Christmas Adam

This is the first year of many that I haven't been home for the traditional sibling sleepover under the tree for Christmas Adam, the day before Christmas Eve.

In fact, no one will be home, not even that dumb little dog. And I will probably be sleeping at my house all alone tonight, with locked doors and space heater blasting.

Christmas Adam usually consists of lining all the presents up in, like, a bar graph, by person, to see who has the longest line. Plus, we have to get them all organized before Christmas morning anyway. Then we eat snacks and watch a Christmas movie, and when we were little, dad would start telling us to go to bed around what felt like 8pm. And then we play games in the dark. Our favorites are Sleeping Lions, Rock, and Steamroller. Sleeping Lions is where everyone is a lion, but the person who is "it" is the hunter. And the hunter tries to be really funny and make the lions "wake up" and laugh. The first lion to laugh is the next hunter. I learned that game from Mrs. Friz in second grade. Rock is the great game where you try to hold really still, except you are actually always moving, you just can't let the person who's "it" see you. So it turns into this hilarious game of people laying there, and when no one is looking, a random leg sticks up in the air, but no one saw it happen. And then you can't laugh, because then someone will see you move!

Lots and lots of giggling came from these games. And sibling sleepovers. And Christmas Adam. And now, tonight, it will not happen.

I'm going to St. George tomorrow, Christmas Eve. And I'm so excited to play games and look at lights and sing the traditional Spainhower family "Candy Free Christmas Tree" song that makes no sense and changes every year. And I'm excited to make a giant mess of sprinkles and frosting when we roll our and decorate Christmas cookies. I might be able to convince Elise to eat the cookie with Elmer's glue for frosting, like that one time.

the dear ones

I just discovered this family photo.

I'm in love with it.

Also. I just had a small panic attack of joy because a new One Republic song was released...tomorrow (but since it's after midnight in EST it's already on iTunes!!!)!!!!! Can this day get better?

"If I Lose Myself." Look it up.

California Dreaming and I love the Beach PART 2

My recent family vacation to the lush, wonderland that is Southern California.

Our family vacation had a little bit of a rough start-- Stephanie got sick and bailed on the whole thing...which meant that the family vacation became a family vacation-Stephanie vacation. And let's be honest, Stephanie is the heart and soul of the crew. She's the loud and funny one. I mean, they are all loud and funny, but as the oldest, she is the ringleader.

The following is a list of things that occurred on said family vacation:

1. IT TOOK A SOLID 10 HOURS TO DRIVE FROM ST. GEORGE TO LA.  This is supposed to be a 6 hour drive. The logical person might conclude that something terrible must have happened for it to have taken so incredibly long to arrive at destination b. No. Nothing happened. except my father. who was in an unusually good mood and decided to stop a total of 6 times. 3 of those stops were in LAS VEGAS. you read that right. He had also wanted to stop in Mesquite... but I was able to convince him not to. It was a miserable drive. But my father was like singing and whistling to himself the whole time, like there could not be a better drive, ever. Adorable.

2. The first day we went to the wonderful land of Lompoc. My father's dreamland (that must have been why he was so jolly the day before). My dad went to high school and left on his mission from this little California coastal town, and it holds a very special place in his heart. We had never been there before this trip-- and we were all actually very excited to visit too. We wanted to see it. And it was lovely. We loved Lompoc. We were there for the annual Flower Festival. We went to the parade (I LOVE parades) and the festival (oohhh and I love festivals), and then we drove around and he showed us his old house and everything. It really was a dream. :)

what a lovely bunch of parade goers.

3. After much discussion and persuasion (and there might have been a pickled herring involved), my mother and I were able to convince Andrew and father that driving to Neverland Ranch was in their best interest. A difficult feat, mind you. My brother and dad are two of the most persuasive people I have ever met, so they know all the secrets and getting them to do what you want is very hard. BUT, I think my puppy dog eyes are finally what did it (at least I'd like to think so). Andrew realized that driving the extra half hour to Neverland would be a dream come true for me. And it was...even though we could only see the gate. And it wasn't even the same gate that was there when Michael was in residence. But it was still great. Pictures are below, never fear.

