July

July was also a wonderful month and some of my dreams came true. I have always wanted to spend the 4th of July in our Nation's capitol. This was my chance and it was perfect! The Lind's came into the city to celebrate with us. The morning was filled with the parade and walk around town and the weather was perfect - not too hot and not too cold. I was reminded of the awesomeness of our location. We went up to the roof, had a picnic (made by the men) and played games while waiting for the fireworks to start. There really wasn't anything wrong about this day. I am so grateful for the country that we live in and the freedoms that we enjoy each and every day. I am grateful for the men and women who fight to allow us to keep those freedoms. Heavenly Father truly had a plan for this nation and now my only hope is that we can rise to the occasion.

We decorated a little bit and I had to make some red, white, and blue jello. There's nothing more American! 

While the Lind's were in town we explored the city and hit up some of the tourist attractions which was fun. This is the theater (only about five blocks from the apartment) where Lincoln was assassinated. It was fascinating to learn about. 

One night on our way to the temple there was a huge storm, blowing over trees and electrical poles. The electricity even went out a few times in the temple. When we came out everything looked more green, the flowers were more vibrate, and the clouds seemed to be lit up. 'Magical' was the only way I could describe it. The fireflies were everywhere on the grounds and it looked straight out of a fairy tale. I was so grateful that we were able to attend the temple that night. It was a wonderful reminder of the little blessings that we receive by attending the Lord's house.  

We were also able to make a trip down into Virginia this month. Taylor is great at making friends and he made friends with one of the contractors who frames homes. Bob is a humble man from Boston who has been framing homes for years. One weekend he invited us up to his lake house at Lake Anna. We were kind of expecting a really simple home and then a little lake with a canoe and things. We were surprised when we arrived at a beautiful huge home that back up to a private peninsula. Lake Anna is a man made lake and it warm because of the nuclear power plant near by (that sounds a lot worse than it is!). Bob had every toy imaginable, skis, wake board, jet skis, a floating trampoline, and everything else. They were an incredible family and so welcoming. It was an outstanding day.  

We loved attending the DC 3rd Ward while there. I had a flashback from high school our first week though because everyone would ask: "You're Corie's little sister, right?" The Hawk's family sure made an impact on that ward and everyone has found memories of them. It was fun to keep the legacy alive somewhat. One of the friends that we made was Cesar Valdez. He was a recent convert and decorated war veteran. He and Taylor became friends very quickly I would babysit on the weekends sometimes and these two would hang out. It was so fun for Taylor and Cesar appreciated the company. They were just a funny pair though.