GPa & Paulette Visit

 Well boys, it is time to meet your Great Grandpa and his fiancee Paulette.

Cutie E, you met Great Grandpa and Paulette shortly after you were born, but Cutie O, you have not met them yet.  This is going to be a fun month for both of you.

I haven't seen my dad since May, but the last time I spent a long time with him was just after we left our home Oregon, so this visit is long over due.  Its a good thing we had a month to fit in all that they wanted to explore.

Paulette has never been to the DC area, she wanted to see and do EVERYTHING.  I tried my best to show them all that DC had to offer.  This was a real test of my Tour Guide abilities.

Sightseeing began just after landing at DCA with a short stop at the Air Force Memorial and Pentagon Memorial.  I knew after the long flight they would love to get out and stretch their legs.  This was also a great opportunity for Holly and Dreyton to spend a little time with them as I was in Denver at a family wedding.  Both boys enjoyed getting our of their carseats and stretching their legs.

View of Washington Monument from Air Force Memorial

After a few days of rest we hit the pavement.

My dad was in the Navy during the Vietnam War.  He served as a signalman aboard the Davidson.  His love of country and serving in the military is where I get my deep love for our nation.  I knew he would love to connect with the Navy, so off to Annapolis we went.  This is not only the capitol of Maryland, but also the home of the Naval Academy.  I didn't realize how much he would love reconnecting with his navy days.  WOW!  He enjoyed it so much that any time we had free time he wanted to go back.

Annapolis has so much to explore, you can easily spend 3 days visiting historic sites, museums, walking the wonderful shops and eating yummy food.   I always start with the Maryland State House, where George Washington resigned as Commander in Chief, then to  St. Anne's Parish.  The State House was the first capitol. building built and is still used for official business.

Maryland State House

This time I started with the William Paca House, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and prominent man in Annapolis.  Since I wasn't taking my Dad and Paulette to Williamsburg or Monticello I knew they would love this tour.  Getting to see inside the home of a signer or president is quite special.

The three of us took the boys on this tour.  I was really impressed by our tour guides efforts to involved both boys.  They were only 20 and 10 months old.  My favorite was watching  Cutie E reach to hold my Dad's or Paulettes hand as he walked up steps or down the street

View to the Paca House Gardens

Fort McHenry is another special place.  Its historical importance is not overshadowed by its breathtaking views.  The Fort is located on Locust Point overlooking the Patapsco River.  I'm not sure what they enjoyed more the view of the Fort after the shot movie, the cannon's or the view of Fort Baltimore.  I love coming here, because the boys can walk or run around, explore and be outside.  Next time I want to have a picnic on the grass along the river.

My dad's trip was strategically planned, so we could enjoy some of our favorite things together.  He was here for the election, Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving. It has been a long time since we enjoyed election night together.  I made my favorite dinner, fried chicken and mashed potatoes.  To enjoy the evening we had to have a typical American dinner.  

In November of 1984 I remember sitting on the couch with my dad watching the election coverage.  I was amazed as state after state elected President Reagan to his second term.  That is my first memory of the elections and I got to do it with my dad.  This year was special, because we got to watch the coverage together. 

Another special day to plan for was Veteran's Day.  I gave my Dad and Paulette options for this day.   They could join the president or vice president at Arlington National Cemetery while one of them laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and give a speech in the amphitheater, OR visit the monuments and memorials, OR play in a national park OR visit the home of a past president.  Knowing there were going to be large crowds at Arlington they chose to visit Mount Vernon on Veteran's Day.

I wanted to visit Arlington National Cemetery near Veteran's Day, so we planned it for the Saturday before the holiday.  It was a beautiful warm fall day.  Due to the size of Arlington and hills my dad and Paulette chose to take the shuttle.  Arlington offers a wonderful service for a fee to get visitors from one key location to the next.  This is super helpful in the summer when it is hot and humid.  

Arlington Amphitheater 

Sean and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful day and walked from site to site.  We visited the key sites: Kennedy, Civil War Unknown graves, Arlington House, Mast of the U.S.S. Maine, Columbia Memorial, Challenger Memorial, Iran Rescue Memorial, Memorial Amphitheater, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watched the Changing of the Guard. 

Getting to see the flags blowing in the breeze between the pillars at the Memorial Amphitheater and behind the stage was awesome.  Event Services was getting ready for the Presidents visit and speech.  The emotions my dad felt took him by surprise.

