself!Later in the evening, we went for a walk. I had to get a picture with my little girl on Mother's Day!Bella and Uncle Tom!It was a nice night for a little run!Some exciting news: Yesterday was my last day at work. I am now an official stay-at-home-mom! I had a great job and worked with wonderful people; but now I'm ready to focus more on my family and my home. I am very happy!

We have a seminary graduate!!!

It is official. . . Andy is finished with seminary!!! This weekend was filled with graduation festivities that began on Friday night with the Senior Banquet which had the theme of "Bloom where you are planted". Each senior was given a gift and a plant/flower was picked to describe them. For Andy, they picked a palm tree cause it represents spiritual victory, success, and eternal peace.
Later in the evening, there was some music and dancing. Bella got to stay up way past her bedtime! Here she is dancing with Rebecca and Christie.
My turn to dance with the little lady!Andy decided to join in on the fun.

Graduation Day!!!

Bella wore a pretty dress and loved it! Here she is before the ceremony. After Andy walked across the stage to accept his degree, he was given a hood. It sure makes him look 'official'. He also won the Rev. Elmer V. Bender Memorial Award which has been created by Rev. Bender’s sons, Dr. Louis Bender and Mr. Henry Bender, in honor of their father. The prize is awarded to a graduate selected by the faculty who is preparing for the ministry of the Moravian Church and who exemplifies the qualities of leadership and integrity reflected in the life of Rev. Bender.Here he is with two of his former pastors: Steve Gohdes and Erv Boecher (I'm not sure of the spelling on this one). Here he is with his parents. . . . . . and his brother TomUs!Large family picture - the street behind us is the street that we live on.Andy and Tom sitting on the new seminary bench. . . . . . and being silly!Here's a keeper!