Washington D.C.

I bet with a title like that you are thinking that this is going to be a political schpeel...NOPE!
Guess where I am? You are never going to believe it!!!!! Washington D.C!!! I had to keep this info. on the MAJOR D.L. (down low- meaning QUIET!!!) So, here's the story:

All of you know that John is a United States Marine, right? He served 4 years in the Marine Corps and is deeply proud of this heritage. He has been dreaming of visiting the National Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, VA (about 45 min. from D.C.). His precious Aunt Jenny recently visited this museum and picked him up a great t-shirt and cool pen with the intentions of giving it to him for his birthday, Sept. 7th. That in itself is pretty darn cool as John LOVES t-shirts!!! Then, something crazily awesome stirred in her and she decided to do something "special" for John this year. About 2 months ago, she called to say, "Kara, will you be my partner in crime on something." Teehheeeee! SURE!!!!! And with that, we developed a scheme for her to send John and I on a weekend trip to Washington D.C., fulfilling his dream of visiting this museum! Airline tickets, hotel, and rental car- A. jenny is the MOST generous person that I know!!! Here was the best part....it was going to be a GRAND surprise to John (I made sure he was off the whole weekend and whatever glitches I ran into, i put Greg in charge of fixing...thank you Greg- you rock!!!!) Now, here's the other big kicker....John didn't find out about this surprise until Thursday night and we left Friday morning on a plane for Washington!!! Holy smokeroos, right??
Aunt Jenny came up with this brilliant plan to invite John and us out to Cici's pizza for dinner on Thursday evening "for his birthday", a few days early...but he wasn't suspicious because A. jenny works alot of hours directing a nursing home. So, we got the family on board with this amazing surprise and voila...about 33 people greeted him at Cici's. Surprise, John! A. Jenny came up with a cute plan to wrap up the shirt and pen- which he would be ecstatic about and THEN she put together a binder with airflight confirmation, hotel info...etc!!! It took him a few minutes of viewing the info and her saying "This is YOUR flight info. John!!" I've never seen him so awe struck. For once, my dear hubby was speechless :)

Now...fast forward to John and I's arrival at the museum- he actually got light-headed when we stood in the entrance of this magnificent site. We had a delightful 3 hours at the museum and then planned to head back in the morning. Morning actually turned into more like noon as we battled terential rain due to Hurricane Hannah!!! Keep in mind that I'm married to a "professional driver" who has no fear of danger, wet roads or any as such! Therefore, the only weapon I could use to combat his fearless driving was prayer! The Lord and I went into some deep issues as I squeezed my eyes tightly and refused to look at the cars around us who would hydroplane, splash large quantities of water onto our front window, and scare the tar out of me!
Occasionally, I would yell out a "Lord Jesus!!!!" as my body could feel rough and terrifying vibrations. Okay...enough drama!
Now, I'm writing Sat. evening...we've returned from the adventures of the day. Once we fought our way to the museum today, we were saddened to have to leave within about 30 min. because they closed it due to the stinkin' flooding!!! AHHHHHHHH! Nonetheless, John decided to praise God! So, off we went to eat lunch...oh my goodness..have you ever been to an "Uno Chicago Grill"? if not, let me say- GO!!!!! This is the most fantastic place ever!!! Then, we went to a movie because everything else worth site seeing was too dangerous to get to.
Now, it's Sunday evening-whhoooooooo, what a day! Our flight home was delayed 2 times and we arrived back in Indy at about 6 p.m. My phenomenal children prepared a scrumptious dinner for us. Anna and Aunt Jenny cleaned and orchestrated all the kiddos to help! Anna had a handwritten menu at each of our places for John and I that read: Tonight's Menu
Slow Roasted Pork Chops, Homemade Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned Green Beans and Bread and butter, and homemade gravy! Wow- it was amazing!!!! Here was the best part....we walked into all 6 children plus Aunt Jenny around the dinner table, the table perfectly set and smiles on all of their faces as they sang Happy Birthday to John!
It's nice to getaway...but there is NO place like home!
k