The new gate.

4. Many of the car rides included rousing games of "Arthur Trivia" or "Boy Band Trivia." Elise and I make up the best games in this world. These 2 games consisted of everyone taking turns asking questions about Mark Brown's television show, "Arthur" or else questions about 90's boy bands. Both are excellent games. Elise won Arthur Trivia by a long shot (even though we didn't keep score), and I think I take the cake on the boy band one. Boy bands, if you didn't know, are my specialty.

5. Sunday was spent at a church in the LA area and at the LA temple. We walked around the grounds and then hung out at the visitor's center. We also made an appearance at this one terrifying beach... you know, just to splash around and see all the freaks and weirdos on the boardwalk. I was very uncomfortable, actually. Not that great.

my darling baby jo... who is going to be 17 next month. WHA???????

I told elise to get rid of that butt crack part like 12 times, just so you know.

6. Santa Monica beach on Monday. I love the ocean. so sososososoososososo much. The beach was beautiful and warm (except kind of not really. I think I was cold for like a solid three days on this trip. California is super tricky... because you think it's supposed to be warm... and then it's SOO not.) and I went a little too far into the ocean, I think. The lifeguard got a little angry with Andrew and I. I was just annoyed because the lifeguard assumed I wasn't a good swimmer. I am, okay? I just get in that there ocean and want to go out farther and farther and farther. It feels so amazing to get swallowed up in the waves. You feel so small and insignificant-- and so in awe of the wonder of the ocean. How the waves break and then disappear. How they create chaos and then an instant calm. it's amazing. But so anyway, there was an adorable pier on the beach. We rode the ferris wheel and had amazing hamburgers. Holy cow.

yummmm they love that ice cream. my parents are more adorable than yours.

7. The trip included a lot of bonding. We really had so much fun as a family, but I really missed Stephanie. There was definitely a hole. We love her.

8. I read a book, mostly on the road. Divergent. Not that good. Many people had recommended it... but I didn't like it well enough to even read the second one, so there.

9. My father snores, fyi.

10. My mother wore tie-dye sunglasses.

11. Andrew and Mallory were continuously adorable.

12. Moriah kept trying to take naps on me in the back seat. The back seat is mine, okay Baby jo?

13. And Elise just kept getting mad every time I tried to read. So rude.

14. An unexpectedly small amount of arguing and/or stressful decision making. We were all very chill. Unusually so. I feel like there is generally this expectation in my family that we all always have a say in everything. And we all care where we eat, every time. We each, individually, care so much, that it takes a lengthy, full one discussion about where to stop the car for lunch. It's so ridiculous. But there was very little of that on this trip. I think it's partly because I chose to keep my mouth shut (let's face it...I'm probably a large part of that problem), and because we've all matured quite a bit since the last go-around. Anyway, it was lovely.

So thank you, mom and dad, for taking us on this heavenly, peaceful, and lovely vacation. Love you tons.

Heaven

is St. George. And my family. Rolled into one.

This weekend, when I was home, we went to Snow Canyon State Park and ran around on the rocks. And really it just turned into a huge photo op. I made all my family members pose in the distance with epic scenery behind them. And this is what we came up with. You can see it as a small tutorial on how to imitate the current internet photo trends-- you know, planking, tebowing, owling (and we added young woman-ing and flamingo-ing and yoga-ing).

See for yourself.

Tebowing

Owling (if you can zoom in, you HAVE to see her owl face. love you mother)

This is how the girl on the old personal progress necklaces was posed. She was hot. obviously.

my dad invented flamingoing. We settled on this after we vetoed his "wheedling" idea. I can't believe I just typed that word. Eww. 

so handsome.

my and my father. He is wearing his "Audrey hat." that's seriously what he calls it.

and Moriah is performing the infamous "plank" in a slightly precarious location.

