The Miserables

 In December of 1989 I was in New York City with my marketing class.  I had never been and was impressed by the enormity of it.

The highlight of the trip was seeing Les Miserables on Broadway.

I knew nothing about the story, only that it was a famous musical and well loved.  I enjoyed musicals and thought this would be light and fun like "Oklahoma" or "The Music Man".  Little did I know the sadness I would feel throughout the performance.

Opera House, Kennedy Center

Thirty-six years later my reaction to this beautifully tragic story has not changed.  I still felt the deep pain of each of the characters and had to wipe away a few tears.

The difference this time is that I attended with Sean, Holly and Dreyton in the Opera House at the Kennedy Center.  I don't think it will ever get old seeing a performance in this theatre. 

Holly and Dreyton love to attend the performing arts and this production did not disappoint.  Holly could not get over sitting in the Opera House and looking up at the stunning ceiling.

The famous Opera House Ceiling

We had a wonderful evening together.  I wonder what we will see next.

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.

Sister Visit

 Sisters share a part of your life that no other person can understand.  They were your first friends, part of your make believe world, they share your childhood memories and had the wonderful privilege of watching you go through your teenage years and still love you.

Leslie and Kristen are my sisters.  Kristen, better known as "Shorty" was the better part of all of us.  She was deeply rooted in routines, order and unconditional love.  Her disabilities didn't define her, she defined them.  We were fortunate to have her physically part of our family for 21 years. 

Leslie and I spent much of our childhood as best friends and closest enemies.  More because I was a bratty older sister and wanted total independence.  If I had listened to my parents I would have realized that she was a ton of fun.  She brings the party no matter where you are or the mood.  Her ability to love people where they are, make them laugh and find the fun in any situation is more than an ability its a talent.

About 10 years ago my sister and her family moved to Nashville, a long way from home.  We have seen each other at weddings, missionary farewells, movie premieres and on Facetime, but its not the same as being in person.  When I shared that we were moving to Washington DC my sister immediately checked the drive time from her house 10 1/2 hours. Both of us were excited to be closer together.

Our first visit finally happened at the beginning of June.  I couldn't wait for her to be in our home, to show her and the family around DC, and introduce them to our newest grandson.

Planning day trips, outings or vacations is my thing.  I love it!  It is kind of like writing lesson plans.  My sister is more of a spontaneous type.  We really are opposites. She was a good sport and gave me a few things to plan, but ultimately she wanted to see my favorite places, play games and help me create family memories in our new home.  She is so wise.

This visit included old family favorites and new adventures.  We started with our traditional waffle bar breakfast.  Lots of waffles plus berries, syrup, peanut butter, Nutella, whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.  Once we were fueled we took them to our favorite park.

I must say that my nephew is a teeter-totter beast, he knocked everyone off and not graciously.

Cutie E loved having so many people to play with on the slides, push him in the swings and play chase with.

That evening a few friends were sweet enough to wait on throwing Holly a baby shower till her aunt and cousins could be here.  It is hard when you move to an area and don't know anyone just before having a baby, but I was so impressed by the ladies that came to help Holly celebrate Little Dudes arrival.  Each of them wanted to get to know Holly and made sure to spend individual time with her.  These are amazing women.

Tanner and Renee have not been to Washington DC and wanted to see all the monuments and memorials. So, this auntie/history teacher/DC tour guide planned a jam packed day.  Our city tour began at the White House museum and shop .  This gave them a great overview of the White House before walking down Pennsylvania Avenue.  

Our next stop was the Washington Monument, where I had them do the touristy thing by placing their feet on the monument and take a picture.

At the World War II Memorial they were impressed by the vastness and water features.  It is a beautiful memorial with so much symbolism.

The weather prior to their visit was hot and humid.  Our walking tour was pleasant as the temperatures dropped, the humidity plummeted and we had a breeze.  Walking from WWII to Vietnam was glorious.  

At the Vietnam Memorial we lost Tanner.  He loves history and learning the personal stories, he took his time at each memorial and monument.

There he is, blue t-shirt

The Lincoln Memorial is a bit under refurbishment, but is still spectacular.  The kids couldn't believe how big he is.

We took a rest for some lunch in the shade before visiting my dad's favorite memorial, Korean Memorial.  I love the new addition.

While in DC you have to stop at the Smithsonian Museums.  I quickly took the family into the American History Museum to see the "Star Spangled Banner and then to the Natural History Museum  to see the Hope Diamond and the Mummies.  

By this time is was nearing 4 p.m and Riss was off work.  She met us a few blocks from the Capitol Building.  Once we got to the Capitol Reflecting Pool I felt like we lost Renee.  She was worn out and her feet were screaming at her.  We took pictures and headed straight to the National Archives.

I'm so glad at the last minute I decided to drive to the Jefferson Memorial.  This turned out to be their favorite.  You can beat the setting, views and the five famous quotes of Jefferson.

One of the best parts of this day was spending it with my sister.  She joined me on my very first student led DC trip, that was in 1995.  Twenty-nine years later we were doing it together and having so much fun.

 I successfully wore them out.  Our totals for the day were 19,196 steps, almost 10 miles and 15 stops.

Saturday was much slower.  Sean and I thoroughly enjoy Annapolis.  The shopping, food, and water remind us a little of home.  The historic sites make this town extra special.  We had another beautiful day and were able to take some great pictures.

Their visit ended with a little soccer in the front yard, a few card games and going to church together.

I loved, loved, loved our visit.  It has been so long since we were together, I've missed having my sister and her family just a couple of blocks away.  She feels like home.  That's what sisters can do for you, remind you of home and bring that feeling right back.