Let me just stand on my soapbox for a moment and address the issue of Christmas arriving before we even eat all the Halloween candy (which tends to be November 1st at this house). Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, and it just gets skipped over every year. I have steadfastly refused to 1. put up Christmas decorations, 2. listen to Christmas music, or 3. buy much in the way of Christmas presents until the Thanksgiving dishes are washed and dried (part of that, I will admit, is that I procrastinate everything until the last minute anyway - just check the postmark of the last Housley family Christmas letter...).
I am ashamed to say, I have failed on all three this year. It all started at Sam's Club, and I place all the blame on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Their CD was for sale, and rather inexpensively too! And then I saw CD's by Sarah Brightman, Josh Groban, and Harry Connick Jr. And I found one that I'd never heard of, but looked promising: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Turns out they are neither an orchestra, nor Siberian, I'd guess. How did I not know that they were heavy metal? It's not that I dislike heavy metal music, per se, but it was just such a shock - the distance between what I expected and the reality was a vast wasteland of surprise and dismay. Mike and the boys all think it is cool, so there goes the option to quietly toss it in the box bound for goodwill. I love the Josh Groban CD, and enjoy Sarah Brightman, though I think Sissel has a better voice (gasp! You've never heard of Sissel! You are missing out!!!) I have managed to exert some self control and still haven't opened the MoTab CD - that I'll save for the way home from the family Thanksgiving dinner.
Then after visiting my grandparents, Esther and I stopped for a delicious trip to Target (our beloved Cache Valley has two, count 'em, TWO Walmarts, but no Target) and I found just the thing for neighbor gifts and Mike's co-worker gifts, something I agonize over every year. And then the excitement just hit me - I could be done gift shopping before December 24th! It truly is possible this year! After that it was a slippery slope, and thanks to a church craft night I am proudly displaying my countdown blocks and bobble head Santa/reindeer/snowman. I even started addressing our Christmas cards last Saturday (though I still lack a "here's what we did all year" letter and family photo, so I'm sure I'll still be racing to the post office on Christmas Eve, fully believing that if I can get them postmarked before Christmas Day, that it still counts!).
Merry Chr - I mean, Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Popsicle Terrorist Camp
The kids and I were making popsicle stick bombs yesterday, and I got to wondering, does this teach them the fun of explosives? Am I creating future terrorists? I console myself with the knowledge that the thrill of blowing things up is inherent in the male gender, and has been a part of the male experience since the Stone Age/Garden of Eden, however you look at it. I'm sure Adam took a few of those lucious fruits and lobbed them, just to watch them splat. And maybe I'm being sexist - Eve may have enjoyed it just as much. I know Esther was having a blast (no pun intended) with the popsicle sticks. 
Caleb even invented a few new designs. Doesn't he need a haircut though? All three kids have a thing with building "forts" and I've tried to ban them but I guess I'm not specific enough. And the only reason I have tried to ban them is because they dump all the cushions off the couch and loveseat, haul out all the blankets in the house, spend hours constructing complex but unstable tunnels and dens (using things like potted plants and computers to anchor the edges of blankets), and then promptly begin to fight over the proper use and ownership of the elaborate. Then they get in trouble and get sent to their rooms and who has to clean it all up? mmmmmmeeeeeeee.
Caleb even invented a few new designs. Doesn't he need a haircut though? All three kids have a thing with building "forts" and I've tried to ban them but I guess I'm not specific enough. And the only reason I have tried to ban them is because they dump all the cushions off the couch and loveseat, haul out all the blankets in the house, spend hours constructing complex but unstable tunnels and dens (using things like potted plants and computers to anchor the edges of blankets), and then promptly begin to fight over the proper use and ownership of the elaborate. Then they get in trouble and get sent to their rooms and who has to clean it all up? mmmmmmeeeeeeee.Still, I didn't specifically outlaw building a fort BEHIND the couch, I just said no using of couch cushions, so here is a picture of their latest creation. 
A few hours after the photo was taken, the plants did indeed take a tumble. Those are some hardy spider plants - they get dumped several times a year and yet they are still alive (and that is no easy feat for any plant in my house).