Elise tried to make us do yoga. We would only do this one move. So I just took a picture of the instructor.

DID I FORGET TO MENTION PHOTO BOMBING???? Mom and Dad wanted to take a picture of themselves. It was not to  be done. We bombed it to smithereens.

this is a secret photo bomb. Can you spot it? Can you see Elise lurking?

And this is our attempt to get everyone in the picture. Way to get only yourself Dad.

I love it. And now you wish you were in my family, because we are awesome. But we missed our brother and our Mal pal. They will come next time, I am sure. :)

My Best Brother's Wedding

Warning: This is a long one, and there is no reason that you should have to read the whole thing,

I love Andrew and Mallory. I love them together, I love them separate. I am very happy about them being married. And I know that I have made a really big deal of it all, but I feel so much better about the whole idea of him being married that it's insane. I love it. The moment I saw them walk out of the temple together, I loved it. Maybe it's because I was no longer anxious-- there was nothing to be nervous about once they got married. It was already over. And done. And so perfect, I tell you.

So here is the timeline-- a listing of events, from beginning to end.

I drove home the Wednesday before the wedding- October 14- with Elise and Stephanie. After a good night's sleep, all the craziness began. I had a list of approximately a gajillion things to do that day, all in preparation for the wedding. We were all quite overwhelmed and to say the least--cranky. At least I was. I was stressed. Emotionally stressed.

The day before the wedding, Thursday, I got up around 8, showered, then left for Pebbles to work on the sign-in book. Later, Mom and everyone picked me up and we went to Wal-Mart for some necessaries. After running through Wal-Mart because we were low on time, we rushed to Corri Theobald's house to try on our dresses (that she made for us!) one last time and pick them up. On the way, the van started acting crazy. My mom pulled over, we prayed like crazy, and somehow got it going again. We got to Corri's, did our thing, then went back to the car... that wouldn't run. It was totally dead. SO, we called Dad for a ride and a tow truck to get the van. At this point, stress levels were high and we were all not so nice to each other.

We had about an hour to drive to Target (to get a sweater for Elise to wear at the temple and luncheon), Roberts (to find letters for the front of the sign-in book), and Costco (to get the flowers for the luncheon). It was probably the shortest hour I have ever been awake for. We rushed around like crazy people (after getting the car that I had left at Pebbles and leaving dad with his car to figure out what was going on with the van), and somehow, some way, we made it back home only a little but late. It's amazing what can be done when pressed for time.

Andrew met us at home-- I finally got to see him--- and it was the day before the wedding!! He helped my dad get the tables for the luncheon while we started the clean-up and everything at the Stake Center (the luncheon was at the stake center on the corner of that one street and North Bluff-- you know, right by where you turn to go to my house). We had to iron all the table cloths, wash all the dishes (enough for 150 people!), set up tables, arrange flowers, make the place settings, etc. It took HOURS. I hung around until about 5:00pm, when I realized that I still needed to finish the sign-in book. Stress overwhelmed my again, and I ran out the door to Pebbles. I finished the book fairly quickly, picked up the dresses that were altered in the last few hours, and ran back to the Stake Center. We spent another hour or so to finish setting up, and finally got home around 8. But THEN, me, Elise, Stephanie, and Moriah, had to go back to Wal-Mart because we still needed to buy the presents we were supposed to give Andrew and Mallory at the luncheon. By the time we got home from that, it was about 10pm. We were all exhausted and wanted to go to bed soon, but then Andrew got there, and we had to celebrate Stephanie's birthday still. She opened her presents, and we all sat around and talked for a couple of hours. And we did our nails. That was important. Before we all went to bed, we coordinated when everyone was going to get up, where they were going to take a shower, where they were going to get ready, which curling irons they should use, etc.

Andrew stayed the night at our house. I thought that was appropriate--- it was sweet that the night before he got married, he stayed in his home with his family, even though he doesn't live there anymore. I loved having him in our home-- all of us together.

