Sunday in DC ( Day 5)

Since it is a day of rest, I got up at 7:30 and let the women sleep in. Chantel got up after 10. Teresa was all looped up on Ambien again, so she needed a couple extra hours to shake it off. The only way to describe my bed is that I fell like I am sleeping in a bowl! We were out of milk and Pop Tarts, so I ran on down to the CVS Drugstore. DC is kind of weird on a Sunday morning with no one around.  The high humidity is still a shock every time you walk out the door. The sad thing was the CVS store was having AC problems and was actually hotter than outside! I touched a bag of Resses Peanut Butter Cups and they were all smooshy. I came back and turned the TV on and was so excited about the Sham-Wow towel. I wanted to order, but Teresa wouldn't let me.

So after we all got up, dressed and ready, we headed out to the National Archives. We got there at 11:45 and had to wait in the blistering sun for 35 minutes. Holy crap it was hot! You know, we watch and see the forecast, which

 cracks us up, because it will

 be record heat until we leave, then it goes back to normal. I understand Utah is in the 60's and rainy, but I'm sure once we get back it will heat up (but it will be a dry heat). I digress. As the line started moving and got within 10 feet of the door we could feel the AC spilling out. Oh, sweet blessed relief! We make our way up to see the documents. It's funny that we thought about National Treasure and how they were having a party right there in that room. The room is not well lit and there's no flash photography. As we made our way to see the Declaration of Independence, there was a lady who was videotaping each document... for a long time. Even her family was getting ticked that she was clogging the lane. It is amazing to see these documents and what they stand for. It's also surprising how faded they are. They even have the Louisiana Purchase document there as well as a few others.

I stepped back to look at the two huge paintings on the wall showing the Declaration and also the Constitution. The legend of the painting depicting the men involved also stated who didn't sign onto these documents. I just thought how they could have and should have been on the right side of history, but ooooh they blew it! Again, why don't the very people who are in Washington get what it's all about? They need to have a tour and refresher course about American History.

After the document room, we wandered around and looked at many of the displays. I looked at the political cartoon display set up. It made me think back to my Illustration class and when I did a lengthy report on Thomas Nast. Chantel was very intrigued with a number of things in there. 

We finally left and went over to the Museum of Art. That place is huge! We stopped for a drink

 of water and a snack outside before going in. We looked at a few rooms then found many rooms full of sculptures. It was pretty cool. We then went looking for and found the Da Vinci painting. Pretty neat. Next we searched for and found the French Impressionists. They had Monet, Manet, Matisse, Renoir, Cassat, and I even found Van Gough's self portrait. It was pretty awesome. We came around to a huge fountain and Chantel & I couldn't resist striking a pose. There is a cafe type place in there, too, but I had to laugh becaus

e we are in no way snooty enough to sip wine, each little delicasies and discuss art.

Our feet were killing us, but we pushed on and out the door into the stifling heat. My brother called and said he was watching the Nationals-Giants game and it was 114 on the field! I am so happy we traded our tickets and went to the night game! We went across the street to the Newseum. Chantel really wants to go to it. We got over there and the lady at the door suggested we come back because it was going to close in an hour and 20 minutes. So we walked to the Metro station and went to Union Station. It's kind of pathetic because we could have walked, but the heat and our feet, no way.

Once there we went to the US Postal Museum. That was kind of quaint and fun. They booted us out at closing time so we skipped, not literally, to Union Station and ate at the American Restaurant. They started with these wonderful little rolls. After we ordered and received our food, I asked our waiter for more rolls. He brought more silverware. I asked again and he brought a small plate. I asked one of the other dudes there for more rolls, he obviously couldn't speak English, so he gave some kind of grunt and moved on. I asked again for more rolls and our waiter brought me more salad dressing! We were cracking up. Finally, another waiter brought us some rolls, said something to our waiter, who then brought us more rolls, too! Oh

 well. The food was fine and we got back onto the Metro and decided to call it a day. Chantel and I tried figuring out a crossword puzzle and Teresa tried Soduku-ing, but we all were mentally challenged by that time and gave up. So, what better way to continue to numb the senses than to watch a DVD! We put National Treasure on the lap top and sat on they bed. We were laughing at the fact of the lighting and party going on in the document room. After the movie, Teresa and Chantel started battling for the cell phone of which Chantel keeps getting texts from the 22 year old. Geeze. 