A few hours after the photo was taken, the plants did indeed take a tumble. Those are some hardy spider plants - they get dumped several times a year and yet they are still alive (and that is no easy feat for any plant in my house).I do have to brag on Josh today. He has joined a county children's choir, and loves it. Finally we've found his niche! Today I drove the carpool, and planning to go grocery shopping, grabbed a water bottle for the road. I was trying to drive and open the water bottle - it was new and had a safety tab thing on it - and had it between my legs to secure it. I got the bottle open and my incredibly muscular thighs (ha ha snort!) put just enough pressure on it to geyser about a cup of water right into my lap. I hopped up out of my seat, grabbed napkins, knowing full well I had just soaked myself in a rather inconvenient spot, and had one of the kids hand me one of those reusable shopping bags to sit on. And yes, I continued to drive throughout! Bless those county roads... How am I supposed to walk into Sam's Club looking like I had just wet my pants? Then Josh came to my rescue, and offered to let me tie his jacket around my waist to disguise the obvious wet spot. Thank you thank you, my sweet boy! He didn't even mock me like a normal ten-year-old would!
I also have to publicly thank my neighbors Brandon and Kristin for coming to our rescue on Monday night. Mike finally got me to cut his hair, and 2/3 of the way through, the electric hair trimmer I was using gave up the ghost. I knew we needed a new one - it was so dang dull. Still, Mike was left with a sizable topknot of hair, and it was 10pm. I knew Brandon and Kristin would still be up, so I called with the hope that they had one I could borrow. They agreed only if I brought Mike down so they could see, and actually had a brand new set they were about to take back (Kristin finally admitted to herself that she had no desire to cut anyone's hair) and I was able to just buy it from her. So now I have a nifty new hair trimmer set, complete with an eyebrow guide. Anyone's eyebrows need a trim?
I know this post is all over the place, but I also needed to share my good experience with my grandparents on Tuesday. About a year ago, I felt the distinct impression that I needed to get their oral histories documented. I made one attempt to video my grandparents talking about their early life, then found myself too busy to keep it up. A few months later, my grandfather had a stroke that has left him unable to fully verbalize his thoughts, and it frustrates him a great deal. I have missed my opportunity with him and I will always regret it. Part of that guilt has motivated me to spend one day a week down with them (they live about an hour and 15 minutes away), and just help them around the house with whatever they need. My parents (who live four houses up the street) will help with Esther, though she seems to be the highlight of my visit to them anyway. This week I pulled out lots of the dead plants and just helped clean up their yard a little, and Jason (who had a day off of school and wanted to come) washed windows. They were so grateful, and it made me feel fantastic to have helped in some way. My dear grandpa, who has always been so sprightly and funny, struggled with what he wanted to say. I knew what he was thinking, so I just told him I loved him too. I know my time with them is limited, and I am determined not to let this precious time slip away.
I invested a few months ago in a BBC set of movies based on Charles Dickens novels, and just finished watching "Martin Chuzzlewit." Awesome. It deals with aging and heirs and those who love with no thought of being included in the will. I'd never even heard of the book, so I'll have to add it to my list. I want to watch some of the others, but I also want to read the books too, so I'd better get cracking. I'm almost finished with "Great Expectations" which I have read before but love even more this time. Can't wait to see the movie for that one! Speaking of movies... I am proud to say I am NOT going to see the Twilight movie this weekend, but only because we have a Housley family party at the same time that my sisters are going to see it. Rats. I've decided that books (and movies) like the Twilight and Harry Potter series are like M & M's - yummy, and I can munch right through them, but books written by Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, these are fine Swiss chocolates that have to be slowly savoured. Not as easy to get, but infinitely more satisfying. Trust me to come up with a good chocolate metaphor.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Things I've done/ have yet to do
To participate just copy and paste in your own blog, and bold all of the things you have done. It was interesting to find out that I had done more than I expected to have done, but there are some experiences I'm ashamed are still on my to-do list. Happy discoveries!
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland - Disney World three times though!
