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| Jon trying to be patient |
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| Clint age 15 |
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| Ang and Ani Age 7 |
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| Jon and Danny Hoelfelman |
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| Trip to the LDS Statues Relief Society Garden |
Trip to Washington D.C.
Sept 11-16 1991
It was a thrill to be able to return to the Nation’s capital. 1 had done qUIte
a bit of reading for this trip and had a full agenda planned, My biggest fear
was that I would not be able to see all I had planned.
a bit of reading for this trip and had a full agenda planned, My biggest fear
was that I would not be able to see all I had planned.
We arrived Wednesday afternoon about 4:00 p.m. We landed at the
Baltimore airport, which was an hour away from D.C. We had to rent a car to
get to Uncle Jim's. The rental car company at the airport was moving pretty
slow so ,I began the trip with some anxiousness. The precious time was
ticking away. We left the Alamo rental lot at 5:OO p.m. and headed into D.C.
We had planned on driving around the city for a good look. but before we
knew it. we were in the middle of the city. We came into the city from the
N.E. quadrant, which is probably the worse way. It looked like a pretty
scary place, I was-a little nervous of how it looked. This first impression
was as bad as it ever got. We really felt quite safe most of the time on the
trip.
Baltimore airport, which was an hour away from D.C. We had to rent a car to
get to Uncle Jim's. The rental car company at the airport was moving pretty
slow so ,I began the trip with some anxiousness. The precious time was
ticking away. We left the Alamo rental lot at 5:OO p.m. and headed into D.C.
We had planned on driving around the city for a good look. but before we
knew it. we were in the middle of the city. We came into the city from the
N.E. quadrant, which is probably the worse way. It looked like a pretty
scary place, I was-a little nervous of how it looked. This first impression
was as bad as it ever got. We really felt quite safe most of the time on the
trip.
Everything in town closes at 5:00 p.m. so I suggested that we drive over
to Arlington Cemetery. The drive through town was extremely slow. but we
were able to catch the last guided bus tour of the cemetery. This was a good
thing because it would have been impossible to have walked the cemetery in
the hour we had left. The Cemetery really made me stop and realize again
how many people have given their lives for this country. It is a real
humbling experience to see those white stones lined up roll upon roll, hill
upon hill and know that each of these people gave their life for our
freedoms. The Kennedy Graves were very inspiring also with the eternal
flame, fountains and marble monuments with some of their famous
speeches. The Robert Lee home was beautiful. The story of Robert's decision
of which side to join in the Civil war was heart breaking. Then the tragedy
of the Lees loosing all of their lands and their beautiful home to the Union.
to Arlington Cemetery. The drive through town was extremely slow. but we
were able to catch the last guided bus tour of the cemetery. This was a good
thing because it would have been impossible to have walked the cemetery in
the hour we had left. The Cemetery really made me stop and realize again
how many people have given their lives for this country. It is a real
humbling experience to see those white stones lined up roll upon roll, hill
upon hill and know that each of these people gave their life for our
freedoms. The Kennedy Graves were very inspiring also with the eternal
flame, fountains and marble monuments with some of their famous
speeches. The Robert Lee home was beautiful. The story of Robert's decision
of which side to join in the Civil war was heart breaking. Then the tragedy
of the Lees loosing all of their lands and their beautiful home to the Union.
From the Cemetery, we tried to drive to the Kennedy center- and Opera
House, where we were to see the Phantom of the Opera. We received a quick
lesson on "Big City" freeways and driving. With in minutes we were going
the wrong way and were back to where we started. The big problem was
the time. It was only minutes till the opera started. We had paid much
money for the tickets, and we knew the ushers would close the doors after
the opera started. What a frustrating experience!! But we made it +Still in
our street clothes but we made it. I must say even though Jeff and I had
seen the Phantom in L.A.. the Phantom was still a highlight of our trip to D.C. We ended our first day, after leaving St. George at 5:00 a.m, We still
had to drive to Uncle Iim's who lived an hour from D.C. in Burke Virginia.
We had not had a chance to eat since noon so we had to stop at Safeway.