The 4th Day

Last night my wife took an Ambien again. It was too funny because she was getting all woosy about ten minutes before bed. Chantel and I were cracking up. My bed and I still aren't buddies yet. I got up at 7 local time and did the ritual Fiber Uno, scriptures, shower,

 etc. I did wake up my wife a wee bit after 8 so we could get going before noon! We actually left the hotel before 10! The heat is horrid! The humidity is around 80%. The Race for the Cure was just winding down. I can't believe people were running in the heat! We walked to the Holocaust Museum, got tickets, then went and watched the 13 minute Rise of Nazism down stairs. Pretty interesting. Then we went through the tour. It was very educational. You know, I can see parallels in our own society as was started back then. One main thing was how they started the terror of not being able to speak your point of view for fear of getting on the bad list. I see that happening with the whole political correctness problem we have; 

we can't say what we really think anymore without a huge fear of getting ripped on.

Anyway, walking through the box car was pretty weird and seeing all the shoes made me think that each pair was a person.

We left that museum and went in the oppressive heat to the Smithsonian Castle. That was pretty boring, so we went to the Natural History Museum. That was pretty fun. I was shocked to see how everyone piled in to see the Hope Diamond. Chantel and I laughed as we made like the hippo. While we were there, I called the Nationals so we could see about changing our tickets to go tonight. They said we could, so we left to come back to our hotel. Chantel and I ran up to Potbelly's for some sandwiches and shakes, and I bought a oatmeal chocolat

e chip cookie! Their sandwiches are wonderful. 

We went to the Metro and went to the Navy Yard stop. We went to the ticket window and changed out our tickets. Holy crap it was hot!!! We sat in the shade while waiting for the game to start. Luckily, about 15 minutes before the game started, clouds moved in. We were sitting up from 1st base. I was surprised to see so many Giants fans there. 

The last time I took my wife to a baseball game it was a boring 1-0 pitcher's duel. Well, the game was 0-0 going into the top of the 8th inning. Finally, the Giants broke it open, scored a couple runs, then we saw a grand slam! Classic! There was a pretty major lightening storm starting to happen over DC. Well, the Nationals stunk it up, the game ended 6-0 for the Giants, yeah, and we started herding out like animals. As everyone was walking, there was lots of lightning and thunder and then it rained with huge big drops while we pushed to get into the Metro station. We three held hands so we could stay together. Once in we packed onto the trains. We made a transfer and then came home. That was Chantel's first Major League Baseball game. The Nationals Ball Park is quite nice. For the

 first 7 innings the best part was the presidents race! (that's where the mascots all run from center field. But Teddy Roosevelt came cruising in on a little motorcycle.) There were two women who sat in front of us, one was a Nationals fan with hat and jersey, the other a Giants fan with hat and jersey. They were pretty funny. 

So, here we are, Teresa is all loaded up with Ambien again, actually, she's already out! Chantel just bailed and I am ready, too. It's been a really enjoyable day.

DC 3

Well, here we are on day 3 of our trip. Wow, my bed is bad. I have named each spring that sticks in my back. I got up and going again at around 7-ish. It's funny eating Fiber Uno in a cup in the bathroom. I showered and all, read my scriptures, and waited for Teresa and Chantel to wake up. My wife didn't take an Ambien last night so even though we walked 100 miles, she didn't sleep too well. By the way, the Ambien are left-overs from my European trip last year. I didn't need them. So, they finally got up, showered and dressed, and even had a Pop Tart, then we planned our day. We finally left at 11:45!!!