8. Climbed a mountain - Mount Olympus in Greece
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo - in 5th grade
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris - disclaimer: I toured Europe with my brother and parents when I was five, but I'm only marking the things I actually REMEMBER seeing
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train - on the way back to Athens from Mt. Olympus
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked - to get to the train station from Mt. Olympus!
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping - with my mom and sisters in Fiji
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice - I remember my dad threatening to throw my socks in
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise - it was during a hurricane, so no pleasant memories there
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China - coming up next spring!!!
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies - bought plenty though
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job - Baskin Robbins while in high school - it was kind of mutual
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
There you have it folks. Enjoy going through your own list.
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland - Disney World three times though!
8. Climbed a mountain - Mount Olympus in Greece
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo - in 5th grade
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris - disclaimer: I toured Europe with my brother and parents when I was five, but I'm only marking the things I actually REMEMBER seeing
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train - on the way back to Athens from Mt. Olympus
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked - to get to the train station from Mt. Olympus!
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping - with my mom and sisters in Fiji
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice - I remember my dad threatening to throw my socks in
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise - it was during a hurricane, so no pleasant memories there
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China - coming up next spring!!!
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies - bought plenty though
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job - Baskin Robbins while in high school - it was kind of mutual
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
There you have it folks. Enjoy going through your own list.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Update on Heng Ai
We got two emails today - one from our agency and one from a company in China that sends packages to your waiting child (since the items are purchased and mailed within China, the orphanage doesn't have to worry about customs duties). Both gave us some updated info on Heng Ai. First from our agency:
1. What is his/her nickname or what do they call him/her?HENG AI
2. Is he/she in foster care? If so, how long?YES. ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO.
3. Can he/she walk or bear weight on his/her legs yet?YES. SHE CAN WALK VERY WELL.
4. What is his/her current health status (weak, sickly, healthy)? - VERY GOOD HEALTH.
5. What is him/her personality like?ACTIVE AND OUTGOING.
6. What does he/she eat other than a bottle? EAT AS NORMAL.
7. How would you best describe him/her? A VERY SMART GIRL.
I was very relieved that she is walking well - that takes crutches off our packing list. All good info, but the RedThread company's email was slightly more informative:
height :97cm
head :50cm
chest :51cm
weight :15kg
left foot:14cm
right foot:16cm
She is called heng Ai or Ai Ai
She is a very naughty ,outgoing and smart girl ,the nanny told me that if Ai Ai and ai sheng (a boy,he is going to be adopted by another american family too,he is 6 ) are in the orphange together ,they these naughty kids can turn the orphange over one time ,the orphange love these two kids very much!!!
I will mail your package out in these couple days and Ai Ai will get her cake on her birthday too,love,Ann
I know the word "naughty" should strike this mother's heart with fear, but I'm just so happy to get some information on her that I don't care! I was able to contact the little boy's adoptive mother, and we'll be able to keep tabs on each other - they expect to travel before we do, and if they could get a picture of the two together, that would be priceless. I love the internet! And in reading this other family's blog, I was inspired by her oldest son's cross country photos and dragged myself away from the computer to go out and run. It was only three miles, but considering I haven't really run at all since the marathon 3 weeks ago, it was a small victory. It was sunny and beautiful and the dairy wasn't too stinky. Pleasant run! Except that I had images in my head of Esther and HengAi, two scary-smart girls, getting into all sorts of mischief. I can hardly wait! Yes, feel free to remind me of this when I'm pulling my greying hair out from all their antics. Sure, remind me how I WANTED this. Just don't expect me to thank you for reminding me!
1. What is his/her nickname or what do they call him/her?HENG AI
2. Is he/she in foster care? If so, how long?YES. ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO.
3. Can he/she walk or bear weight on his/her legs yet?YES. SHE CAN WALK VERY WELL.
4. What is his/her current health status (weak, sickly, healthy)? - VERY GOOD HEALTH.
5. What is him/her personality like?ACTIVE AND OUTGOING.
6. What does he/she eat other than a bottle? EAT AS NORMAL.
7. How would you best describe him/her? A VERY SMART GIRL.
I was very relieved that she is walking well - that takes crutches off our packing list. All good info, but the RedThread company's email was slightly more informative:
height :97cm
head :50cm
chest :51cm
weight :15kg
left foot:14cm
right foot:16cm
She is called heng Ai or Ai Ai
She is a very naughty ,outgoing and smart girl ,the nanny told me that if Ai Ai and ai sheng (a boy,he is going to be adopted by another american family too,he is 6 ) are in the orphange together ,they these naughty kids can turn the orphange over one time ,the orphange love these two kids very much!!!
