Battlefields and D.C.

We are trying to see as much of the East as possible while we are here and since Andrew's almost 2/3 done with grad school we have been squeezing as many trips in as possible.  Last weekend we decided to go to Washington D. C. and visit some battlefields on the way there and back.

On the way we went to Antietam, history was never my best subject so Andrew thought it would be good if I knew something about where we were going.  We listened to a 14 hour book about the place.  It was where the bloodiest day of the civil war happened.

Someone was tired of sitting in his car seat. 

We went to the temple in Washington D.C. (Our second closest temple 4.5 hours away).  It was huge.  I know that I have seen big temples before I guess I was surprised at how big it was.  Also it was perfect weather.  We took turns watching Riley, it was a very beautiful temple.  

That night we met up with our friend Devin.  We went to Georgetown and had dinner and then took a walking ghost tour.  Riley was a good sport and was very pleasant for the whole thing.  We had a good time.  It was a fun way to explore a new town.

On the way home we visited Gettysburg, Andrew was our tour guide and told us about all the places.  Riley didn't like all the driving, stopping, getting out, standing around for a minute, getting back in the car and driving some more.  It was good, it just probably would have been better if he was older.  

It was a fun trip and hopefully we can make it back to Washington at least one more time before the end of the year.  Maybe to see the lights at Christmas.

Kirtland

Last weekend we went to Kirtland, Ohio with our friends the Wagners.  It was a 2 1/2 hour drive and Riley did pretty good on the drive.  We had a tour of the temple, the Church of Christ now owns the temple.  It was interesting because most other churches have different beginnings from us, but there's is the same.  The bookstore had the Book of Mormon and a lot of books about Joseph Smith. It is a beautiful place and even though the saints had to leave, it served it's purpose as a house of learning.

Then we went to all the Newell K. Whitney stuff owned by the LDS church.  Some sister missionaries gave us a tour.  Here is the Newell K. Whitney store.

This is where the story of the word of wisdom took place, with the men spitting on the floors. 

Riley learning about the sawmill.

We had a fun little trip.  It is amazing how much church history happened in Kirtland.  I'm grateful for all that the early saints did for me.

Visit from Aunt Jessica

Jessica came up from Atlanta this weekend to visit us.  It was fun to see her.  Riley was excited to meet another aunt.  We visited the Cathedral of Learning and wandered around the out door part of Phipps conservatory.  She also was very helpful with teaching our primary class.  Thanks for coming, we had fun!

Spring in Pittsburgh

Spring in Pittsburgh is beautiful!  I'm a little sad that I was too lazy to take more pictures.  But I did take some,  Andrew took some of these too so I can't take all the credit.

My little baby thinks he's old enough to sit by himself now, he only can for about 15 seconds, but I think that's pretty impressive for someone who's not even 4 months.