House, where we were to see the Phantom of the Opera. We received a quick
lesson on "Big City" freeways and driving. With in minutes we were going
the wrong way and were back to where we started. The big problem was
the time. It was only minutes till the opera started. We had paid much
money for the tickets, and we knew the ushers would close the doors after
the opera started. What a frustrating experience!! But we made it +Still in
our street clothes but we made it. I must say even though Jeff and I had
seen the Phantom in L.A.. the Phantom was still a highlight of our trip to D.C. We ended our first day, after leaving St. George at 5:00 a.m, We still
had to drive to Uncle Iim's who lived an hour from D.C. in Burke Virginia.
We had not had a chance to eat since noon so we had to stop at Safeway.
The 2nd day got us up early to attend our Presidential Tour at the White
House. We were all very excited. We left at 6:4S a.m. We again had trouble
with the freeway system and got completely turned around. We had to
drive to the Subway lot and leave our car, then take the subway in. We
could not find the subway. So, to make along story short we missed our
White House tour by one hour. We were able to get right in line for the
public tour, however. We didn't have to go get tickets because we already
had congressional tickets.
House. We were all very excited. We left at 6:4S a.m. We again had trouble
with the freeway system and got completely turned around. We had to
drive to the Subway lot and leave our car, then take the subway in. We
could not find the subway. So, to make along story short we missed our
White House tour by one hour. We were able to get right in line for the
public tour, however. We didn't have to go get tickets because we already
had congressional tickets.
The public tour was non guided- but I had read a book on the White
House before going back to D.C. , so I found most of the things that I wanted
to see. The White House seemed rather small to me- but it was very nice.
The President of the United States was in his Oval Office that day.
House before going back to D.C. , so I found most of the things that I wanted
to see. The White House seemed rather small to me- but it was very nice.
The President of the United States was in his Oval Office that day.
It was pretty exciting to be 100 yards away from the office. Security was
pretty tight around D.C. And especially around the White house.
pretty tight around D.C. And especially around the White house.
From the White House we headed to the Capital. On our way we stopped
off at the Supreme Court. We had a guided tour. The Court was not in
session until October. It was very interesting to learn of these justices and how Supreme Court cases are decided. In the Russel building,
committees were meeting to sustain justice Thomas. We tried to get in but
the line was too long. The Supreme Court was a very gigantic vaulted hall.
It reminded me of an ancient temple. The Hall of marble was unbelievable.
off at the Supreme Court. We had a guided tour. The Court was not in
session until October. It was very interesting to learn of these justices and how Supreme Court cases are decided. In the Russel building,
committees were meeting to sustain justice Thomas. We tried to get in but
the line was too long. The Supreme Court was a very gigantic vaulted hall.
It reminded me of an ancient temple. The Hall of marble was unbelievable.
From the Supreme Court, we went to the Nations Capital. It was great to
see the Capital Rotunda. This building is really full of history. We walked
through the Hall of Statues, and the old house chambers. It was
see the Capital Rotunda. This building is really full of history. We walked
through the Hall of Statues, and the old house chambers. It was
unbelievable to realize the great minds of this country that had spent time in
that hall. We viewed the old Senate Chamber, and the supporting structures
of the building. Then we waited for Clint and Jeff to go get us a Gallery pass
to visit the House and Senate chambers. The House and Senate were both in
session that day. The Senate was discussing the appropriation of welfare
funds. They were discussing how many unwed mother's babies that the
welfare funds are paying for in this country. They also were discussing the
decaying lifestyle of this generation -leading to an increased number of
unwed mothers. There were very few Senators in the chambers.
that hall. We viewed the old Senate Chamber, and the supporting structures
of the building. Then we waited for Clint and Jeff to go get us a Gallery pass
to visit the House and Senate chambers. The House and Senate were both in
session that day. The Senate was discussing the appropriation of welfare
funds. They were discussing how many unwed mother's babies that the
welfare funds are paying for in this country. They also were discussing the
decaying lifestyle of this generation -leading to an increased number of
unwed mothers. There were very few Senators in the chambers.
Apparently they were trying to fill some time when we were there, because everyone was rambling. The House too was almost empty. They were
discussing the Senior citizens and how to increase care for them. The House
was running on a strict time schedule. They made everyonehold to their
allotted time. It was extremely interesting to see these governing bodies in
action.
discussing the Senior citizens and how to increase care for them. The House
was running on a strict time schedule. They made everyonehold to their
allotted time. It was extremely interesting to see these governing bodies in
action.