Even with the shuttle I'm pretty sure I wore Paulette out.  It was a full four hours.

Kennedy Gravesites, Arlington House

We decided to spend Veteran's Day at Mount Vernon, I couldn't wait to show Paulette around.  They had a special book for all Veteran's and current military to sign, plus special pricing for them on the holiday.  Holly was awesome, she made sure her Grandpa was able to enjoy all that was available to veterans.

Normally when I'm here I have students and only 3 hours.  This visit I was able to slow down and explore a few more areas.  The upper gardens are so pretty and just behind them are the slave quarters, blacksmith shops, spinning house, salt house and overseer's quarters.  I had not visited these areas before.  We were able to give Paulette a nice taste of what life was like in the late 1700's.

George Washington's Home, Mount Vernon

Our visit didn't allow a full house tour because it was under refurbishment in preparation of 2026's 250th celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  We toured the main dining room and kitchen and then explored the grounds.

On Veteran's Day any member of the military, veteran or adult able to lay a red carnation at the tomb of President Washington.   I have done this once before on a student trip.  My family enjoyed being able to pay their respects to our first President.

President & Martha Washington's Tombs

When visiting Washington DC everyone wants to tour the White House.  It takes a little planning, but it can be done.  Three months before their trip I made an official request for tickets through our congressman.  There is no guarantee you will get tickets, especially in an election year and just before the holidays, but one week before their trip I got great news,  WE GOT TICKETS!

White House June 2024

Taking the boys on this tour would have been a bit of a challenge, so they stayed home with Pops.

The White House is stunning and we couldn't wait to see it together.  After walking through security check points and scans we had finally made it to the East Wing.  In October Dr. Jill Biden updated the tour,  making it more accessible to visitors.  Instead of standing at a rope and peering into each room, you can now walk into parts of each room.  There is a guard there who is happy to answer questions.

This visit was so much more!  We got to enter the library and China room.  On my previous tours we could only see part of each room from the rope.  Plus, we were able to see into the Diplomatic Reception Room.  A lady in front of us noticed the foot prints in the carpet and asked if they were the Presidents.  Guess What?  They were.

  

Paulette was amazed by the beauty, detail, age and history of the house.  My Dad couldn't believe he was in the White House.  We took a lot of pictures, spent our time studying all the details.  By the time we left we realized we had spent over two hours in the house.  What is incredible about that, is at no time was anyone rushing us along.  

Presidential Seal is just above our heads

One of the highlights for all three of us was buying our 2025 White House Christmas Tree ornament in the White House.  Usually I get it at the museum shop, but this time I was prepared to buy it at the little stand in the East Wing.  Our entire visit was incredible, one I know we will not forget.

White House Tour Map

As we exited the White House there was a motorcade that came up the street and headed for the White House.  For a time my Dad, Paulette and I got separated while the motorcade came through.  I looked up the Presidents schedule and saw that he was meeting with President Isaac Herzog of Israel.  Super cool!

We grabbed a quick lunch and walked the mile to begin our visit of some of the monuments and memorials.  Of course we did stop to take a look at a few souvenirs along the way.  

Our first stop was the Washington Monument.  I had Paulette do the kid thing.  Lay on the ground with your feet up and look towards the top of the monument.  My Dad and I couldn't stop laughing watching her get down and try to get back up.  She was a great trooper and tried it all.

Each of the monuments and memorials are beautiful.  They tell part of our story and the story of those they honor.  Its hard to leave one and move on to the next.  My Dad's favorite is the Korean Memorial, Paulette loved all of them.  We were able to visit Washington, WWII, Vietnam, Lincoln, and Korean.

I get asked a lot when the best time to visit the monuments and memorials is.  That is hard to answer.  Each of them have a different look and feel depending on the time of day you visit them.  I love going during the day so you can see all of the details and read the inscriptions easier, but at night they have a beautiful, subtle, reverent glow about them that I love.  Don't even get me started on seeing them at sunset or sunrise.  Oh my!  There isn't a bad time to visit them.

Jefferson at golden hour

A couple of days later we added to our very busy week by touring the Capitol Building and National Archives.  I love the Rotunda in the Capitol, but I know that my Dad and Paulette will always remember being in the crypt as Vice President JD Vance walked right past us.  I have to admit it was pretty cool to see a government official that close.  It was Paulette's number one highlight of the trip.

