Part of my Joyschool lesson for this week included doing a little magic show for the kids. I actually had the exact same lesson last year by chance and while the kids were fooled then by my not-so-impressive slight of hand tricks, I decided since they're 3 now to call in the big guns. The big guns being Taylor who actually aspired to be a magician at one point. Seriously! He was actually upset when I asked him to do some tricks for the kids because all his tricks are out in a box at his parents house in Utah. So sad. The kids ate it up though and he loved it too I think. I'll refer you to the link on the left side of my page that will take you to the actual Joyschool blog if you'd like to see more of his tricks. I posted 4 videos there and just 1 here.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The West Wing
One thing that Sarah and I really wanted to do before leaving DC was tour the West Wing of the White House. They told us it was impossible, but as a true testament to how far begging will get you, we managed to get Staci Wheeler, a member of Bush's speech writing team, to give us a tour about 3 days before Obama became president.
This is a view from the Rose Garden of the Residence. Every morning the President walks from the Residence to the West Wing using this covered walkway.
Here is a shot of the outside of the oval office. I was really under impressed with the color scheme in the oval office, it was really lame. I expected bold blues or reds, but it was all pastels. Apparently Bush wanted colors to remind him of his ranch in Texas, I think it sends the wrong message. It totally wasn't how I'd pictured the oval office.
Sarah and I were really happy to be there. We've spent a lot of time around the White House during our time in DC, we used to live just 8 blocks away on Pennsylvania Avenue. It was really surreal to be standing in such a famous place.
Another shot of the walkway. Yes we spent a lot of time out there talking.
This is us standing at the door the Vice President enters each morning (or whenever he makes it down to the White House). I will say I've noticed the Biden motorcade much less than I noticed the Cheney motorcade. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside the West Wing, so all our pictures were outside. Inside, there were hundreds of pictures of President Bush doing various official things.
Our only indoor picture was in the Press room. It was fun to see all the seat marked with placards for the various networks. They wouldn't let us stand at the podium unfortunately.
After touring the West Wing, we walked over to the Old Executive Office Building. For such an impressive facade, the inside of the building was unbelievably ugly. The walls are painted pinks and purples and it has old linoleum on the floors. This staircase was the only structural element worth noting. 
This is a view from the Rose Garden of the Residence. Every morning the President walks from the Residence to the West Wing using this covered walkway.
Here is a shot of the outside of the oval office. I was really under impressed with the color scheme in the oval office, it was really lame. I expected bold blues or reds, but it was all pastels. Apparently Bush wanted colors to remind him of his ranch in Texas, I think it sends the wrong message. It totally wasn't how I'd pictured the oval office.
Sarah and I were really happy to be there. We've spent a lot of time around the White House during our time in DC, we used to live just 8 blocks away on Pennsylvania Avenue. It was really surreal to be standing in such a famous place. 
Another shot of the walkway. Yes we spent a lot of time out there talking.
This is us standing at the door the Vice President enters each morning (or whenever he makes it down to the White House). I will say I've noticed the Biden motorcade much less than I noticed the Cheney motorcade. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside the West Wing, so all our pictures were outside. Inside, there were hundreds of pictures of President Bush doing various official things.
Our only indoor picture was in the Press room. It was fun to see all the seat marked with placards for the various networks. They wouldn't let us stand at the podium unfortunately.
After touring the West Wing, we walked over to the Old Executive Office Building. For such an impressive facade, the inside of the building was unbelievably ugly. The walls are painted pinks and purples and it has old linoleum on the floors. This staircase was the only structural element worth noting. All the rest of the walls had huge bundles of wires and Ethernet cables on the them.
There was one cool room, I think it was called the "Indian Room" or something like that. Staci told us about some of the famous events that had happened there, but I've already forgotten. Sometimes, they mix it up and hold events there when they get tired of using the White House.
A big thank-you out to Staci Wheeler and a big check on our list of things we wanted to do in DC before we left.
There was one cool room, I think it was called the "Indian Room" or something like that. Staci told us about some of the famous events that had happened there, but I've already forgotten. Sometimes, they mix it up and hold events there when they get tired of using the White House.
A big thank-you out to Staci Wheeler and a big check on our list of things we wanted to do in DC before we left.Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Ethan the Sunbeam
The first Sunday of January I had one of those sad moments that remind me how old I'm getting because of how old Ethan is getting. He turned 3 last April so he is no longer in the Nursery at church. He's a primary boy. Can you tell he's happy to be with the big kids?