After our visit to the Capitol, we walked down the Mall to the Space and
Flight Museum. There we saw the voyager, rockets, Right Bro's Kitty Hawk,
Spirit of st. Louis, Amelia Barheart's plane, Apollo capsules, Chuck Yeagers
Plane, Skylab and Sputnick. The gift shop is also fantastic here. They also
had a great lunch-cafeteria place. There was also a great big movie screen.
We watched a movie called "The Blue Planet". It was like riding in the space
shuttle. We got to view the earth from the moon and space. It was fantastic.
Flight Museum. There we saw the voyager, rockets, Right Bro's Kitty Hawk,
Spirit of st. Louis, Amelia Barheart's plane, Apollo capsules, Chuck Yeagers
Plane, Skylab and Sputnick. The gift shop is also fantastic here. They also
had a great lunch-cafeteria place. There was also a great big movie screen.
We watched a movie called "The Blue Planet". It was like riding in the space
shuttle. We got to view the earth from the moon and space. It was fantastic.
From the Space Museum, we took a taxi to the Lincoln Memorial. As we
passed the .. reflecti-ve pool on the Mall we saw the Presidential helicopters
and a big ceremony going on. We later found out that it was a send off for
the President of Senega1. He had been visiting Washington D.C. The Lincoln
Memorial had a very beautiful view of the Mall and we were able to watch
the Military ceremony.
passed the .. reflecti-ve pool on the Mall we saw the Presidential helicopters
and a big ceremony going on. We later found out that it was a send off for
the President of Senega1. He had been visiting Washington D.C. The Lincoln
Memorial had a very beautiful view of the Mall and we were able to watch
the Military ceremony.
The Lincoln Memorial is a grand monument to one of my favorite
Presidents. The huge statue of Lincoln sitting is very inspiring. The
Gettyburg Address was printed on one of the marble walls as well as
President Lincolns second Inaugural address.
Presidents. The huge statue of Lincoln sitting is very inspiring. The
Gettyburg Address was printed on one of the marble walls as well as
President Lincolns second Inaugural address.
At the base of the memorial, the Vietnam Memorial begins. There was
tables with information all around the memorial for those missing in-action
or still being held captive. It made me feel that there truly might be many
individuals being held against their will in VIetnam. The memorial was like
visiting a grave. Many were searching for names of friends or relatives.
Everyone was quite and contemplative. The Parks Service offered a service
of making a pencil etching of the names on the memorial. Special forms and
pencils were provided.
tables with information all around the memorial for those missing in-action
or still being held captive. It made me feel that there truly might be many
individuals being held against their will in VIetnam. The memorial was like
visiting a grave. Many were searching for names of friends or relatives.
Everyone was quite and contemplative. The Parks Service offered a service
of making a pencil etching of the names on the memorial. Special forms and
pencils were provided.
From the Vietnam Memorial we walked up the Mall, along the reflecting
pool to the Washington Monument. Then we walked over to the Subway
entrance and headed back to Uncle Jim's. Getting back alittle earlier left us some time to visit with Uncle Jim and
Aunt Sandy. We got to bed fairly early in preparation of another busy day.
pool to the Washington Monument. Then we walked over to the Subway
entrance and headed back to Uncle Jim's. Getting back alittle earlier left us some time to visit with Uncle Jim and
Aunt Sandy. We got to bed fairly early in preparation of another busy day.
Friday we started out with a tour to the Printing and Engraving Building.
It was sort of an E shaped building. The building did not look very secure or
in good repair. But in this building, they make all the paper money in the
United States. It was really exciting to see huge stacks of paper money.
in good repair. But in this building, they make all the paper money in the
United States. It was really exciting to see huge stacks of paper money.
Each pile contained something like 620 million dollars. We were able to get
very close to the production. by looking through a glass observation deck.
Paper money does not last very long. A one dollar bill only lasts 18 months.
larger denominations last longer. The Printings and Engraving staff also
collect old dollar bills. Erika bought a bag of old bills worth I SO dollars- of
course they were shredded for $1.50.Next we went to the Washington Monument. The Washington Monument is the highest solid granite structure. It is always a beautiful place to visit.
The view is fantastic. You can see all of downtown Washington D.C. from the
monument. From the Monument we caught a cab to The National Archives.
very close to the production. by looking through a glass observation deck.