Paulette spent some time with family that live in the area, which gave my Dad and I some time with the boys.  We played on the floor, read books, took walks in the neighborhood and enjoyed a little slower place.  

The week of Thanksgiving was wonderful, my sister and her family came from Nashville.  It has been eight years since we have spent a holiday together.  I couldn't wait till she got here.  I know my dad couldn't wait till he was with both daughters at the same time.  

In five days we packed in a birthday celebration, date for my nephew, games, walks, lots of yummy food, a trip to the park, and Annapolis.  Our temperatures got quite cold and our California Family is not use to east coast cold, so we had to cancel seeing the monuments and memorials at night.  It was ok, we played more games and watched our first Christmas movie of the season together.  

The boys loved all the extra attention and having everyone to play with especially at the park.  My nephew is proudly known as "Ball".  Cutie E called him "Ball" because he would kick the stuffed soccer ball with him.  It was adorable.  

Great Uncle JP

We didn't make it to everything on our list.  Hopefully they will come visit again so we can see the MLK Memorial, FDR Memorial, the inside of the Library of Congress, Great Falls and the Washington Monument in Baltimore. 

I had been looking forward to my Dad's visit for months.  I could not wait to show him where we live and what makes it special, enjoy the election together and spend time with the family.  Showing Paulette all that I  love about DC and our history was so much fun.   

The time together just doing the normal daily things were my favorite parts of their visit.  It doesn't really matter where you are, time together with those you love is the best time.

Father Daughter matching sweatshits

Honoring President Carter

 Honoring President Carter. 

Last night Sean and I took the opportunity to pay our respects to former President Carter. 

Just before entering the Capitol

We shared our time with thousands of others waiting in the bitter cold. You could hear many conversations about the President, his service, his humanitarian work, service, love for family, country, community and the Lord. Many times I heard people say it wasn’t his politics that I liked, but the man he was and his service after. 

As we prepared to enter the Rotunda I noticed how the feeling changed from celebrating a life to reverence. I wasn’t prepared for how it gripped my heart. 

Capitol Visitor Center

We slowly walked into the Rotunda and there in the center of the room was our President Carter. It was quiet, except for a few sniffles. I have been in this place many times and never had if felt so sacred as this moment. 

Photo courtesy of DCReport.org

Sean and I tried to memorize every detail. The way the flag was draped over the casket, the 3 wreaths from the President, Senate and House filled with red and white roses with small blue flowers. We noticed the press grandstands, the 3 video cameras recording the event live, the black drapes over each entrance, the entrances we entered and exited and the military standing at attention. 

Photo courtesy of KVUE

There was so much to remember. We didn’t leave till we had taken it all in and felt we had offered our condolences. 

Photo courtesy of the internet

It was a beautiful evening. We met a lovely couple whom we shared 4 hours with. We captured a subtle sunset and time together honoring a former president. 

Sean signing the condolence book

Tonight was an opportunity for Sean and I to show our gratitude for the office of President, but also the man and family that served. We have always wanted to be part of remembering a President and last night we were able to do it.

Celebrating Veteran's

Since I last posted on September 23,  I have been pondering what I want to do with my blog while reducing the time I spend on social media.  I will save that for another time, today I want to honor our nations Veteran's.

Yesterday was Veteran's Day.  Living in our nations capitol there is always something you can do or experience and Veteran's Day is no exception.

Dad & Paulette at Mount Vernon

The most notable activity in the area is to attend the Presidential speech at Arlington National Cemetery.  Yesterday was extra special, President Biden, Dr Biden, Vice President Harris and Second Gentleman were all in attendance.  The President and Vice President laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  

Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
 Arlington National Cemetery

On average 5,000 people attend this special Presidential speech.  One day I will attend, but this year I took my dad and Paulette to explore Arlington a few days before in order to avoid the big crowds.  We had a beautiful blue sky day that was like no other I have experienced.  

The National Park System acknowledges our Veteran's with special  free admission into all of its parks. Restaurants offer free meals or special treats and many other businesses offer discounts.  There are parades, concerts, flag displays, run/walks, and ceremonial events.  It isn't hard to find an activity that fits you to help honor our Veteran's.  

This year I spent the day with my family at Mount Vernon, George Washington's home.  I love Mount Vernon.  I love being in George Washington's home, walking part of his plantation and through his forest.  To honor Veteran's they had a special book for them to sign, entrance was free and they provided red carnations to any adult that would like to lay it at his tomb.