He has a really good group of 2 girls and 1 other boy so we're hoping their wiggles don't drive their poor teacher too crazy. It's fun to hear him sing new primary songs and tell us about the things he's learning about. And of course his little crown must be kept for a book of remembrance someday. We'll see if I remember to even take a picture of Isaac's crown when he goes to Primary. Oh to be a first-born!
He has a really good group of 2 girls and 1 other boy so we're hoping their wiggles don't drive their poor teacher too crazy. It's fun to hear him sing new primary songs and tell us about the things he's learning about. And of course his little crown must be kept for a book of remembrance someday. We'll see if I remember to even take a picture of Isaac's crown when he goes to Primary. Oh to be a first-born!
Okay, maybe just one more to embarrass them...
Can we say "been in the car too long with Portuguese-only radio music"?
L to R (since it's so dark and maybe you think that's not Arty's high pitched singing on the left):
Arty, Sam, Mack, Barb
Portugal's Finale
I'm finally at the end and it only took me 2 months to get here! As all good trips must come to an end, here is the last night together.
The only souvenirs I really wanted were Portuguese soccer jerseys for the boys. We looked every time we were in a store and thankfully Sonia found some cute matching ones the very last day. They'll be perfect for this summer to wear to Real Salt Lake games!
And the set wouldn't be complete without Grandpa having one too. No one's too disappointed that he skipped the purchase of the red shorts and knee socks.
And since this was really a family reunion and not just a trip, we had to get a picture of the whole family. This is the best of the bunch. Wanna see how hard it was just to get this one? Watch the video... and you're only suffering through 30 seconds where this really took almost a half hour. Let's just say Isaac's not quite THAT patient.
The only souvenirs I really wanted were Portuguese soccer jerseys for the boys. We looked every time we were in a store and thankfully Sonia found some cute matching ones the very last day. They'll be perfect for this summer to wear to Real Salt Lake games!
And the set wouldn't be complete without Grandpa having one too. No one's too disappointed that he skipped the purchase of the red shorts and knee socks.
And since this was really a family reunion and not just a trip, we had to get a picture of the whole family. This is the best of the bunch. Wanna see how hard it was just to get this one? Watch the video... and you're only suffering through 30 seconds where this really took almost a half hour. Let's just say Isaac's not quite THAT patient.
What would make my life in Utah complete?
Okay so first I'd need a house and also on that list are a dishwasher, driveway/garage, and my own washer/dryer, but seriously... who wouldn't want these in their backyard?
Fresh squeezed lemonade. We actually became addicted to Portuguese "lemonade" while we were over there. All it is, is regular Sprite with the juice from a freshly squeezed lemon in it. Fabulous!
Fresh grapefruit for breakfast anyone? Seriously, just walk out your back door and pick the one you like!
This is Mack's cute girlfriend Sam who was so sweet with Ethan the whole trip. She let him follow her around like a puppy. Here he's "helping" pick oranges so they can make freshly squeezed orange juice.
I'm not sure what the chances are the orange, lemon, and grapefruit trees are likely to grow in my future backyard in Utah, but let me tell you, I'm all in favor of global warming if that makes it work. JK.
Fresh squeezed lemonade. We actually became addicted to Portuguese "lemonade" while we were over there. All it is, is regular Sprite with the juice from a freshly squeezed lemon in it. Fabulous!
Fresh grapefruit for breakfast anyone? Seriously, just walk out your back door and pick the one you like!
This is Mack's cute girlfriend Sam who was so sweet with Ethan the whole trip. She let him follow her around like a puppy. Here he's "helping" pick oranges so they can make freshly squeezed orange juice.
I'm not sure what the chances are the orange, lemon, and grapefruit trees are likely to grow in my future backyard in Utah, but let me tell you, I'm all in favor of global warming if that makes it work. JK.Sunday, February 22, 2009
Sagres (The end of the World in 1492)
I just had to include this first picture because it epitomizes Taylor's mom. She is always so upbeat and happy even with persistent allergies. She's the best mother-in-law I could ask for and the boys love her to death.