The next morning was actually NOT CRAZY. Surprising? YES. Very. My family members are a bunch of stress-balls, but somehow, we all got up early, got ready, and things went smoothly. My mother had even prepared a breakfast quiche and made cinnamon rolls the night before, and just stuck them in the oven that morning. We were all pleasantly surprised at my mother's initiative- that breakfast was usually reserved for one morning a year- Christmas. We all were like, "I didn't know that Andrew's wedding was Christmas! Andrew! You should get married more often!!" So, we all had breakfast, semi-together, and then had family prayer. It was perfectly lovely, and I was ready super early. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I am NEVER early.

Andrew and Dad left for the temple earlier than everyone else, and then I drove up with my Mom, Moriah, and Grandma Colleen about 15 minutes later. Stephanie, Elise, and Celina met us there at around 10:30-- the sealing started at 10:40.

We sat around back, waiting very anxiously and watching all the kids (Dustin kept stamping on the bushes!), until FINALLY, everyone that was in the sealing gathered around and Andrew and Mallory came out to lots of cheering, excitement, and merriment.

After taking some pictures on the front steps of the temple, we rushed to the stake center to get everything set up for the luncheon. And it went just swimmingly. The food arrived on time, and we were ready to go when everyone started showing up. Well, everyone but Mallory and Andrew, that is. They were about 25 minutes late to their own luncheon. But it wasn't their fault, I swear. The photographer was still taking pictures of them at the temple.

We had Pasta Factory cater, and it was DELICIOUS. The best news is that we had LOADS of extra alfredo sauce, and I love that stuff. I still have a container of it in my fridge. :) And then for dessert, we had Dairy Queen ice cream cake. Andrew insisted on it. He said there was nothing else that he would want, and if he couldn't have ice cream cake, he didn't want desert at all. But he said it in a nice way, promise. He just really likes ice cream cake.

After we ate, my dad said a few words, and the show began! All the siblings of the newlyweds gave either Andrew or Mallory, or both, presents! We all talked a little bit and told funny memories, advice, or warnings about the craziness of the other person. I gave them a DVD of "Sandlot" and a Clue game. BECAUSE, I think that both of the presents are very representative of me and Andrew's relationship. We have always played catch and pickle, and street hockey, and basketball, and football (with my dad as all-time quarterback), and every other kind of neighborhood/family game there is. We were a team. That's what "Sandlot" was for. And the Clue game was because Andrew and I used to play it and Monopoly all the time, and he used to make up rules that made him win EVERY TIME. So fun, but so ridiculous. So, I warned Mallory about letting Andrew add his own rules. Seriously, is it really fair to be paid from the bank when you land on your own property? Not a good rule. And we always played Clue-- with only 2 people--- which doesn't really work--- and Andrew was always Mr. Green and I was always Mrs. White. And he always won.

Oh, and because it was Stephanie's birthday in addition to it being Andrew's wedding day, my mom had a cake made for Stephanie, and Andrew gave it to her at the luncheon. We all sang for her. :)

So anyway, the luncheon was lovely. And somehow my mom got all the young women from our ward to serve the dessert, fill water glasss, and do the dishes. They were a MAJOR blessing. I had thought that WE were going to have to do the dishes. But thank goodness we didn't have to, because we only had about an hour between the luncheon and the time that we needed to be at the reception for pictures. It was crazy busy....
SO.... skip to pictures and the reception. It was beautiful. I. loved. it. It was in the Morby's front yard. They had lots of tables set up, all with green tablecloths, and there were lights in the bushes and trees all around the yard. Not just Christmas lights, though, whole chandeliers. They were awesome. There were pictures of Andrew and Mallory all over the place looking amazing and...so... I don't really want to describe the whole thing. But it was great, promise. And so fun. And there were SO MANY PEOPLE! Tons and tons throughout the whole night. Like, they prepared food for 600 people, and they ran out. And I just walked around talking to people, eating delicious food, taking pictures in the photo booth (which was totally awesome), watching the slideshow and video of Andrew and Mallory, taking pictures, laughing at my mom and dad because they had to stand in line for so long, chasing little cousins around, limping through the grass with my painful heels, etc, etc, etc. It actually was a lot of fun, especially because I got to spend so much time with family AND because I was all dressed up like was part of the cast and on display a little bit. I love that.

