Gettysburg, Orchard...

Saturday we were able to go to Gettysburg. It was a little over an hour drive. The trees, leaves, and colors of the land were so beautiful. It made the drive so enjoyable. 

Inside the museum we first watched a film about the Civil War. It gave a brief history of the events leading up to and beginning the war, but focused mainly on the dates of July 1st-3rd of 1863. It was so well done, Kyle and I both really liked it. The boys did really well too. Can't expect too much from two little rug rats who can't sit still very long. 

After the film we were brought up to a second level where the Battle of Gettysburg cyclorama (a huge continuous painting) was displayed. It was truly beautiful and very moving. Its original was 377 by 42 feet. HUGE! It was done by Paul Dominique Philippoteaux.

Mini version of the cyclorama

  

 

Pictures of those on the Confederate side

Union

I love this...and it is so true.

The cemetery dedicated to those who fought in the war at Gettysburg.

Numbered graves for those who are unknown.

There was this gorgeous holly tree at the cemetery that took my breath away. Kyle started singing Christmas songs when he saw it :)

Releasing some wiggles.

We drove through Gettysburg and the surrounding land. Very sobering to think of what happened here and to remember those who fought and lost their lives.

  On our drive back we passed this orchard. We decided to stop for some treats and a little fresh air.

They had some awesome things built for the kids to play on. Castle, train, tractor...they even had a sand pile! 

 

 

Lots of yummies!

Just can't get away from pumpkin :) Donuts and cider, perfect ending.

Program, Pumpkins, Costumes...

On Saturday morning Damon and I got up early and drove to the church for his Primary Program practice. There was a pancake breakfast for the kids and then they went through the program a few times. Damon has been practicing his line for a few weeks and was so excited to be able to stand up at the microphone and say it.

Of course we are loving the fall leaves and changing of things all around us. Jennie's yard is just beautiful with all the different plants and trees she has.

This tree used to have white flowers and they have slowly turned pink. I love how it is so droopy.

Intent on winning his 'Cat in the Hat' game. When Damon obeys he earns pennies. After five pennies he gets a privilege. Lately he uses his pennies to earn time playing games on PBS kids or NICK jr. Jonas is good to just watch and enjoy :) 

Saturday afternoon we got snow. It did not stick, but fell for a few hours. We got some pumpkins for carving and made some yummy treats. (BTW, the pumpkin butter and pumpkin cream cheese from Trader Joe's is FANTASTIC! ) Pumpkin pancakes, roll, roasted seeds, frozen yogurt, soup, truffles, cheesecake,...never knew I could LoVe pumpkin so much!

Fun Halloween cookie!

Getting dirty carving!

Kyle and Damon's pumpkins!

Superman and the ferocious Dragon! We went trick or treating at the mall since we are not sure where would be the best place to take our little guys otherwise. It was fun to let them walk around and not be worried about which houses to go to. And it was fun to see lots of other kids in their costumes.

Showing those muscles!

So funny. Love that he is flexing and jumping in the air :)

Happy Halloween!

Pentagon

The boys and I took the metro down to the Pentagon today to meet Kyle after work. He is able to escort up to 3 visitors with his pass inside the Pentagon. It was really amazing to walk through the halls of this building, see the displays from past wars, watch people who work there walk the halls, and feel such gratitude for those who work and fight to keep our country free. There is no picture taking inside, but they had a 9/11 memorial out on one side of the building.

On the right side there are dark tiles laid in the ledge which are engraved with the birth years of each person who died at the Pentagon in the 9/11 attack. On the left each small monument that comes out of the ground and curves into a ledge is engraved with a name. 

 

I was so glad that we were able to meet Mr. Burger (Kyle's boss) and friends he works with in the Office of General Counsel. He really enjoys what he is doing. It is fun to be able to see these people in person after hearing so much about them these last few months. 

We walked to Pentagon City afterwards. There is a HUGE mall there that we walked through with pretty much every store you could ever want. Four levels of fun!