Paper money does not last very long. A one dollar bill only lasts 18 months.
larger denominations last longer. The Printings and Engraving staff also
collect old dollar bills. Erika bought a bag of old bills worth I SO dollars- of
course they were shredded for $1.50.Next we went to the Washington Monument. The Washington Monument is the highest solid granite structure. It is always a beautiful place to visit.
The view is fantastic. You can see all of downtown Washington D.C. from the
monument. From the Monument we caught a cab to The National Archives.
The National Archives contained the original Constitution, Bill of Rights,
Declaration of Independence, and Magna Carta. It sure was interesting to see
the actual documents. The documents were pretty faded and somewhat
tattered, but oh, what a thrill to see the original signatures and handwriting!
The Archives also contain many other important papers and history items.
However, they were not on display. Our next stop was the National Museum of Art. While there. these are some of the paintings that we saw. "In the Dinning Room" by Bertha Morisot. "The Lawkawana Valley "by Innes. "Girl with watering can" and "Girl with Rope" by Renoir. "Self Portrait" by Leyster, "Autumn on the Hudson" by Cropsey. "The Artist Garden at Vetheuil" by Monet. "Right and Left" by Winslow Homer. "My Gems" by Wm Harnett. Paul the Apostle
Declaration of Independence, and Magna Carta. It sure was interesting to see
the actual documents. The documents were pretty faded and somewhat
tattered, but oh, what a thrill to see the original signatures and handwriting!
The Archives also contain many other important papers and history items.
However, they were not on display. Our next stop was the National Museum of Art. While there. these are some of the paintings that we saw. "In the Dinning Room" by Bertha Morisot. "The Lawkawana Valley "by Innes. "Girl with watering can" and "Girl with Rope" by Renoir. "Self Portrait" by Leyster, "Autumn on the Hudson" by Cropsey. "The Artist Garden at Vetheuil" by Monet. "Right and Left" by Winslow Homer. "My Gems" by Wm Harnett. Paul the Apostle
by Rembrandt. It was really thrilling to see these and other paintings in
real life. I especially enjoyed seeing the brush strokes and the way the paint
looked on canvas. In a print or in a picture the paint always looks so flat.
real life. I especially enjoyed seeing the brush strokes and the way the paint
looked on canvas. In a print or in a picture the paint always looks so flat.
I have given several book talks about some of these artists and it was so
exciting to see, in real life. their actual works. I also had a great time in the
Museum Bookshop. I bought several prints and games. After lunch in the
underground passage between the two art museums, we headed to the FBI
building.
exciting to see, in real life. their actual works. I also had a great time in the
Museum Bookshop. I bought several prints and games. After lunch in the
underground passage between the two art museums, we headed to the FBI
building.
The FBI building was an exciting place for the kids. The staff had
made many interesting displays about different crimes. criminals. and
weapons. Then we went on a tour through the building. We got to see a
sort of museum type view of each of the areas of research. It had some
machines and examples in each of these areas. but there was not anyone
working. We also got to see a jewel and gun collection that they had
collected over the years. They had over 5.000 hand guns and 3.000 rifles.
The kids stopped and took photos of each other in the Race against Drugs car.
weapons. Then we went on a tour through the building. We got to see a
sort of museum type view of each of the areas of research. It had some
machines and examples in each of these areas. but there was not anyone
working. We also got to see a jewel and gun collection that they had
collected over the years. They had over 5.000 hand guns and 3.000 rifles.
The kids stopped and took photos of each other in the Race against Drugs car.
Next we went to Ford's Theater. This was a place that I really wanted to
go. I really have a great respect for Lincoln. It was quite discouraging to
find out that the Theater had been totally gutted and used as a warehouse
for a time. The 20 minute discussion presented by the park ranger was
really moving. There was an excellent museum in the basement of the
building. The museum looked as if it would even be nicer in the future.
Several pieces for the museum where still in their crates. There was also a
nice bookstore. I bought a great book about Lincoln. It is called "Lincoln's
Wit and Humor". It really has some fun sayings.
go. I really have a great respect for Lincoln. It was quite discouraging to
find out that the Theater had been totally gutted and used as a warehouse
for a time. The 20 minute discussion presented by the park ranger was
really moving. There was an excellent museum in the basement of the
building. The museum looked as if it would even be nicer in the future.