After the reception, and Andrew and Mallory drove away, we helped clean up a little bit, then drove home. Me and the sisters watched "Labyrinth" a bit before we all fell asleep (I have rarely been so tired).

The next day was devoted to family (the extended kind that we hardly ever see) and opening presents. Both Andrew and Mallory forgot their birth certificates- a necessary when one is going on a cruise- so they came back to the Morby's house that afternoon, and we all watched/helped them open presents. I've never had the privilege of doing that before-- it was a lot of fun. I really can't wait to open my own wedding presents and tally up the earnings... Please ya'll, just give me cash. Thanks.

It was a lovely day, and a lovely weekend. I love weddings. And I love that Andrew and Mallory are married and that she is part of my family forever.

<3.

I didn't go on a mission. Yet.

As many of you have probably noticed, I didn't go on a mission. Yes, it was part of my plan MY WHOLE LIFE. But, when it came time to turn in my papers, it simply did not feel right. I am very happy to be back at BYU (if you didn't already gather from my other posts: I LOVE BYU), in Provo, close to my family, with my roommates, etc.

Reasons why I am glad that I stayed home:
1. My brother is getting married. I could not/would not have ever missed this anyway, but I am very glad to be around and involved with the whole thing. Many of you know how much I adore my brother. It's like A LOT.
2. Dani and Rachelle are awesome to live with. Why would I risk living with companions that I didn't get along with when I have these awesome girls to grow with and learn from? They are amazing girls. PLUS, Lauren and Ann are right across the street!
3. BYU football is currently my favorite thing on the planet (except, of course, the important things like church and family and Harry Potter and the Michael Jackson movie...) In all honesty, one of the first things I thought of once I had decided to stay home was that I was going to be able to watch BYU football games. Football season makes me really happy. And having school spirit makes me really happy. Dani and I have made a goal to learn all the players names, recognize them by sight, and memorize all the referee signals. I'm pretty football literate already, but these are some necessary improvements. Look for a post detailing the BYU football experience later. I know I posted one last year, but I love it too much to let the first couple games go unrecorded.
4. I got a job at the Special Collections in the BYU Library. I am VERY excited about this idea. I actually start the job tomorrow. So... BYU jobs are very competitive because everyone on campus is looking for a job at the same time. I was one of the lucky ones who got the only job that I applied for. And that doesn't mean that I'm super cool or anything, it just means that my network was powerful enough. The people that I worked with in Washington, particularly Alison, knew a man at the Special Collections, talked to him about me at the SAA conference in Houston a couple of weeks ago, and then he emailed ME asking if I was interested in a job he had available. I said yes, interviewed, got the job, and am now officially an employee of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections at the Harold B. Lee Library at Brigham Young University. Yay!
5. I think I'm really going to like my ward. The bishopric is very organized, the people are fun, it doesn't feel like a meat market, and I have a real calling! The ward has three relief societies (Yeah, I had never heard of that either), and I'm in the presidency of my relief society. I am really grateful for the opportunity and excited to get involved. It's really a blessing.
6. I get to live in Northern Utah with Stephanie AND Elise.
7. I can talk to my Mom and Dad whenever I want to, and not just on Mother's Day and Christmas.
8. I get to be around when Jenny has her baby. I think about that baby quite frequently, actually. I'm excited to have a best friend baby. Maybe I'll get to be a godmother or something! Hint, hint Jenny.
9. I didn't have to say goodbye to my Washington friends and be forgotten forever more. I still see Kate, Cameron, Erik, and sometimes Taryn on a regular basis. And we are planning parties and reunions. I'm so glad that I got to know all these people. They are amazing. (But I miss Genevieve, who is still living the dream life in Arlington, VA.) I actually think about the District a lot. I really do miss it. Somehow, someway, I am going to find a way back there. I'm toying with the idea of going to grad school at Maryland or something. Then I can live in College Park and do a fellowship with the Library of Congress or something (I met the people in charge of that program this summer, and my friend Matt from the Museum That Must Not Be Named wants to apply too!)
10. If I went on a mission I would miss my Sugardoll, Moriah, too much. She's too precious to be away from for too long.