Our family had a wonderful day.  As Cutie E was sitting on my lap during one of the films I wondered how each of these events and the places we visit will shape his life.  He ran around the bowling green, walked through the house and held our hands as we walked through the gardens and slave quarters.  He was so good.  Cutie O enjoyed a lovely stroller ride through the grounds of our first president.

Not every kiddo has the opportunity to visit, experience, explore and listen to the words of the men and women who laid the foundation for our country.  They are so lucky to have these expereinces build who they will become.

Fort McHenry

I continue to wonder,

How will their parents, uncle and great grandparents military service shape them?

How will the words and information they hear about our nations history impact them?

How will running around the first presidents plantation shape their future?

How will these experiences early in their life influence their path?

I am excited to see who these beautiful boys become.

I am so honored to be part of a family that has been willing to serve, that love our country  and the history it holds close to its heart.  I hope all Veteran's felt loved and appreciated on their special day. 

The "First" Washington Monument

Many of you know how much I love Washington DC.  Each time I have visited I have stopped at the Washington Monument.  It is stunning at sunset and the views to WWll and Lincoln are some of my favorites.  What I didn't know with each visit is that it was not the first Washington Monument. The honor of that title belongs to the city of Baltimore.

A few weeks ago Sean and I visited the FIRST Washington Monument.  It is located in a beautiful section of Baltimore.   The monument sits in the center of Mount Vernon Place, where it is surrounded by four small parks, one each side.  

Like all other monuments and memorials they need to be enjoyed during the day and at night.  They take on a different feel when the sun sets and the lights come on.  Our decision to venture out to the monument was last minute, so our first visit was in the evening.  

We arrived just as the sun disappeared for the day.  The lights were already on as the sun faded, but the parks were still alive with visitors.   Each park has beautiful architecture, history, fountains and landscaping to be enjoyed all year.  There were a lot of people out playing games, reading, visiting, drinking coffee and eating ice cream.  

Each of the four parks had  their own feel, a bit link a different room in your house.  The one thing they had in common were the bistro tables with chairs and park benches.  These tables and benches invited visitors to sit and stay a while.  The canopy of the trees made it feel very cozy, a place you would want to  enjoy any time of day or evening.  Our walk through each park allowed us to admire the monument from each side all lit up.

 There is more to the monument than the stunning views at sunset or at night.  It actually provides a history lesson on Washington as well as the construction of the monument and area.  We definitely want to return during the day, so we can walk the 227 steps to the look out tower, tour the gallery, visit the Peabody Library, art gallery and Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church.  

When we found out we were moving to DC, I was excited to explore areas that aren't on the typical tour.  I wanted to meet people that either grew up here or have lived here for many years and learn about the places locals know.  Getting to explore these lesser known places has been thrilling.

* I have included links so you can explore on your own virtually or add it to a trip itinerary. 

Its Been A Year

 We Made It!

We have lived in Washington DC for one year and two days 😂

When we decided we were going to move in with the kids we had no idea where they were going to be relocated to.  The possibilities were endless.  And that was exciting.

I lived in California in the same house the first 11 years of my life.  My dad got a job in Portland that moved us at the end of my 5th grade year.  Oregon quickly became home.  When I met Sean I told him that if he wanted to marry me he'd have to agree to move to Portland.  He was happy to return to the Pacific Northwest.

Our Oregon home

Oregon is where we were married, raised our family, and built memories that we cherish.  Neither of us saw ourselves moving from home.  This is one of the reasons why we knew this move would be difficult.

As a school teacher I watched many students struggle, whether it be with a new skill or one that has always been difficult.  I loved the moments when they got it.  When they understood the concept or were able to overcome the difficult skill.  The joy on their faces washed away every difficult day.

Their growth came within the daily struggle.  

We all have trials.  Those trials push us beyond what we "think" we can do.  Its hard, sometimes even painful.  We learn with in the trial about ourselves, what we can accomplish and that the unthinkable can be a reality.

 The year COVID hit I was pushed beyond anything I knew and understood about teaching.  I would have never predicted that schools would be closed for two weeks let alone the remainder of the school year and into the next one.

