Washington DC

In the middle of March we had the most amazing opportunity to go and visit Ryan's grandparents while on their mission in the Washington DC Temple mission.  If you ever get the opportunity to travel to the nation's capitol do it!  We had so much fun!

We were able to do a tour of the White House.  It is so beautiful!  We were able to see the Green Room, the Blue Room, the Red Room, and a couple dining rooms.  We stood in the exact place the President stands when he gives his addresses.  We weren't allowed to take any pictures so this is the best we got.  We were told that while we were there the First Lady pulled up.  So we saw her car but not her.

The missionaries!  Elder and Sister Andersen meeting Carter for the first time.

What a small world.  My dad's aunt Sally and uncle Ramone were serving in the same mission as Ryan's grandparents.  So we were able to say hello and visit with them as well.  Aunt Sally even took Carter out during sacrament so we could listen to Ryan's grandparents give their farewell talk.  

Dan and Ryan trying to get Carter to crawl.  They were bound and determined to get him to crawl for the first time on this trip.  He took a few steps while we were there.  But it was about a week later he really figured it out.

One night we drove around and saw as many memorials as we could.  The Lincoln Memorial was my favorite.  And they are all so beautiful at night!  I was glad we did that even though it was raining!  

The Washington Monument from a distance.

My favorite museum was the American History Museum.  Here are Dorothy's actual red slippers from Wizard of Oz.

There was so much in this museum!  But the boys really liked the war stuff.

We also did a tour of the Capitol.  Also just so beautiful inside and so much to learn!

Funny boys...

Washington DC Temple.  This is where Ryan's grandparents served everyday.  It is a beautiful temple.  And at night it is breathtaking.

Probably my most favorite thing out of all the things we saw was the Arlington Cemetery.  We were able to watch the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.  That was a really neat ceremony they do.  But seeing the thousands and thousands of gravestones at this cemetery just brings things to perspective.  There was such peace and honor felt here and really it was just beautiful as well.

I never saw this show, but Ryan, Dan and Brittany did see Real World DC.  So we looked up the address to the house and found it.  It was huge!  We looked inside the windows and it was so cool!  We saw a wall that everybody who lived in the house signed.  So it was kind of cool to see the house.

Welcome home Grandma and Grandpa Andersen!  They arrived home after a long road trip on May 1.  They were so stinkin cute!  Grandma was kind of in shock that first night but I think they have adjusted a little more.  It is so nice to have them home but we are so proud of them for completing an 18 month mission.  What examples you are to us!  We love you!