Several pieces for the museum where still in their crates. There was also a
nice bookstore. I bought a great book about Lincoln. It is called "Lincoln's
Wit and Humor". It really has some fun sayings.
Across the street from the Ford theater is the Peterson Boarding Home
where Lincoln died 9 hours later. It had the room where Lincoln died and
the room where his wife and friends waited restored. It contained the
pillow where Lincoln laid his head.
where Lincoln died 9 hours later. It had the room where Lincoln died and
the room where his wife and friends waited restored. It contained the
pillow where Lincoln laid his head.
Next. we took a taxi to the Air and Space Museum.
We all spent some time looking through the wonderful gift shop and
bookstore. There are wonderful books and fun toys. Clint liked the Star
Wars models. After the museum closed. we watch another "big screen"
movie. This one was called "To Fly". It showed several methods of flying.
The movie is designed to make you feel as if you were really flying.
bookstore. There are wonderful books and fun toys. Clint liked the Star
Wars models. After the museum closed. we watch another "big screen"
movie. This one was called "To Fly". It showed several methods of flying.
The movie is designed to make you feel as if you were really flying.
After the movie. we took the children over for a delicious dinner at the
Holiday Inn. We let them order what ever they wanted and even have
desert. They really thought it was great.
Holiday Inn. We let them order what ever they wanted and even have
desert. They really thought it was great.
Saturday. Uncle Jim had the day off. He took us on a day trip. Our first
stop was at the Jefferson Memorial. This is a lovely monument. It is located
along the Tidal Basin. 2.000 cherry trees are planted along the Tidal Basin .
stop was at the Jefferson Memorial. This is a lovely monument. It is located
along the Tidal Basin. 2.000 cherry trees are planted along the Tidal Basin .
Mount Vernon was our next stop, what a lovely setting along the Potomac
River. Only Washington's direct family had ever lived on the plantation. The
entire plantation purchased by a preservation society contains all of
Washington's original furniture. There was never any electricity put into the
house and no running water or bathrooms. Located next to the house in
another building was the kitchen.
River. Only Washington's direct family had ever lived on the plantation. The
entire plantation purchased by a preservation society contains all of
Washington's original furniture. There was never any electricity put into the
house and no running water or bathrooms. Located next to the house in
another building was the kitchen.
The home constructed out of wood was made to look as if it was made out
of sandstone. The visit to the house was almost a spiritual experience to me.
To see where this great man had lived. The plantation was beautiful and
very independent of the outside world. There was a garden and a tobacco
field. There was a shoe shop and a
of sandstone. The visit to the house was almost a spiritual experience to me.
To see where this great man had lived. The plantation was beautiful and
very independent of the outside world. There was a garden and a tobacco
field. There was a shoe shop and a
spinning and candle making shop, stables, servant quarters and even
outdoor latrines. (most people just left bear traps around) Washington's
latrines fit jn with-the rest of the architecture.
outdoor latrines. (most people just left bear traps around) Washington's
latrines fit jn with-the rest of the architecture.
Washington had some very fine personal habits. Every morning he got
up early and studied and worked on personal papers. He spent much time
studying farming and production. He also studied world history. His day
began around 4-5:00 a.m. He also had a discussion around his afternoon
meal everyday. People loved to come and visit and discuss with him.
up early and studied and worked on personal papers. He spent much time
studying farming and production. He also studied world history. His day
began around 4-5:00 a.m. He also had a discussion around his afternoon
meal everyday. People loved to come and visit and discuss with him.
The plantation also had a fun slave demonstration. A black- history -
major provided real stories and songs of the slaves. The plantation also had
people that acted as George and Martha Washington. There was also a nice
tomb and small family cemetery.
major provided real stories and songs of the slaves. The plantation also had
people that acted as George and Martha Washington. There was also a nice
tomb and small family cemetery.
Next, we went to the old town of Alexandria and looked around at the
colonial design of the homes. Everything was brick and white pillars.
colonial design of the homes. Everything was brick and white pillars.
Some of the streets were cobble stones. At the end of one of the streets we
found am old sailing ship. It was remodeled from a freighting ship, and
cabins were built in the middle. Clint, Jeff and Uncle Jim had quite a fun
time exploring things.
found am old sailing ship. It was remodeled from a freighting ship, and
cabins were built in the middle. Clint, Jeff and Uncle Jim had quite a fun
time exploring things.