My Classroom

At the beginning of that next school year I sat in a training in my living room completely overwhelmed.  By the time the training ended I had my camera off and was sobbing.  I tried the canned programs we were told to teach from, the new grade book we were to use and an electronic assignment creator.  None of them were for me.  A few weeks in I found my technical footing and figured out how to teach in this new format, but incorporating my style and lessons.

A year ago I was thrilled to be moving to Washington DC.  A place I am familiar with and love.  I couldn't wait to be here and experience more than a 7-day student led trip allowed.  I knew it would be hard to leave home, but I wasn't expecting heart ache, fear and immense JOY.

One afternoon Holly was driving me across across the bridge to Ford Island in Hawaii.  She showed her military badge at the gate and in that moment I realized that Holly and Dreyton were going to take me to places and have experiences I never dreamt of.  That scared me.  The life I knew in Oregon was all about to change.

The trip across the country gave us opportunities to see dear friends, spend time with our kids and family and see parts of the country we had never seen before.

What is most notable is that one year ago Sunday we stepped into our new home with a new version of our family.

Dreyton ran through the house so excited to show us every room.  This was his house.  He couldn't wait to make this a home with all of us.

 Every aspect of my life was now different, so I relied on his joy and excitement many times as my heart longed to be in my home in Oregon.

While spending the last year navigating the unfamiliar and unknown I have learned a few things.

I'm not my mom, but I can set up a kitchen, a home and invite the spirit to be with us every day like she did for me every time I moved.

It is ok to not know where I am or how I am going to get somewhere, but I can learn.  It doesn't have to be terrifying as long as I rely on the tools I have and the spirit to guide me.  Today I can confidently get myself to places I want to go.  I can even drive into the city.  That is a HUGE accomplishment.

My dear friends are still my friends no matter how many miles separate us.  Together we figured out how to stay in touch.  I love all of them dearly and the experiences we continue to share together.

Imagine walking through Target or Costco and bumping into friends, past students and families, neighbors, or people from your childhood.  It was a rare occasion that I walked through a store a didn't bump into someone I knew.  For a few months I walked into stores with my head down, I knew I wouldn't bump into people I know.  It felt lonely.  

I've learned its ok to walk through a door alone and not know anyone in the room.   I just whisper to myself, "Be Brave", "You Can Do This", "You Got This"!  This has pushed me well beyond my comfort zone.  I'm starting to meet people and have even walked through Target and recognized a new friend.

Sisters always got you

At the end of each day Sean and I share what the best part of our day is.  For many years that moment happened at school.  Transitioning into early retirement has not been easy.   It has been 19 years since I had been home with our children and 21 since I had been home full time.  This was going to take time and I needed to be patient with myself.

My BEST PART of the day has changed.  There are more moments with Sean.  Like eating lunch together more than just the summer months.  Date nights that don't involve grocery shopping or more opportunities to travel with him.

                                                            

There are also two adorable little boys that fill my days with so many BEST PARTS.  Before I could thoroughly enjoy those moments I had to find a balance between being Grammy and the Grammy that takes care of you each day with no's and rules.

 Finding balance between these two roles has not been smooth.  I've made many mistakes.  Today I realize that I must honor both of those roles and love where I'm at in that moment.

The hardest part of this move and transition is letting go of what was and embracing what is.  I listened to a talk once where a woman experienced the tragic loss of her daughter.  After life settled into a new routine she found herself yearning to get back the life she had.  That life no longer existed because her daughter wasn't in it.  She said that part of her life was yellow, bright, cheerful, sunny.  

Now her life was blue.  It was different.  There had been a lot of change that impacted every part of her life.  At times it was filled with sorrow, but at other times there was joy.  She still longed for elements of her yellow life.  What she learned is that she could take elements of her yellow life and combine them with her new blue life to make green.  

Letting go of my yellow life in Oregon has been a challenge.  Embracing my new blue life in Washington DC has been equally challenging.  I have felt like both lifestyles were playing tug-of-war with my heartstrings.  All that means is that I love both.  I don't have to let go of Oregon and solely embrace DC, I too can create a life of green.

My green life is filled with precious moments.  I GET to spend each day with my adorable grandsons.  I get to witness major milestones and be here for daily hugs, kisses, giggles and snuggles.  Today I can happily say I wouldn't want to be anywhere else than here with my sweetheart, our daughter and husband and our two cutie grandsons.

It has been a year of tremendous change, but I've learned a lot about myself, slowing down and enjoying the moment.