Spontaneous Trip to DC

We knew we wanted to go to Washington DC before we left the East Coast and we were running out of time because we wanted to go before the baby came and not be stuck 4 hours away and go into labor. So anyway, during Shaelyn's spring break and after Walter finished all the details for graduating we thought it would be a good time to go to DC. We decided we would go early Thursday morning but I got some good advice from a great friend who advised us to go the night before to avoid traffic. So Walter quickly booked a hotel Wednesday afternoon and we drove up an hour later and stayed over night. We got up early Thursday morning(6AMish) and went and saw different monuments and sights(7:30am to 10am) before all the museums opened(10am). Above is the Washington Monument viewed from the White House. It was hard to get the kids to sit still for a picture At least we have one were they are all sort of sitting :)

Here is a view through the fence.

There was a nice jogger who offered to take our picture. In the first one, Shaelyn wasn't even in the picture so she took another one and Winston decided to make it a funny picture. Oh boy! From the White house we decided to go and see the Lincoln Memorial. This is the Washington Monument viewed from the step of the Lincoln Memorial. They just about stayed put for this picture too. The kids took turns riding in the double stroller and one would walk at a time. William would have walked the whole time but he was just too slow. This is in front of the visitor's center. They have a beautiful court yard, and it was the perfect place to hang out till the museums opened.

This is a picture of the Washington Monument behind the trees and urn thingy.

It was a great place to stop for a snack. . . . and some monkeying around time.

The visitor's center.

Here is a bad picture of the dinosaur from the Night at the Museum movie. Winston didn't want to stand in front of it because he thought it would come alive. I was really bad at taking pictures inside the museums, I was too busy making sure the kids didn't get lost among all the people! We made it to 2 museums: the Air and Space Museum and the Museum of Natural History. The whole family was done by 12 noon. We walked about 5.5 miles and my feet were done. It was just the right time to head out of the city and go and get some lunch and go home. It was a great trip!

I guess it is time for another update . . . with some big announcements!

Sorry for the lack of posts, life has been a whirl wind lately. Anyway, these pictures are from Thanksgiving. We took lots of pictures with the whole family too, I am just waiting for the rest to come in the mail, these ones were sent to me via email. The kids seemed to be quite agreeable this time around. We couldn't get William to crack a smile but at least he was happy.

So just recently we Walter has been having a lot of contact and interviews with the company Clorox, located in Pleasanton CA, and they have offered him a Post Doc position, and we are Seriously considering taking the job, I think it is a 99.99% chance that we will accept, unless something else happens. Who knows. We are REALLY excited to be closer to family!

Also while we went back to CA for Thanksgiving we had a big announcement for the family. Yes we are expecting baby #4. We had been keeping this a secret for quite some time. So surprise! I am about 20 weeks along, yep halfway there! Oh yeah, and we are having a little girl!

So funny story about the gender. The day I was to find out what we were having I was talking to Shaelyn and I asked her what she wanted me to have.

"I want a little sister" she says

"But what if it is a boy?" I say

"But mom, I already have 2 brothers"

I tried not to bust up laughing because she was so serious.

When I picked up Shaelyn from school I decided to play a little trick on her.

"Shaelyn, I know what the baby is going to be"

"What is it mom?"

"We are having another boy!" I say excitedly.

Tears well up in her eyes and she says "But I wanted a little sister"

I couldn't stand the tears "I am just kidding we are having a girl"

"Oh I knew you were joking mom" turning to me with the biggest smile on her face!

I can't believe that we will be a family of 6 around the beginning of May. So fun!

4th of July

Yes I know, this is from like 2 and 1/2 months ago. So I really have some updating to do. At least it is still from this same year. After our trip to Hawaii, at the end of June and the beginning of July, we went up to Crescent City, CA to visit my Aunt and Uncle for the 4th of July. That morning we went to a parade and were practically a part of it at one point. I didn't get any pictures of us there. All these pictures are from that night when we were doing fireworks.

Winston and super cute Auntie Mickey!

From Left to Right: Austin (Kenzie is hidden behind him), Rachel, Aaron and AJ, Walter, and Shaelyn

Winston is still not sure about the sparklers. That changed by the end of the night.

The kids are so happy to be staying up past their bed time.

I don't know what is going on in this picture but I thought it was funny.

Precious Moments

I am sorry for the lack in blogging, I just haven't found the time with all the new things that have been happening lately. Anyway, this is still from our trip back in May when we went to Kansas. My Mom and Grandma took Shaelyn to the Precious Moments Capitol, about 1 hour away from my aunt and uncles house. Here Shaelyn and her Great Grandma with a frog that is outside before you go into the main building. Last time I went with the kids it was rainy and miserable so we didn't pose with any of these fun sculptures.

In the pictures the frogs look like the same size but this is actually the smaller one right next to the other frog. I'm sure you could figure that out, I am just saying.

Sea Horse and Shaelyn, what else is there to say?

Riding the Whale.

Again, the last time we went it was rainy and the fountain was not on. This is located right in front of the Main Building.

This is along the walkway to the Precious Moments Chapel.

More fountain fun.

Not really sure what she is doing in this picture but I am sure she probably wanted a snow globe. I am glad they didn't come home with one because I am pretty sure it wouldn't have lasted long because the kids would want to see it all the time.

Wishin' and Hopin' and Thinkin' and Prayin' . . . You have to wait another 20 years! Ack! I don't even want to think it could be sooner.

Our very First Church History Trip

So this trip happened all the way back in May. I have a little updating to do. What's new? Anyway, our first stop, Independence Visitor's center. After a long drive, we eat some lunch in the parking lot before entering.

William wanted to be just like his sister and sit on the curb too.

Wow, the boys look so different now with there new hair cuts. Look at these pictures, can we say . . . shaggy?

Will wanted to go all over the place, mom was helping me with the chasing.

This is a cool play area for children, it let the kids act like they were pioneers.

And in back we have William.

Shaelyn making herself at home in the little cabin. Shaelyn being a cowgirl.

When Shaelyn saw this statue she went and was imitating his stance. I had to capture the moment.

I though this was a cut picture of the boys and their Great Grandpa.

And just across the street, the snail temple. Not affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints what so ever. I had heard about it but never actually seen it.
Next stop: Historic Liberty Jail

This was a nice and quick tour. The lady was very knowledgeable.
Here is a very bad picture of the remake of the Liberty Jail. The only thing that is original from the Jail is the floor.

Next Stop: Adam-ondi-Ahman
It was very peaceful here and very nice.

Just a look out over the valley.

Shaelyn and Grandma Shaelyn walking up the path.

The kids had fun playing among the trees. All that was left was the long ride back to the Kansas Wilde Home.