I will mail your package out in these couple days and Ai Ai will get her cake on her birthday too,love,Ann
I know the word "naughty" should strike this mother's heart with fear, but I'm just so happy to get some information on her that I don't care! I was able to contact the little boy's adoptive mother, and we'll be able to keep tabs on each other - they expect to travel before we do, and if they could get a picture of the two together, that would be priceless. I love the internet! And in reading this other family's blog, I was inspired by her oldest son's cross country photos and dragged myself away from the computer to go out and run. It was only three miles, but considering I haven't really run at all since the marathon 3 weeks ago, it was a small victory. It was sunny and beautiful and the dairy wasn't too stinky. Pleasant run! Except that I had images in my head of Esther and HengAi, two scary-smart girls, getting into all sorts of mischief. I can hardly wait! Yes, feel free to remind me of this when I'm pulling my greying hair out from all their antics. Sure, remind me how I WANTED this. Just don't expect me to thank you for reminding me!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Happy Birthday Dear Caleb
Happy, happy birthday to my dear boy Caleb. Nine years old! Wow. I can't believe the years go so fast. I still remember how scared I was when I found out you were coming (your brother Josh was only 6 months old), but as soon as I heard your little heartbeat, I fell instantly in love and all doubts and fears were gone. I am so grateful that you gave me the chance to experience the miracle of childbirth, and I have no doubt that God planned for you to come at just the right time. You were such a sweet, happy little boy, and you still have that in you (most of the time). You are an exceptionally bright and curious guy, and I know that you will learn so much in your life. I love that you get so excited when you discover things and how they work, and that you are absolutely convinced of your ability to puzzle it out. I love your determination, and your refusal to give up, even when I beg you to! I love your sense of humor and your memory for a good joke. I love how you watch out for the lonely and afraid. And I love how you still enjoy snuggling up and being held once in a while. But most of all, I love that you are mine.
Last days in DC
Just a quick blog to finish out our DC trip: On Saturday, we actually got up and going and down to DC in time to buy tickets for the long-anticipated (by Caleb, anyway) International Spy Museum. These weren’t cheap either: $18 for Mike and $16 each for Josh and Caleb, but if you think we were going to let this opportunity pass us by… Besides, we know Caleb has a looooong memory, and he may be involved in choosing which nursing home we’ll get stuck in someday. So, we called it a retirement investment, of sorts. After securing aforementioned precious tickets we walked the five blocks or so towards the White House where we were to meet Josh’s birthmom, Colbie. It was pretty darn chilly, and after passing a McD***lds, I steered my family right in and up to the counter to buy some hot chocolate (let me note that I detest all items sold by that particular establishment, unless I have just run 22 miles and want to eat the greasiest thing possible, or am hankering for hot chocolate, which is actually pretty decent). The lady at the counter gave me a bizarre look and informed me that they don’t HAVE hot chocolate. What? I thought their menus were constant, unchanging, an oasis of permanence amidst a sea of change? Or I guess that would be DESERT of change – oases don’t usually occur in seas. Whatever. We did pass a Starbucks-type joint, but I was too cheap to fork over $5/cup for 6 people so we stopped at a little kiosk outside the White House Visitors’ Center. Best buck-fifty hot chocolate I’ve had. Better, even, than McD***lds.
