Museum #1: The Natural History Museum

On Saturday, we started in on the great list of museums in D.C. by going to the Natural History Museum. It was raining for the second weekend in a row, and we didn't want to just sit around at home on our only full day together, so we decided to brave the rain. We took the metro to the Smithsonian stop, and when we got out, the light misting had turned to a full on torrential downpour. Luckily the museum is just across the street from the metro. By the time we got across the street, the stroller had several inches of water in it (Bria was under the umbrella with Sam), and we all felt about 15 pounds heavier from our drenched clothes. But it was well worth the wet adventure-- Bria loved it! We were a little nervous about how Bria would do at a museum-- she rarely does well with looking and not touching, but we just went through a couple exhibits, and she had a blast.

The mammals were her favorite. She was making every animal sound she could think of and I think she was close to hyperventilating she was so excited. She just kept laughing and screaming out of joy. It was awesome.


We could barely get her to look at the camera for a picture.

Bria's favorite: the elephant. This is the world's largest elephant on the display, and it is absolutely huge! Bria's favorite animal really is an elephant, and she just kept running around and pointing at it, making an elephant sound over and over and over again.


Bria took a little break, eating some snacks and drinking water while watching a video from the '70s about the world's first organisms. She led us here, and I don't know why it was so appealing to her.
By the time we left the museum, it had stopped raining. I'm excited to take Bria in sometime to try out some of the other museums. This city is amazing!

The Big 1-8

Yesterday Bria reached the 18-month marker. Our little girl is one and a half! This is quite the momentous occasion because it means that Bria gets to go to nursery at church. Now, if you had asked me about this event several months ago, I would have replied with hesitation, anxiety, and fear. Someone taking care of my little Bria for two hours? In a germ-infested room full of children who could potentially hit, kick, or push my little Bria? I don't think so. But, since Bria became more mobile and more aware of the world around her, church has become less exciting-- really more of a frustration than a spiritual rejuvenation. So, as this mile marker loomed, I realized, instead of walking around the church halls for three hours every Sunday, we would only have to walk the halls for one hour! And I wouldn't have to bring enough food to feed an army and activities to occupy a school! And maybe, just maybe, I could actually pay attention to the lessons at church! What a novel idea!
So, really, I was thrilled-- still a touch nervous (because I've never left Bria with anyone except family), but, on the whole, rather excited. It was all very anti-climactic. Bria walked in and immediately started playing with toys while we just kind of stood around, not knowing the protocol. So after a couple minutes, we said "ummm . . . I guess we'll go now." And we slipped out without Bria even noticing. Two hours later, Sam went to pick her up and she was chasing bubbles with another boy her age. Apparently, she enjoyed nursery more than any of the other kids and had a blast! What a champ! So three cheers for my laid back little girl who loves toys and other kids-- church just might be worth it again!

Apple Picking

(A catch-up post)

Just before we went back to Utah to pack up our stuff, we went apple picking with Matt and Jen. I think it was the perfect way to welcome us to Virginia. It was rainy and wet and muddy, but it was so fun. It was on this big beautiful farm where you could fill up a bucket with all the apples you wanted, and then they were only $1/pound. Bria was in heaven, as an "appy" is one of her favorite foods. We can't wait to go again!

I'm a big fan of this family picture.

Bria would not look at the camera for any pictures because she just wanted to be looking at, picking up, and eating the apples. This is the best we could get, which I thought was pretty funny.

Everything is so green! And I have never seen so many trees. (welcome to the east coast!)

Bria picking apples ended up being Bria pulling on the apples really hard until Sam actually pulled them off the tree.


Late afternoon + no nap + running around outside = one tired (but happy) girl (who still won't stop eating her apple long enough to smile for a picture).

Happy

The Move

Ok! We are up and ready for business! I am going to try and catch up on some posts, and they will probably end up coming at random times in random order. But here is a little view of what we've done the last two weeks.

I was in Utah for ten days before heading back to Virginia, and I was able to see a lot of friends to say good-bye, including some friends from my old job.

We went to get sushi with my sister Whitney.
Bria loved the sushi-- seriously.

Sam drove our car out so Bria and I could fly. Even though the flight wasn't exactly what I call fun, I think it was probably a lot better than spending four days in the car with Bria. We took a picture of Sam and Bria before the big drive.

We said goodbye to Elisa and Matt.


We said goodbye to my parents, and there were lots of tears. I think my mom was hoping I would never move away from her-- and let's be honest-- she was hoping I would never take Bria away from her even more.


We finally made it to Virginia!


Here's a picture of our kitchen. Everything in the entire apartment is brand-new! I love it.
We are still unpacking, but Sam's sister-in-law came over with her four kids yesterday and helped us put away so much stuff. Thanks Jenn, David, Amanda, Myles, and Colin! We seriously couldn't have done it without them. (Obviously this picture is before they came.)


Sam started work today, so we will definitely feel like we have a routine soon. Bria and I have some pretty serious colds, but I think we're on the up-and-up. Bria has had a little bit of a rough time adjusting to her new room and new crib, since she is used to sleeping in the dark, quiet, enclosed space of a closet. But I'm hoping she gets used to it quickly.
We are so happy to be here, and we can't wait to see what kind of adventures await us!

We're Alive!

We made it to Virginia in one whole piece (actually, three separate, whole pieces). We are slowly wading out of the boxes, and we think one day we might even feel sane again (maybe when Bria adjusts to the new apartment). Sam starts work on Monday, and I can't wait to start exploring this great city! Some day I'm sure I'll unpack my camera cord and post some pictures of all our adventures over the past couple months. Until then, you can just imagine us here and come up with some stories for what we're likely doing: eating dinner with the Obamas, swimming in the Potomac, busking at the Metro, and repelling down the Washington Monument. There's so much to do in DC!

On the move . . .

I cannot believe it is already October-- I feel like it should still be summer. Do you realize this means that Thanksgiving is next month?! I'm in shock.
We are in the moving trenches. We found an apartment we are happy about (in Alexandria, VA), and now we are in Utah, packing our stuff and saying good-bye. I have about a billion pictures to post and stories to tell, but my brain is still on overload, functioning on survival mode, so it will have to wait a couple week until we start to get settled.
Here is a little sneak peek of what's to come. Wish us luck on our great journey across the country.

Bria at the beach in Santa Cruz, CA, with sunblock in her hair