A WoNdErFuL trip to Washington DC

In effort to savor the last bit of summer...I went to DC with my Dad this past week! It was sooo much fun touring every famous hotspot in our nation's capitol. We left Saturday morning and arrived in DC around 3 PM. From there we walked around and saw a couple monuments, the national mall, and briefly toured a couple of the Smithsonian museums. I've never been a history buff...but those museums were simply AMAZING! I loved seeing the various animals and artifacts that were used/discovered so very long ago. There is just something about seeing historical things in person that really make history come alive! Saturday night we ate at a place called Old Ebbitt's Grill and had crab cake and filet minion (Delicious!!!) Sunday was the official walking day...and I mean NOTHING but walking! We saw every monument and memorial up close and personal (you name it--we saw it!) Some of my favorite things that day were going up to the top of the Washington monument and seeing all the names on the wall of the Vietnam monument. After an exhausting day on our feet, my Dad and I had dinner at a place called Jaleo where they served mini Spanish-inspired entrees called "Tapas." We ordered about four to share and then had a delicious Spanish chocolate torte for dessert! My favorite day was Monday...when we toured the Library of Congress. Sounds dorky, but I don't think I have ever fallen in love with a historical building in my life until I saw that national library. Though the millions of books/papers were amazing to see...the Italian Renaissance style of the building was simply breathtaking. I IMMEDIATELY decided that this was the place I was getting married. Unfortunately, they don't allow weddings, let alone more than around 100 people in the building at a time. I'm a little disappointed but nevertheless...it was an amazing sight to see! We also toured the capitol and the national archive building where we saw the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. That night, we went to a place called Oyamel which was an authentic Mexican restaurant that had entrees similar to that of Jaleo. Our food was amazing and I ordered this authentic passion fruit sorbet dessert with carmel and cake crumbs that was awesome. On Tuesday we made a quick trip to the National Zoo and to Arlington Cemetery... then flew home! Those panda's might just be the coolest animals in the world! It was a quick trip...but i had a blast with my Dad and loved spending time with him. I can't wait to go back and visit! All of the many pictures will be posted very soon! There are some pretty silly one's of my Dad and I (love you Pop!!!)

Peace and Love,
Kens

A Mess of Fun!

(My very fav. pic of Caden! above)

Hello everyone! As always...it has been awhile since I have blogged (my apologies). Nothing that exciting has really been going on lately since my summer classes have ended. I did go on a short Six flags vacation with my dad and siblings (which was a BLAST) but there were no pics because we rode on all the water rides and I didn't want to ruin my camera! We have also been moving Zach into his first house (woohoo!)...which has kept everyone busy. In the meantime...my precious little Caden has mostly been kickin' back with his parents and wonderful family... so I haven't gotten to see him very much! SOOO...I decided it was time for a little fun at the pool for me and the little man :0) We drove over to my parent's house, bathed in some sun screen, and hopped in the cool water! Caden did great in the water and just kicked and splashed around like a little fish! He did scare me to death though when he kicked so hard that his entire body flipped over (face first) into the water!!! He just laughed and laughed though (he tends to enjoy me over-reacting on a day to day basis) Afterwards...we ate some dinner and I suprised him with a special chocolately dessert--squashed up oreos in some milk! His eyes got so big when I put the first spoon full in his mouth...and he couldn't stop licking his lips just waitin' for more!!! The pictures were hilarius...I think he had a chocolate beard at one point (It was messy to say the least!) By dinner-time though, he was EXHAUSTED (as you will see in the pics). We had a blast, regardless of the exhaustion and mess, and I can't wait to do it all over again!

More to come soon-

Peace and Love,

-Kens