On to the touring, so this is Sagres- the southern-most western-most point in Europe. It was truly the end of the world in 1492 when Columbus sailed for America. In the early 1400's, Henry the Navigator set up a nautical school here. The pictures are the remnants of the fortress and school although much was destroyed in an earthquake and has been rebuilt.
Plaque on the entrance.
Entrance to the fort.
View of the bay from inside. 
This compass rose has been around since the school was there. Apparently no one can figure out what it's purpose was besides it had to do with navigating ships. It's huge as you can tell.
The weather was actually in the 60's but holy cow can we say WIND!!!
Isaac hated the wind so he ended up with his hat pulled as far down as possible and binky in his mouth the whole day.
The whole peninsula was covered in these rocks and there were really no trees. I imagine all the top soil has long since been blown away, but there were these beautiful red flower things everywhere. Actually very inspiring to know that life finds a way even in harsh circumstances.
Ethan couldn't get enough of this place. Room to run without people telling him to stop (as long as he stayed away from the cliffs) and plenty of rocks to throw over the edge. Oh and cannons to climb on.
There were two different ones of these hole thingys I've been telling you about. This one was pretty amazing though because instead of just going straight down, it went sideways. We were literally hundreds of feet up on solid ground and yet you could see right down through it to the ocean. Here's the close-up view.
And here's backed up a bit. You can see how far we are from the real edge of the cliffs (and they don't slope down to beaches, they're really high cliffs) and then hundreds of yards inlands there's this monster hole. Can you tell Sonia's freaked out by Ethan being so close?
Family picture- Ethan happy, Isaac not so much.
It amazes me how many artifacts from history are just lieing around. Here for example is a head carved by the Argonauts. I may not be able to tell you exactly who they were but it still impresses me and kind of bothers me that this isn't inside a museum somewhere.
Effects of the wind on Taylor's hair. I may be sleeping on the couch for including this picture but I couldn't resist.
Taylor and his brothers. Every time they take a picture together it's a contest to see who's the tallest. I think it's a tie between Mack and Taylor but as you can tell Mack has found a taller rock to win this time.
Much of the trip was spent this way- Barb in front as the navigator and Taylor's dad driving. It actually worked out really well. Can we say car wash needed?
On to the touring, so this is Sagres- the southern-most western-most point in Europe. It was truly the end of the world in 1492 when Columbus sailed for America. In the early 1400's, Henry the Navigator set up a nautical school here. The pictures are the remnants of the fortress and school although much was destroyed in an earthquake and has been rebuilt. 
Plaque on the entrance.
Entrance to the fort.
View of the bay from inside. 
This compass rose has been around since the school was there. Apparently no one can figure out what it's purpose was besides it had to do with navigating ships. It's huge as you can tell.
The weather was actually in the 60's but holy cow can we say WIND!!!
Isaac hated the wind so he ended up with his hat pulled as far down as possible and binky in his mouth the whole day.
The whole peninsula was covered in these rocks and there were really no trees. I imagine all the top soil has long since been blown away, but there were these beautiful red flower things everywhere. Actually very inspiring to know that life finds a way even in harsh circumstances.
Ethan couldn't get enough of this place. Room to run without people telling him to stop (as long as he stayed away from the cliffs) and plenty of rocks to throw over the edge. Oh and cannons to climb on.
There were two different ones of these hole thingys I've been telling you about. This one was pretty amazing though because instead of just going straight down, it went sideways. We were literally hundreds of feet up on solid ground and yet you could see right down through it to the ocean. Here's the close-up view.
And here's backed up a bit. You can see how far we are from the real edge of the cliffs (and they don't slope down to beaches, they're really high cliffs) and then hundreds of yards inlands there's this monster hole. Can you tell Sonia's freaked out by Ethan being so close?
Family picture- Ethan happy, Isaac not so much.
It amazes me how many artifacts from history are just lieing around. Here for example is a head carved by the Argonauts. I may not be able to tell you exactly who they were but it still impresses me and kind of bothers me that this isn't inside a museum somewhere.
Effects of the wind on Taylor's hair. I may be sleeping on the couch for including this picture but I couldn't resist.
Taylor and his brothers. Every time they take a picture together it's a contest to see who's the tallest. I think it's a tie between Mack and Taylor but as you can tell Mack has found a taller rock to win this time.
Much of the trip was spent this way- Barb in front as the navigator and Taylor's dad driving. It actually worked out really well. Can we say car wash needed?
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