Anyway, Colbie had scored us some tickets to tour the White House gardens, and it was interesting to see the trees that past presidents had planted. Some of the later ones had photos of the pres and first lady poised over shovels, attempting to look like they were actually going to do some digging. I didn’t buy it, I mean the first ladies had on heels and pant suits, and they were gold plated shovels, for crying out loud. After the tour (which had some pretty intense security, as you might imagine) we headed toward Colbie’s apartment, where she had lunch planned for us. I am unable, especially here in a “public” place, to express the respect and love I have for this amazing woman. I sat here for a while just trying to put a sentence together about how grateful I am for her and the role she has played in our lives, and I just can’t find the words. I hope she knows what she means to all of us. She truly is family, and I can’t say anything to top that.
After lunch, Mike, Josh, Caleb, and Colbie went to the spy museum, while Jason, Esther and I headed across the street to the Smithsonian’s American Art and Portrait Gallery. It was basically a B plan for me, as I didn’t really want to go to the spy museum (especially not for 18 bucks) and I knew Esther would sleep in her stroller, and it was just right there. Wow. I spent nearly 3 hours there and I could easily have spent another 3 and not been satisfied. I don’t consider myself an art critic, I didn’t really study it much other than a few classes in college, but I have to say I found my favorite place in DC. There were fantastic portraits of well known Americans, as well as some bronze statues (mostly just the heads) that seemed so close to having some kind of living consciousness. It was amazing to be surrounded by people who have played such an enormous role in our history, and I was almost humbled to be in their presence. And that was only one floor. Jason gamely tried to keep up but after a half an hour he found a nice padded bench and took a nap. Oh well. I thoroughly enjoyed it and only regret that I only saw half. I was so sad when the spy-er’s came to get me, and I can’t wait to go back to finish that museum someday. Sigh.
We reluctantly parted from Colbie and returned a little early to start dinner and the big pack-up. We were able to share dessert with Grandma and Grandpa, and then it was bed. G & G invited the kids to come over in the morning for breakfast after getting ready and that was so helpful in getting them somewhere where they couldn’t unpack as we packed. We managed to get out the door by 9:30, catch the train to the bus, which took us to the airport, and made it with time to spare. The only scary part was arriving at the metro station/bus stop and Mike realizing that he was not going to make it through the half hour bus ride without some sort of bathroom stop, but alas, the metro’s restroom was not functioning and there was nowhere else to go. He was desperate (and by now Caleb and Jason had to go too) so they finally had a taxi take them to somewhere. $11 later, they returned refreshed and emptied and we were off.
All in all, it was a wonderful trip, and we are so glad we were able to spend some time with loved ones there. It was an “AWESOME” trip, and the kids were great.
Anyway, Colbie had scored us some tickets to tour the White House gardens, and it was interesting to see the trees that past presidents had planted. Some of the later ones had photos of the pres and first lady poised over shovels, attempting to look like they were actually going to do some digging. I didn’t buy it, I mean the first ladies had on heels and pant suits, and they were gold plated shovels, for crying out loud. After the tour (which had some pretty intense security, as you might imagine) we headed toward Colbie’s apartment, where she had lunch planned for us. I am unable, especially here in a “public” place, to express the respect and love I have for this amazing woman. I sat here for a while just trying to put a sentence together about how grateful I am for her and the role she has played in our lives, and I just can’t find the words. I hope she knows what she means to all of us. She truly is family, and I can’t say anything to top that.
After lunch, Mike, Josh, Caleb, and Colbie went to the spy museum, while Jason, Esther and I headed across the street to the Smithsonian’s American Art and Portrait Gallery. It was basically a B plan for me, as I didn’t really want to go to the spy museum (especially not for 18 bucks) and I knew Esther would sleep in her stroller, and it was just right there. Wow. I spent nearly 3 hours there and I could easily have spent another 3 and not been satisfied. I don’t consider myself an art critic, I didn’t really study it much other than a few classes in college, but I have to say I found my favorite place in DC. There were fantastic portraits of well known Americans, as well as some bronze statues (mostly just the heads) that seemed so close to having some kind of living consciousness. It was amazing to be surrounded by people who have played such an enormous role in our history, and I was almost humbled to be in their presence. And that was only one floor. Jason gamely tried to keep up but after a half an hour he found a nice padded bench and took a nap. Oh well. I thoroughly enjoyed it and only regret that I only saw half. I was so sad when the spy-er’s came to get me, and I can’t wait to go back to finish that museum someday. Sigh.