In closing, I have not completely thrown out the idea of going on a mission, obviously. That is what the "Yet" part was for in the title of this post. But, for now, I feel very good about being home. I will think about a mission again later. AND, if it so happens that I don't go on a mission while I'm young, I have several years of being an old person to serve a mission in. It's something that I want to do eventually, it is the WHEN that I have to concern myself with.


Goal for next semester: Be a history TA.

America Week

At the beginning of the week I was still getting over the plague, but I was mostly better when my family FINALLY CAME TO VISIT ME!!! They flew in on Wednesday night, and I can't even describe how excited I was to see them. I had been talking about it for weeks! I really missed them.

Daily report of their trip to D.C., and my favorite 4th of July ever.

Quick explanation: The 4th of July is my favorite holiday. I have kind of forgotten that fact the last couple of years, but seriously, I used to be obsessed. I would get completely decked out in red, white, and blue. I literally prepared for the holiday for days before hand. I have purchased and worn a flag tee from Old Navy every year since 2000 (except this one. I already cried a tear about that.). I have a festive backpack, visor, flip flops, nail polishes, shorts, pajamas, the works. And I LOVE fireworks. I love it when they are huge and it looks like they are falling on you. And I love America. I am very patriotic. In fact, the whole time my family was here- especially on the 4th- Stephanie often was like, "Well, we should do whatever Audrey wants to do. It's the 4th of July. That's practically Audrey day. It's like her birthday." Because, it kind of is! I love it.

Wednesday: I picked them up at the airport, taught everyone how to use the metro (seriously, guys, it didn't have to be that complicated), and we found our way to the hotel. I should have scoped out the area before they got there, because I wasn't sure exactly where it was, I just knew the general direction. It was a lot more walking than everyone had anticipated, and I think my mom wished we would have just taken a taxi. I kind of agree. But the walking was good for them, and they got to see the neighborhood. They stayed between Dupont Circle and McPherson Square, an excellent neighborhood. McPherson is really close to the White House, so they got lucky! And there are a lot of restaurants near Dupont. After dropping their bags off, we went to find a place to eat. It was getting late, so that was actually kind of difficult. We ended up eating in the hotel restaurant, which wasn't too bad, and then I took a taxi home to Foggy Bottom.

Thursday: The fam came to the Museum That Will Not Be Named! They came down to the Archives Center, where I work, around noon, and I gave them a little tour. It was amazing to finally be able to show them exactly what I do all day every day. And they got to meet all my work friends! I loved it.

And then, I got off work 4:30, and we looked at some of my favorite exhibits in the museum, namely, the Star-Spangled Banner, the Scurlock Studios exhibit (which is what I'm working on), and the Lincoln exhibit on the 3rd floor.

After the museum, we headed to Georgetown. This is what I had been most excited to show them. We stopped at the Barlow Center so I could change out of my work clothes, so they got to see where I live! I think that made my mom feel better about me living in the city, because she finally got to see how safe it actually is. Next stop: Dinner in G-town. They loved it. We ate at Chipotle, not really a local hotspot, but it was good. And then shopping! Georgetown is so great because it is SO cute and quaint and charming and high class, but also because it has amazing food, ice cream places, and excellent shopping! We ended up only having time for H&M (because my family moves slow and it's hard to get everyone moving in the same direction all the time), but that's okay. It was starting to rain and get dark, but before leaving, I convinced everyone that they HAD to walk down to the waterfront to see the river and all the sites from there. We have a good view of Arlington, the Kennedy Center, and Watergate from the waterfront park down Wisconsin Ave in G-town. I love it down there. Me and my Washington friends go and sit by the water probably twice a week, and I had to do it with my family too!

