MERRY-LAND and DIET COKE (i mean... DC)

i just had the best time. there are no other words.

sure we got stuck in nyc for much longer than we expected, both going to and coming home.












but i had breakfasts and lunches and dinners made for me... and not just any old food... real-life, home-made...yummy to your tummy good food. (mor mor's incredible sweet rolls too!) and the table done up just right for presidents day! delish!

i sat around a guitar and piano and sang to my heart's content: 80's love ballads, weezer, bert bacharach. dave- you are a musical giant and tiffany you make it all fun!!!


i got to visit the temple that my family was sealed in when they joined the church in 1975. it's gorgeous and it made me miss my wonderful family just thinking about that special day!

i shopped to my heart's content with three of the cutest and loveliest ladies i know. fun boutiques, disappointing mexican food, a chocolate cupcake and a giant flamingo... sounds like a good day to me!

i made a new best friend. max. totally the cutest, happiest dude around. loved playing with him. could "eat you up!"

i oohhed and ahhhed appropriately at downtown georgetown. it's absolutely beautiful. and i nearly wet my pants with anticipation when we drove up pennsylvania ave... pres. bush, here i come!

i was humbled walking past all of the names on the vietnam memorial. my dad served in okinawa, japan for two years during this war. how blessed i am that his name is not one that was added to this bone-chilling long list.

i celebrated that i finally made it to the lincoln monument. i had waited my whole life to see old abe... he looks much older in real life. hmm.

i huddled with seth, jenni and linda as we tried to stay warm on this blustery day. here we are snuggling under the massachusetts tower at the world war ii monument.

i attempted the impossible! they said i couldn't go into the white house without special permission... we'll see about that!!!

okay, fine... rather than be arrested, i will just pose nicely for the camera and be on my way!

i fell in love with the first guy in uniform that i met. can you blame me??? so what if he's only 18.

i cried (turning into my mom) at the movie "bridge to terebithia." i never read the book... sheesh at least someone could have warned me!

i ate one last meal with the rueckerts! sigh... i don't want to go home... you guys make me feel at peace. look at how cute you are and look at that fantastic spread with the makings for some awesome taco salads!!! yes please!

this weekend couldn't have been more perfect. linda, your family is amazing. i'm going to miss your dad's long talks about the gospel and his crazy driving skills... and i'm going to miss your mom's sweet way of asking about boys and her warm hugs. i'm going to miss playing and snuggling with amanda and talking like cocoa to cocoa! i'm going to miss talking to mor mor (love my new hats!) and playing with dave, tiff and max... you are good people!

can we go back now??? pretty please?