We reluctantly parted from Colbie and returned a little early to start dinner and the big pack-up. We were able to share dessert with Grandma and Grandpa, and then it was bed. G & G invited the kids to come over in the morning for breakfast after getting ready and that was so helpful in getting them somewhere where they couldn’t unpack as we packed. We managed to get out the door by 9:30, catch the train to the bus, which took us to the airport, and made it with time to spare. The only scary part was arriving at the metro station/bus stop and Mike realizing that he was not going to make it through the half hour bus ride without some sort of bathroom stop, but alas, the metro’s restroom was not functioning and there was nowhere else to go. He was desperate (and by now Caleb and Jason had to go too) so they finally had a taxi take them to somewhere. $11 later, they returned refreshed and emptied and we were off.
All in all, it was a wonderful trip, and we are so glad we were able to spend some time with loved ones there. It was an “AWESOME” trip, and the kids were great.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Connection problems... Thursday/Friday
I had this fabulous post all written out, but never could get a decent internet connection, so here it is (sans photos, as I have misplaced my card reader and I'm too *&#% tired to look for it tonight).
It turns out we didn’t need no stinkin’ tickets – at least not for the Holocaust Museum or the Bureau of Engraving. We seem to get a later start every day, and yesterday it cost us. We straggled out of bed and finally got out of the apartment by about 10 am, went to the National Aquarium, which was a lot like the aquarium in Salt Lake City, and that is no compliment! We have been spoiled by having experienced the Monterrey Bay Aquarium, and we haven’t found anything yet that can even come close. Still, we had high hopes, it being called the National Aquarium and all. Quite disappointing, especially since it is one of the few places here that charges admission. We then went to the food court at the Ronald Regan Int’l Trade Center and tried in vain to have a quick lunch - you just can’t do that with six people all wanting something different, and only Mama holding the money. So, we just missed having enough time to take the Engraving and Printing tour, and decided to spend the 45 or so minutes before our scheduled Washington Monument tour checking out the Holocaust Museum. I had been looking forward to experiencing this museum, but after going through the children’s exhibit (Daniel’s Story) I was depressed and had no desire to see more after we came back from the Washington Monument. Odd, since I love all books and movies associated with the Holocaust (favorites: Night, The Hiding Place, Life is Beautiful, The Pianist) and I have always been fascinated with that time in history. We saw a short video about the ideas and politics that lead up to the Holocaust, and it mentioned that many of the main religions are rethinking the pronoucements of their church fathers about the Jews. It mentioned that one church body was openly disputing the words of Martin Luther, and I was so sad that he, of all men, would disparage the Jews, but then I realized I was thinking about Martin Luther KING, not Martin Luther. Two very different men! I’m disappointed now that I didn’t tough it out, but Caleb and Jason weren’t too psyched about it either, so just Mike and Josh returned, while the rest of us headed to the Freer Gallery. It has a huge collection of Asian arts, and all in all it was very interesting. Esther blissfully slept through the whole thing – this poor girl hasn’t had a nap in a bed (or even in a fully horizontal position) for a whole week now and she is still doing so well. We are all doing rather well, considering we are all short on sleep, and it gives me hope that we won’t totally regret taking them to China with us next year.
Anyway, the Washington Monument was interesting, though we were all disappointed that they wouldn’t let us take the stairs down. I especially wanted to see the engraved block donated by Greece to honor the modern father of democracy, but the very crowded and full of very tall people elevator only slowed down long enough for everyone else taller than 5’9” see a few blocks. Oh well. We split up to the aforementioned museums, met back up together, noshed on a few bags of chips and popcorn, then headed out to walk the long walk to the Lincoln memorial. On the way is the incredibly impressive and inspiring WWII memorial, and probably the most reverent and respected place we’ve been so far. The architecture was amazing, but what I loved best were the quotes etched on the walls. Beautifully done memorial. We also walked past the Vietnam memorial, impressive mainly because of the sheer numbers of names etched in the wall. We didn’t notice a register until we passed through it, but we found the names of two Housley’s listed in the register. Next time we’ll try to find them on the wall and do a graphite rubbing. I’d also like to find the name on my POW bracelet that I got years ago. Finally on to the huge Lincoln memorial, and it was a chaotic and crowded as the WWII memorial was quite and respectful. Huge groups of rowdy students crowded the steps, but thankfully stayed mainly outside, so that the inside was a little quieter. Again, a great, great man who shaped our nation and was a moral beacon for his people. At the gift shop I purchased a copy of his Gettysburg address, along with the Declaration of Independence and Constitution that I think will look nice when framed.