The afternoon we spent exploring the Battle of Manassas or Bull Run. We
learned a lot about the Civil War. Several things I had not realized before.
One of the great problems at first in the war was uniforms. Everyone had
different uniforms. It was very hard to figure out who was an enemy.
learned a lot about the Civil War. Several things I had not realized before.
One of the great problems at first in the war was uniforms. Everyone had
different uniforms. It was very hard to figure out who was an enemy.
In this first battle many spectators were involved. Everyone brought
picnic baskets and came to watch the show. No one realized the price that would be paid in the war. I did not realize that more soldiers were killed during this war than any war since.
picnic baskets and came to watch the show. No one realized the price that would be paid in the war. I did not realize that more soldiers were killed during this war than any war since.
We also saw the old stone bridge that missed up the union's retreat.
Apparently there was a wagon stalled on the bridge. This forced the army to
have to go down through the river, This made the retreat with the cannons
extremely hard,
have to go down through the river, This made the retreat with the cannons
extremely hard,
Sunday we went to church with Uncle Jim and his family. It was
interesting to meet the Saints that lived there. They all seemed to be strong.
We met several people from Paragonah, and several people from St. George.
interesting to meet the Saints that lived there. They all seemed to be strong.
We met several people from Paragonah, and several people from St. George.
Sunday .. afterneon we went to the Washington D.C. Temple. It was
beautiful. It is on the outskirts of D.C. It sits on a large wooded area. The
temple is over 7 stories high with gold spires. One can not see the Temple
from a great distance on the freeway. It just suddenly appears through the
trees. It is so majestic. Just the sight of it draws alot of tourists. We walked
around the temple and took some pictures.
beautiful. It is on the outskirts of D.C. It sits on a large wooded area. The
temple is over 7 stories high with gold spires. One can not see the Temple
from a great distance on the freeway. It just suddenly appears through the
trees. It is so majestic. Just the sight of it draws alot of tourists. We walked
around the temple and took some pictures.
Next Uncle Jim took us to the 0 And P canal. It was a canal built to
freight barges from the Ohio to Potomac rivers. It only works from
Georgetown to the Potomac now. We were able to see a barge go through the locks. The barges only carry tourists. The barges operate the same as they did 100 years ago, pulled by a mule. The locks are all opened and closed by men. I t was very interesting to watch.
freight barges from the Ohio to Potomac rivers. It only works from
Georgetown to the Potomac now. We were able to see a barge go through the locks. The barges only carry tourists. The barges operate the same as they did 100 years ago, pulled by a mule. The locks are all opened and closed by men. I t was very interesting to watch.
Monday morning I woke up extremely sickll I had diarrhea and
vomiting. I tried to sleep it off. Around 10:00 a.m. We left for the American
History Museum. Jeff took the kids on a quick trip of the museum.
vomiting. I tried to sleep it off. Around 10:00 a.m. We left for the American
History Museum. Jeff took the kids on a quick trip of the museum.
Then we went to the cafeteria. We then had to return the rental car to the Baltimore Airport Alamo lot. We decided to not be late. We left for the
Airport at 1:00 p.m. We arrived at the airport at 2:30 p.m. Our plane left the airport at 5:30 p.m. I was grateful for the time I could lay down and rest. The kids were upset that they had to sit and write their report for 3 hours. I had a ruff ride home. But the trip was so worth it.
Airport at 1:00 p.m. We arrived at the airport at 2:30 p.m. Our plane left the airport at 5:30 p.m. I was grateful for the time I could lay down and rest. The kids were upset that they had to sit and write their report for 3 hours. I had a ruff ride home. But the trip was so worth it.
It was nice to spend so time with the older children. Every time I take a trip back east I realize that I need to not get caught up in so many "things."
People who live in the East can not run around as we try to do here. They are more selective of their time. I need to spend more time reading and discussing the world with my family .
People who live in the East can not run around as we try to do here. They are more selective of their time. I need to spend more time reading and discussing the world with my family .
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| End of Washington DC |
Trip to Germany with Clint Lisha and Erika
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| Trip to Dad's Mission--just the big kids |
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| Sister Knaetsch |
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| Cute clothes is all the little guys got |