We caught the Metro at the Federal Triangle stop and headed up to the Arlington Cemetery. Once there we bought the $7 tour. Well worth it. It is interesting to s

ee the Eternal Flame for President Kennedy, and to look down the road where the funeral procession made it's way up. Also, today is the 40th anniversary of R

obert Kennedy's assassination, so there were lots of flowers at his small marker and wooden cross. 

We stopped to see the changing of the guard at the Unknown Soldier Monument. Man, it was hot. The Lord bless those servicemen who participate in that ritual. We jum

ped over to see the mast of the USS Maine that blew up in Havana sparking the Spanish-American War. 

Our final stop on that little tour was the Robert E. Lee House. It was interesting to see the whole place and to hear how Lee quit his post to join the Con

federacy. The thing that many people I know who have been to

 the South say is that the Civil War is still going on. The cemetery was an interesting place to visit and to contemplate our nation's history. I wish everyone had a chance to be here and feel what I am feeling as I learn about our heritage.

We hopped back onto the Metro and stopped at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. We walked all around there and learned a lot of interesting things. We should have started at the Air side and not the Space side. 

After that it was too late and everything was closed. We walked through the National Sculpture Garden where there was a Jazz concert going on. People were laying all around on blankets and drinking adult beverages and eating and such. I was appalled at what is considered "art" and is actually in a National Sculpture Garden! Those artists must have been snickering the whole way to the bank.

We came back to figure out a place to eat and ended up pretty much right across the street at Qdoba's. Chantel had a chicken quesadilla and Teresa and I had salads. It was tasty enough and not too expensive. We came back upstairs for a break then back down to Maggie Moos so Chantel could get an ice cream. The service was horrendous and chaotic, but the ice cream was delicious (I snuck a taste). Then, I got a piece of chocolate cake from Harriet's Restaurant in the lobby. Yes, I ate cake; double chocolate with a cherry! I didn't eat much of the frosting, I'm not much into that, but I like the cake. So, I feel fatter and happier. Hey, Glenn Beck is on! (can you tell we don't have cable at home?) 

DC 2

My bed is a giant piece of hud! It's not just a banana bed, but a squashed, twisted banana bed. You can feel every spring in your back. I woke up at 7:00 local time and got going with a shower and some Fiber Uno! After a long time, Teresa got up and finally Chantel got up after 9. I ran up to Potbelly's for a couple breakfast sandwiches. Man, they were good! (mine had ham, eggs, Swiss, and mushrooms)We figured out a route, loaded up the backpack, (which is pink and I get to carry it) and left the hotel. By the way, the picture of the bathroom is there because it's right when you walk in AND the bathroom door won't close if the toilet seat is down.

We walked out the door and the humidity is like a slug in the gut. Man, it's so blasted hot. We started off to see the White House. We got as close as we could and were told by a police officer there was an event 

going on and it will be about an hour. So we had to walk aroun

d and get pictur

es from far away. I'm

 doing my Clinton "I feel your pain AND I didn't have sexual relations with that woman..."

We headed on over to the Washington

 Monument. I was surprised that it was made

 from marble. Chantel and I got

 a picture of us touching the monument. A

fter that we started over to the World War II Monument. I enjoyed the relief sculptures that showed scenes of life entering and during the war. You know, reading the engraved quotes everywhere makes me frustrated that we as a society just don't get it.

We walked along the Reflecting Pool and slid on over to the Vietnam Memorial. We laughed at an old lady in her Red Cross uniform with the longest cigarette I have ever seen dangling from her lips! We found a couple of Snyder names on the wall. We came back out of the little wall place and had a sit down in the shade. Holy crap it was hot! We went to the Lincoln Memorial and took some pictures. I had the same feeling of why don't people

 realize how awesome the USA really is? I could start a rant right now about Obama and socialism, but I won't. We snuck on into the gift shop, mainly to feel some AC. I looked at a couple books about Lincoln. One was about the conspiracy and Booth's escape and capture. Pretty interesting stuff. Someone should have been watching their children because these two kids knocked down everything they touched. It was like a bad movie.