We finally made it back around to the National Mall and rode the metro home, ate dinner at another food court at the mall in Wheaton (near Kensington, where we are staying) and dropped off into bed, exhausted. Thus the reason for the lack of a post yesterday.
Today we again took forever to get going, and didn’t get to the National Zoo until almost noon. We met Colbie there, and actually got through the whole thing by closing time at 6pm. We saw so many cool things, and saw more aquarium-type creatures at the invertebrate house than we did at the Aquarium. Giant and red pandas, a very loud lion, tigers, cheetahs, gorillas and orang utans, elephants, hippos, capybaras, komodo dragons, etc. Well worth the trip, and all for free! I found the perfect birthday gift for Caleb (b-day is Monday): recycled paper journal made from elephant poop! The label assures it is odor free, and it doesn’t look like elephant poop, but he’ll love being able to tell everyone that is what it’s made of. We stopped in Chinatown for dinner, and while it was nice to see Chinese characters on shops, there were VERY few Asians in sight. We gave Jason the task of asking a Chinese person for a recommendation on where to eat dinner, and we had to walk for a while just to find someone! He did accomplish his task, and led us to a nice, crowded (that’s always a good sign) restaurant where we finally ate something other than food court offerings. Delicious!!! Josh and I even tried the calamari – it was okay, but one taste was satisfying enough, and we stuck to the curried chicken and beef with snow peas. Going home on the metro is always exciting, as the kids seem to find their second (and silliest) wind and entertain/annoy all the other passengers. Jason has been tutoring me on Chinese phrases (darned if I cannot remember tomato sauce for the life of me) and I give him a new vocabulary word each day. So far we’ve done intriguing, patriotic, spy, integrity, and today was persistent. He was so cute with Esther today, and didn’t sleep even once on the metro. I think this vacation just might help him gain some new sleep habits. Let’s hope so.
Okay, I’ve babbled enough, the laundry is almost done, and we have another big day tomorrow, trying to fit in every must-see thing in our last day of sight-seeing. Sigh. I’m going to need a vacation when I get home.
It turns out we didn’t need no stinkin’ tickets – at least not for the Holocaust Museum or the Bureau of Engraving. We seem to get a later start every day, and yesterday it cost us. We straggled out of bed and finally got out of the apartment by about 10 am, went to the National Aquarium, which was a lot like the aquarium in Salt Lake City, and that is no compliment! We have been spoiled by having experienced the Monterrey Bay Aquarium, and we haven’t found anything yet that can even come close. Still, we had high hopes, it being called the National Aquarium and all. Quite disappointing, especially since it is one of the few places here that charges admission. We then went to the food court at the Ronald Regan Int’l Trade Center and tried in vain to have a quick lunch - you just can’t do that with six people all wanting something different, and only Mama holding the money. So, we just missed having enough time to take the Engraving and Printing tour, and decided to spend the 45 or so minutes before our scheduled Washington Monument tour checking out the Holocaust Museum. I had been looking forward to experiencing this museum, but after going through the children’s exhibit (Daniel’s Story) I was depressed and had no desire to see more after we came back from the Washington Monument. Odd, since I love all books and movies associated with the Holocaust (favorites: Night, The Hiding Place, Life is Beautiful, The Pianist) and I have always been fascinated with that time in history. We saw a short video about the ideas and politics that lead up to the Holocaust, and it mentioned that many of the main religions are rethinking the pronoucements of their church fathers about the Jews. It mentioned that one church body was openly disputing the words of Martin Luther, and I was so sad that he, of all men, would disparage the Jews, but then I realized I was thinking about Martin Luther KING, not Martin Luther. Two very different men! I’m disappointed now that I didn’t tough it out, but Caleb and Jason weren’t too psyched about it either, so just Mike and Josh returned, while the rest of us headed to the Freer Gallery. It has a huge collection of Asian arts, and all in all it was very interesting. Esther blissfully slept through the whole thing – this poor girl hasn’t had a nap in a bed (or even in a fully horizontal position) for a whole week now and she is still doing so well. We are all doing rather well, considering we are all short on sleep, and it gives me hope that we won’t totally regret taking them to China with us next year.
