Our D.C. Diary: Thankful

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful. ~ Buddha

There is so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving...we are healthy, happy and on a great family journey. We have been lucky to have lots of visitors come to DC to visit us and this week we had our two friends from Belize, Jason and Mandy, come to visit on their own adventure to Dubai, and we had my parents come stay for 8 days to celebrate with us. Some of the highlights of the week included a visit to Mount Vernon, where we not only got to explore the grounds of the home George Washington lived for over 40 years, but also I found my dream job: a historical actor...why didn't I use my history degree to work at a historical site playing the role of some interesting woman? I guess there aren't too many of those job in Washington state... We also visited the National Museum of Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia. Nothing is cooler than visiting a place like this with an actual Marine (thanks, Dad) and we got to find his "brick" that we bought him and his fellow Vietnam buddies a few years ago when the museum was built. It was a memorable place and probably one of the most amazing museums around. Sawyer and my dad and I also visited a DESTROYER (Sawyer likes it said that way) at the US Naval base along with some big guns, and the Marine Corp Barracks, home of the Commadante of the Marine Corp. After being locked into the base when they closed, it was a memorable adventure to find our way out. All in all, we are thankful for the fun week of exploring part of the city with my parents and enjoyed our yummy meal that Steve prepared...my mom even said it was the best turkey he'd ever made. Our friends Britta and Pax joined us for food and laughs (and dancing...see below).

(sorry the pics aren't in the best order...I want a new Mac...these PC's aren't user friendly!)

BIG GUN and little kid at Naval base.

My little Marine.

Pax and Natalie: Gangnam Style

Library of Congress: the most beautiful building in DC.

Double decker tour.

The Destroyer!

Best turkey (and chef) ever.

Jason and Mandy's quick visit.

National Museum of the Marine Corp...does my dad have wings?

Big gun little kid #2.

Smashed into our rental car...Us Jonses know how to ride in style (economy style).

I wasn't allowed to take pics of the REAL Guttenburg Bible at the Library of Congress (Mrs. Ruthford, the history teacher, was all sweaty and giggly to actually see a real one!) , but I could take pics of teaching Sawyer about it virtually.