Next was the Korean War Memorial. I have seen pictures of the sculpture and being that I work at a foundry, I examined the color of the sculptures and am convinced they are painted.

After a short respite in the shade we continued on. We tool a wee stop at the memorial for all the DC residents who died in WWI. We then crossed the road an

d started off for the Jefferson Memorial, walking along the Tidal Basin. Right at the FDR Memorial, Teresa realizes she lost her sunglasses. I ran back but couldn't find them. Oh well. The FDR memorial was frustrating. It has many different parts to it, is quite big, and he is the one who started the welfare entitlement state we are in! Typical DC to celebrate big government.

By the time we got to the Jefferson Memorial we were ready to pass out it was so blooming hot! Chantel and I ran up real quick and got some pictures while Teresa sat on the steps. We then walked over to the Bureau of Printing and Engraving. We picked up some tickets and Teresa and Chantel had a snack so they wouldn't die, which we ate in the alley. The tour was all right, nothing too major.

We walked back to the hotel, took a break, then headed up to the Hard Rock Cafe. That was my first time in one. Pretty loud and raucous but that was OK. We ate and had a good time then walked out to see the Ford Theater. Of course it is closed until February 2009! We did get a photo of the house where Lincoln died. You know, it's weird how everything has so much history.

We got back and my wife is ticked because her legs are still white after being in the sun all day. I keep telling her she's one of the "Pale Kids" from the cartoon Recess. We did step out for an ice cream cone and a wee stroll to see the Washington Monument all lit up. I think we should sleep easy tonight, well, if the springs don't poke my ribs.

Washington DC Day 1

I am going to document each day of the trip that Chantel, Teresa and I are on to Washington DC. We got up and going at 3:00 AM!!! Got showered and finished packing. We had already dropped of Abby and Madalyn at my brother Carl's house last night, so they were done. We woke Chelsea up to say goodbye to her. We got going in the car to catch our 6:00 flight. We were running late! We parked in the Long-Term lot and got onto the shuttle. I wanted to drive the shuttle myself (the dude was going pretty slow). We ran up to check in our baggage but the lady told us it was too late! By 5 minutes. So we hoofed it upstairs and had to dump all of our toiletries because shaving cream, vaseline, hairspray, and mousse could be used to blow a huge hole in the fuselage. But my wife's scissors managed to make it through with no problem. We ran to our gate, they checked our baggage, and we sat down just in time to take off. The flight was rather boring. The movie was The Spiderwick Chronicles. I didn't really watch the first half, but boredom got the beast of me and I watched the 2nd half. 

We landed in Atlanta at 11:30 and had an hour to wait for our connecting flight to Baltimore. They boarded the plane and we were off again. There was a school group from Bear River, UT that were on the continuing flight with us, sitting right behind us again. I couldn't sleep, again, on the plane. Man, those seats! Who designed them? Obviously they aren't normal shaped- whose head leans so far forward when you try to recline? Ugh. So, we landed in Baltimore, disembarked, and waited for our bags, then waited even longer to catch the shuttle to the train. We bought tickets for the MARC to Union Station. While we were waiting a huge lightning storm came blowing in. It rained real hard for quite a while. We were noting the high humidity with a couple that were waiting with us. Turns out they are from Farmington, UT.

Well, we got into Union Station at 4:30-ish and wow it was busy! The architecture and sculptures are pretty cool. We bought tickets on the Metro and got off at our stop. After taking the long way around the IRS building, we got to our hotel, The Hotel Harrington. We came up to our room. Definitely not too impressive. 