Anyway, the Washington Monument was interesting, though we were all disappointed that they wouldn’t let us take the stairs down. I especially wanted to see the engraved block donated by Greece to honor the modern father of democracy, but the very crowded and full of very tall people elevator only slowed down long enough for everyone else taller than 5’9” see a few blocks. Oh well. We split up to the aforementioned museums, met back up together, noshed on a few bags of chips and popcorn, then headed out to walk the long walk to the Lincoln memorial. On the way is the incredibly impressive and inspiring WWII memorial, and probably the most reverent and respected place we’ve been so far. The architecture was amazing, but what I loved best were the quotes etched on the walls. Beautifully done memorial. We also walked past the Vietnam memorial, impressive mainly because of the sheer numbers of names etched in the wall. We didn’t notice a register until we passed through it, but we found the names of two Housley’s listed in the register. Next time we’ll try to find them on the wall and do a graphite rubbing. I’d also like to find the name on my POW bracelet that I got years ago. Finally on to the huge Lincoln memorial, and it was a chaotic and crowded as the WWII memorial was quite and respectful. Huge groups of rowdy students crowded the steps, but thankfully stayed mainly outside, so that the inside was a little quieter. Again, a great, great man who shaped our nation and was a moral beacon for his people. At the gift shop I purchased a copy of his Gettysburg address, along with the Declaration of Independence and Constitution that I think will look nice when framed.
We finally made it back around to the National Mall and rode the metro home, ate dinner at another food court at the mall in Wheaton (near Kensington, where we are staying) and dropped off into bed, exhausted. Thus the reason for the lack of a post yesterday.
Today we again took forever to get going, and didn’t get to the National Zoo until almost noon. We met Colbie there, and actually got through the whole thing by closing time at 6pm. We saw so many cool things, and saw more aquarium-type creatures at the invertebrate house than we did at the Aquarium. Giant and red pandas, a very loud lion, tigers, cheetahs, gorillas and orang utans, elephants, hippos, capybaras, komodo dragons, etc. Well worth the trip, and all for free! I found the perfect birthday gift for Caleb (b-day is Monday): recycled paper journal made from elephant poop! The label assures it is odor free, and it doesn’t look like elephant poop, but he’ll love being able to tell everyone that is what it’s made of. We stopped in Chinatown for dinner, and while it was nice to see Chinese characters on shops, there were VERY few Asians in sight. We gave Jason the task of asking a Chinese person for a recommendation on where to eat dinner, and we had to walk for a while just to find someone! He did accomplish his task, and led us to a nice, crowded (that’s always a good sign) restaurant where we finally ate something other than food court offerings. Delicious!!! Josh and I even tried the calamari – it was okay, but one taste was satisfying enough, and we stuck to the curried chicken and beef with snow peas. Going home on the metro is always exciting, as the kids seem to find their second (and silliest) wind and entertain/annoy all the other passengers. Jason has been tutoring me on Chinese phrases (darned if I cannot remember tomato sauce for the life of me) and I give him a new vocabulary word each day. So far we’ve done intriguing, patriotic, spy, integrity, and today was persistent. He was so cute with Esther today, and didn’t sleep even once on the metro. I think this vacation just might help him gain some new sleep habits. Let’s hope so.
Okay, I’ve babbled enough, the laundry is almost done, and we have another big day tomorrow, trying to fit in every must-see thing in our last day of sight-seeing. Sigh. I’m going to need a vacation when I get home.
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