Here’s four the ladies.

Four of the most influential ladies in my life visited us for a week!

Of course stories of the past surfaced. Like the time I refused to sleep over at the Kjar’s house because they didn’t have sugar cereal, or my solid Vanilla Ice performance at the Knight’s, and the many times I stopped by the Hillstead’s because Shauna made me believe I was a beautiful girl. My mom has always encouraged me to be better (than my brothers) and always do good. There is no greater example then her.

They shaped me into who I am today. For that, I am forever grateful to them.

They packed humor, delicious snacks, and a full schedule loaded with the best D.C. has to offer.

Our adventures began at the capital.

History is literally in every arch, doorway and staircase. Multiple days could have easily been devoted to exploring this building.

Throughout the capital, statues, paintings and many rooms reveal much about the people and events that shaped out nation. A favorite of mine was the frieze around the rim of the Rotunda. It depicts 400 years of recognizable American history through paintings.

From what I can remember a family of artists work through the night to restore the murals on the ceilings and walls. It has been over 20 years since they began their assignment and they still have 15 years worth of work to do. To think I traveled to Europe to appreciate their murals, when we have comparably as beautiful artwork in our own backyard. Between the capital and the library of congress, the art work is incredible.

Below is the 400-ton statue, Freedom, which stands on top of the capital building. This one is in the middle of the new capital visitors center for our viewing pleasure.

Senator Dodd (Connecticut) married my mother’s cousin Jackie. It is easy to see she is more familiar with the capital then her own neighborhood which happens after working there for 20 years. The people, the stairways, the history, and details of the masterful ceilings all came to life as we walked the hallways.

She made the day incredibly special.

The entire afternoon was spent with Jackie eating in the private Senators’ dining room, touring the House and Senate while they were in session and visiting Senator Dodd’s personal hide-a-way office. Senator Dodd actually joined us for lunch then later we met the new vice president of Costa Rica, who was meeting with Senator Dodd in his office.

I was sure to mention we recently had a wonderful trip to Costa Rica. :)

Here in Senator Dodd’s office.

After hours of statues surrounding us I became the face of the statues.

The White House was white. Only on the outside that is.

The five rooms we toured, each with their own color, were stately and beautiful. Fun fact: presidents kids have roller skated through the grand yellow room, rode horses and boxed in boxing matches right there on the main floor of the White House. To think my mother was floored when I rolled the skateboard through the house.

Unfortunately we were not allowed to take pictures while we were there.

Other events included:

ALL the Monuments,

American History Museum

Library of Congress

Capital Hill

National Cathedral

Williamsburg

Also, a few other favorites: my mom’s homemade yogurt, Spencer (friend or tour guide?), chocolate covered cinnamon bears, black sock Sunday, lego.com with grandma, and piano lessons with Shauna.

Dallin was THRILLED to have a REAL piano teacher stay at our house. Shauna taught him everything that I have not, which is pretty much everything. He was inspired by her enthusiasm and practiced everyday. Shauna = magic.

There was so much more they wanted to see, I guess they will need to come back to play with me!