Friday: I don't have work on Fridays, so I got to be with my family all day!! We got up early and met at the metro stop at Arlington National Cemetery. We started there, and it was a long day of walking. After Arlington, which I love, we walked across the bridge back in to D.C., and around the Tidal Basin to go to the FDR and Jefferson (my favorite) memorials, and then back up to the Washington Monument, my museum, and my favorite place to eat near Federal Triangle: Potbellys. It's hard to explain this massive distance, but just take my word for it that it is far (I actually calculated it to be 4.69 miles). But we ate at Potbellys!!! It's my all-time fave recently. I always get a smoked ham sandwich and banana oreo shake (I can't describe how amazing those shakes are. They are literally the best shakes I have ever had. And the oreo banana is breathtakingly delicious). After Potbellys, we walked back down to the Old Post Office Pavilion on 14th and Pennsylvania to go up in the tower so we could see the city. The Old Post Office Tower is the next tallest building in D.C. besides the Washington Monument, so it provides a really good view, and you don't have to bother getting up early to get tickets! A perfect alternative to the real thing. After spending some time in the tower, we walked up Pennsylvania to the White House, and then split ways. Stephanie, my Dad, and Moriah, went back to the hotel, but Elise, my Mom, and me went to the Capitol for the 4th of July concert dress rehearsal!!
We got up to the Capitol lawn and found my friends. They saved a little spot for us. So guess who performed at the concert??!!! Barry Manilow (Elise and my mom are Fanilows!), Aretha Franklin, Natasha Bedingfield (who isn't even American. How weird), Elmo, Oscar, Cookie Monster, Rosita, Big Bird, the Jersey Boys (they were TOTALLY the best part!!! I want to be a fan now), and the National Symphony or something like that. It was SO GREAT!! I was sitting behind this speaker thing, so I could only see about 1/4 of the stage-- but it was totally worth it. My Mommy and Elise left a little bit before it was over because it was getting dark and they still had to figure out how to get back to their hotel. So, I just stayed with my friends and partied with them after.

Saturday: I am a slave driver, I made my family get up and meet me at 9:30 at the Eastern Market!! We got in line for breakfast, which is in my top 5 favorite things about D.C., and waited for like 1 1/2 hours for our food. My Dad was grumbling a bit, but I convinced everyone that the food was well worth the wait. I was starving and nearly fainting by the time I got my french toast with pecans on it, but it was so amazing, that I don't rememeber being miserable anymore. The Market was really busy that morning, but we got our fill of the flea market, the fruit and vegetable stands, and everything. I love that place. I think they really liked it too-- that's what is important.

And then, me, Dad, and Moriah, went to the Nationals game. We were playing the Braves. By the way, the Nats are my team. I love them. Even though they have like the worst record in the MLB. But they have a really nice stadium, I can get in to a game for $10, their colors are red, white, and blue, they have in-between inning races between dressed-up giant-headed presidents, I love baseball, they are the National team, and they are from D.C. What more could you possibly ask for in a baseball team??? (Besides a winning record...) And, surprise, surprise, WE WON!! But, I guess, that shouldn't be too shocking, because it was the 4th of July! But it was a lot of fun. I'm glad I got to spend that time with my Dad and my sugar doll, Moriah.

See the giant headed presidents??!! They are awesome!!!

