A Dome Tour.

Today we got to go on a Dome Tour of the Capitol building. 

For months I've given tours of that rotunda with my neck cramping as I pointed at the ceiling. 

Today I got to be level with the ceiling. 

It was amazing to look down on the room and see the tiny people. 

I am also so glad I got to enjoy it with such wonderful people.

It was the perfect way to spend my last Monday here in the District.

(kacey.ism 223)

And they're off!

My excitement for the games could not be contained today.

(see above for proof)

I threw my official Olympic tee on, picked up a Baked and Wired cupcake, and I was ready.

I was not going to miss a second of those Opening Ceremonies.

Let the games begin!

(kacey.ism 222)

london olympics

The London Olympics.

My two favorite things combined into one.

They can't start soon enough.

(kacey.ism 221)

Happy Pioneer Day!

(kacey.ism 220)

True Statement.

(kacey.ism 219)

Mr. Washington's home.

We spent today at George Washington's house in Mt. Vernon.

It was so beautiful

The misty weather and blooming gardens made me ache for England.

Mr. Washington had quite the incredible home--

Greenery, gardens, a waterfront view...

I can see why he never wanted to leave.

He was also quite the amazing man. 

I'm so grateful to him for all he did for our wonderful country.

(kacey.ism 218)

(kacey.ism 217)

Weekend #12.

Another great weekend in the Distrtict!

Only two left. 

Crazy... 

 On Friday night we celebrated Carson and Hannah's Birthdays.

I'm so happy I've gotten to know these girls out here.

They are so great and they have made life so fun.

On Saturday we took DC by storm.

We visited the DAR, came across a chalk garden, visited a museum, 

went to the archives, and cooled down at the Sculpture Garden.

That night we ate in Georgetown and walked down by the waterfront. 

Oh how I love my Saturdays in the District.

(kacey.ism 216)

Capitol by night.

Last night Congressman Flake gave us a private tour of the Capitol.

It was a nice change to be the tourist, not the tourguide for once.

I loved being in the Capitol when nobody was there.

I could really appreciate how beautiful the building is. 

It is one of my favorite parts of DC, inside and out. 

(kacey.ism 215)

Happy Holidays.

Happy Holidays.

Yes 7/11 is considered a holiday in my book.

National Slurpee day.

You just can't pass that up. 

(kacey.ism 214)

lulu fix.

Because sometimes you just need a lulu fix.

Today was that day.

Nothing makes me happy like a lime green lulu top.
(thanks mom, for always approving my choices via pic messages)

(kacey.ism 213)

Anyway.

(kacey.ism 212)

A weekend away.

This weekend the Barlow center packed up and headed to Pennsylvania....

First stop--Valley Forge.

To be honest, I'm still not sure what Valley Forge is all about.

I know the soldiers lived in log cabins they built themselves,

 and Washington gave a famous address there.

I don't think there's much else I can say.

Next stop--Philadelphia

Aside from the stifling 103 degree weather, Philly was an adventure.

We saw the Liberty Bell, stood in the room where the Constitution was signed,

and ate an authentic Philly Cheesesteak at Jim's. 

The city of Love (still not sure why it's called that) delivered.

(kacey.ism 211) 

throwback.

Peace.

Love.

America. 

(kacey.ism 210)

Happy Birthday America!

DC sure knows how to throw one good birthday party.

Parades, burgers, the star spangled banner,

giant slices of watermelon, sweltering heat,

and the best firework show in the world.

I don't know that any 4th of July could top this one!

I love America!

 I am so grateful for the Land of the Free and the Brave. 

(kacey.ism 209)

another Capitol concert.

The 4th of July Capitol Concert.

I ate up every bit of it.

Until we had to evacuate due to weather conditions.

Just once I'd like to make it to one of those concerts without a rain storm.

Oh well, I'll keep dreaming, and I'll keep trying.

(kacey.ism 208)

wardrobe of the week.

My wardrobe for the week.

I love America.

#redwhiteandblue

(kacey.ism 207)

Monticello.

Monticello--Also known as the home of Thomas Jefferson,

and Richmond, Virginia.

What a wonderful, hot, sunny Saturday.

I loved our day trip.

Thomas Jefferson lived quite the life in his home on the mountain top.

I also think Richmond is about as charming as you can get.

And finally, never underestimate how good diet coke can taste after an afternoon in the sun. 

(kacey.ism 206)

Congressional Baseball Game.

Michelle and me at the Congressional Baseball Game. 

Just call us Frenemies. 

(kacey.ism 205)