We asked at the front desk where a good sandwich shop was and they pointed us to Pottbelly's. We walked a couple blocks to the shop and went in. Chantel and I both ordered a Wreck, and Teresa got a ham. We also got a, Oreo Shake. The sandwiches were delicious!!! Plus, we were starving, having only eaten cookies and cheese & crackers on the airplane. 

We walked to CVS to replenish our toiletries that we had to chuck. And we got some Apple Jacks! They were on sale. When we were starting back, another lightning storm came in. We ducked into the doorway of a building to wait it out. A lightning bolt hit right by us. You could hear the crackle/buzz then a gigantic KA-BOOM! There was a young lady standing by us who had run under the doorway, too. She got pretty scared from that one. So after 15-20 minutes of some of the heaviest rain I've ever seen, we took off and came back to the hotel. We have been too wasted to go back out. Teresa and I just went outside, but it is still raining, so here we are. Hopefully we will be alright tomorrow, both with the weather and with feeling not so gooey.

Graduation!

Yesterday was Chantel's graduation from Mountain View High School. It was held at the Marriott Center at BYU. The program was good, the speakers kept their remarks short and it was overall a fun ceremony. When the graduates were presented my wife went down closer to get some pictures. I guess she didn't have all the right settings for her camera because a lot of the pictures were blurry. Oh well. After the program we all went outside and got many pictures of Chantel and her friends. Jenny Robinson was so excited to see Grandma & Grandpa Beckstrand again. 

We then loaded up and went to China Lily for lunch. That was a tasty experience. I love the Salt and Pepper Chicken dish there! We came home full and said good-bye to Grandma and Grandpa who left, pulling their 5th Wheel, to serve a mission up at Martin's Cove. We headed over to see Grandma Verla, who lives at the Seville. She is always excited to see the grandkids.

Well, my dear wife has been on an emotional roller coaster with all of this. She can't talk about Chantel or her future with out bursting into tears. It will be really odd when Chantel leaves to go live at the dorms at BYU in late August. As for now, I am trying to keep it all together. 

It is so weird to think how quick her school years have gone by. Why did MY high school years take forever? And how come no one tells you how you are going to feel and how to prepare for your children growing up and getting older? All I know is how proud I am of all my girls and how much I love them. They are each so beautiful and have their own special abilities. I just hope that all the years of their mother's love and their father's teachings will have sunk deep into their hearts. My girls ROCK!

CONGRATULATIONS CHANTEL!!!

A Memorable Day

So it was wet and at times chilly, and I am experiencing a sore throat (my daughter Chantel brought home a huge shake from Iceberg the other night, let Madalyn and me take a few bites before she exclaimed "My throat has been so sore for the last few days!" Thank you), but Memorial Day was memorable. I got up early and, as I do every day, had Fiber One and a couple slices of high fiber bread. (My friend Kimball Lyman once said, "Bishop, it tastes like DIRT!") I then drove out to American Fork to run a 5K with my brother Carl. His 3 daughters, Serena, Michelle, and Marissa were there with him, commenting on everything and everybody. They are funny. It was cold and raining. The rain quit just before we took off running. The first mile was no problem, the second took us uphill around the cemetery, which kicked my butt. I managed to finish right around 21:55. Carl came through a few minutes later. I'm a bit sore today.

I spent a number of hours trying to clean out my art, drum, and sanctuary room so my daughter Chantel can have her own room. I guess somewhere in the past we said she could have her own room when she started college. She starts BYU in June. Man, it is depressing giving up my space. She will move into Helaman Halls in the fall, so I will get it back, though I can picture one of the other girls saying they want it.

We then had a BBQ with the Clegg's, Wakefield's, and Grover's in the Clegg's backyard. It was fun and cold and wet. Thomas Grover made some of the best baked beans I've ever had! We played Bocce Ball in their yard. We all felt guilty when our balls were smashing their rock walkways or wood bridges. We hung out and had some fun conversations, too. 

I struggled with the thought of going back to work today. It wasn't too bad, but I'd prefer to be hanging out with the family and friends!