We met up with Mom, Elise, and Moriah after the game and walked up to the Library of Congress, which was closed. And this is where we split ways. They all wanted to go back to their hotel and watch the fireworks from their roof while they sat in the pool. That sounded like a lot of fun... but I REALLY wanted to hang out on the Mall and watch the fireworks from there. Seriously, I didn't want to miss that opportunity. And although I was kind of sad about ditching my family, I'm really glad that I did! I found my friends- they were sitting between the World War 2 Memorial and Washington Monument kind of by a stage where an orchestra was playing. It was perfect. We sat and played cards- go fish, scum, spit, and frustration. The weather was perfect, the setting was amazing, and the company was wonderful! The fireworks started around 9, and they were literally the best fireworks I have ever seen!! We laid on the blanket and watched the fireworks shoot up and fall on top of us-- they were huge and beautiful and shocking and loud and amazing. And the whole time, among other things, I was thinking about a career change. I am sorely tempted to become a firework show designer. How fun would that be? It would be a dream. Afterward, I told Cameron about my new ambition. He was like, "I thought about that too!! Except, I want to invent and make new fireworks. Study the physics." And so we came to an agreement. He will make the fireworks, and I will design the fantastic shows.

This one was during the finale. My camera couldn't handle the amazingness.

After the fireworks, we walked with the masses of 4th of Julyers home. The minute we stepped into the Barlow Center, though, Tyson convinced everyone that going to Thomas Sweet in Georgetown for frozen yogurt was the best idea ever. So, we went. We got some frozen yogurt, and finished the night at the water front, looking out over the river and the city. So gorgeous and so perfect.

It was an amazing fourth of July: my favorite breakfast ever to begin the day, a Nationals game (what's more American than baseball?!), and fireworks on the lawn of our nation's capitol? It was fantastic. I can't even describe it. Laying there and watching the fireworks was breathtaking.

Also, another huge event occurred that night-- something that will change my life forever. But we'll get to that in another post. I want it to be noted and significant.

Sunday:

I rode the bus and met my family at the Friendship Heights metro station to walk to church. It was a traditionally long testimony meeting, and we sat in the overflow, which is full every Sunday. My ward is enormous. My family was amazed.

My family is so dang cute I can't even stand it.

We spent the afternoon on the Mall, finally walking around the WW2, Lincoln, Korean War, and Vietnam War Memorials. I could do that everyday, and it wouldn't get old. I just love being on the National Mall. That night, after dinner, we rode the metro out to the Pentagon. My last request was for my family to see the September 11th Memorial. It's one of my favorites. And then I went home and went to bed.

Monday: The fam did stuff all day until their flight, but I had to work, so I just saw them at lunch. They got picnic stuff and we ate outside You Know What Museum on the grass. That is my favorite kind of lunch- outside in perfect weather with my family eating simple, pure food.

We all accidentally matched on that last day. :) I guess that's what sisters do.

Sunday was my favorite day with my family because it was less stressful than the other ones. I wasn't as worried about making sure that everyone was happy and having a good time. That felt good. For some reason, being their tour guide was ster-ess-ful!! Every night when I got home I breathed a sigh of relief, and I was SO tired! It was hard.

The biggest frustration of the weekend, though is that my family was NOT used to walking a lot. They walked slow, they were tired, and their feet hurt. All of these complaints were perfectly normal. My feet hurt and I was tired too. BUT, somehow, I could still walk a faster speed. It was SO FRUSTRATING!! And Stephanie and Elise kept getting mad at me and saying, "Well if Audrey would stop riding that invisible scooter maybe we could keep up!" They could have kept up if they would have tried harder. I'm convinced of it. Every time we sat down somewhere and rested for a while, I would say, "Okay, I'm going to count to 5, and then we are going to stand up. So get ready." And then I would count, get to 5, and be the only one to stand up and walk away. GOSH FAMILY! I would get several feet away, turn around, and see them still sitting there looking all tired. Seriously. In the end, I find all of this very comical, but it was stressful and frustrating at the time. :)

The whole weekend, for me, was about doing things so that they would have a good trip. I was totally stressed about not seeing enough cool things. I wanted them to LOVE D.C. SO BAD!!! Because I love it so much. This city is pretty dear to my heart. I wanted them to understand why and love it too.

And I think they had a good time. It was an amazing weekend. I loved having them here. I LOVED being able to show them everything that I do and see everyday. It was a blast. I loved taking them around Georgetown, and walking around the monuments, showing them where I work, what I do all the time, teaching them how to work the metro, everything.

And also, it was the best 4th of July ever.