Lexie turns TWO!!

Don't tell Lexie it wasn't planned but her friends Harper and Remy happened to be coming over on her birthday. After a FULL summer of sessions I was looking to do something different.



Nothing like having ice-cream cake on a hot summer day! The girls were so good. They all sat there and didn't get in their treats or Lexie's cake until we told them! Brad was in-charge of getting them on the chairs and I was in-charge of getting their attention.




Once they were told they could have their party treats, there was no stopping them!




The birthday girl had a great party and loved all the attention! Happy Birthday Lexie, we couldn't image our lives without you!!

Irene hits Rutland

Sunday night our little state saw much devastation. Here in Rutland City we were asked to evacuate the area we live. I spent most of the night with Brad at the PD. I had a first hand view of the efforts and stress of the storm. Most nerving was the threat of a dam letting go. Luckily that was not the case.

Here is the aerial view of our neighborhood. I marked where I our house is just one block from 9 feet of water. Showing the playing fields and how the water was at the top of the soccer goals. Thank-goodness for the sunny days and the water receding. We have our power, little water in the basement.

Many many many of our roads are washed out around us. Route 7 north and south are shut down just outside the City limits. Route 4 East toward Killington is also closed. Route 4 west toward NY is our only open road.

"I love Vermont because of her hills and valleys, her scenery and invigorating climate, but most of all because of her indomitable people. They are a race of pioneers who have almost beggared themselves to serve others. If the spirit of liberty should vanish in other parts of the Union, and support of our institutions should languish, it could all be replenished from the generous store held by the people of this brave little state of Vermont."- Calvin Coolidge

DC headed home!

After a wonderful week in DC we headed home. Along the way made brief stop in Silver Springs, MD to visit where I will finish my degree in Emergency Management.






This is the library that I will visit via the web for my research.









Back in NYC, we must say goodbye to Jay-Man.

Gotta love the hat and shirt Jay found with a play on the Monster Logo.


Check DC off our list, Next up ... DISNEY!!

DC day four

Arlington National Cemetery. The feeling here is very moving and overpowering. This is the eternal flame for JFK.





Seeing is not believing. So many stones, so many lives spent protecting the values of our country. Very hard not getting choked up at this sight.









Back and forth,
always on guard,
21 steps, 21 seconds
honoring the hero buried at the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier















Changing of the guard. Definately a sight to behold.












Picture time, after a long walk up the stairs to the Lincoln Memorial. We almost had to walk from the cemetery until we found the tour trolley headed in the right direction.

Your welcome Cait.















He looks a little bigger than he does on the penny!!








Doin' the tourist thing!!







Korean soldiers on patrol. Part of the Korean War Memorial. Donna's step-father was active duty during this conflict.




Those same soldiers on patrol reflected along with the ghost images etched in the memorial wall.
An amazing picture Donna!!!!




Headed down into the Vietnam memorial.










The Washington Monument from the reflecting pool of the WWII Memorial.












































Proof of the family ties.






















One of my planned stops. The J Edgar Hoover Building, home to the F.B.I.






Night time shots around the Capitol







Washington Monument














Jefferson Memorial














U.S. Capitol

DC Birthday Celebration!

Today is a special day we are going to the White House and .... it's Donna's Birthday.






SMOOCH!! Happy Birthday to the Birthday Queen. Yes she is planning on wearing her hat all day. Every Secret Service Agent wished her a Happy Birthday.







Cait and Jay posing after the tour!!









Just a habit, I get at least one picture with the local cops, or their vehicles.






After the White House we headed out to Georgetown where the only place to get a Birthday treat is TLC's DC Cupcake.









Picking up our order along with a few surprise gifts. a DC Cupcakes mug and a Kate Spade purse with a camera tooled into the leather.



Happy Birthday My Love!!!













We took the cupcakes for a quick picnic nearby, but some did not quite make the trip intact. But oh-boy are these things heavenly.



Since we were in the area we visited GU which is very high on Jay's college list. Start saving Mark and Tina!!!






Later that evening Donna and I stepped out to China Town for a little dinner. If you find yourself in the area check out the MatchBox resturant. You will not be disappointed!




After dinner Donna and I walked a few blocks to the White House for some night photos.










Happy Birthday Donna!! Thanks for sharing your day with us and DC.

DC day two!

On today's itinerary was the Air and Space Museum. How cool was it to find one of American Airlines first plane the "Flagship Vermont".




Jay and I did a fighter plane simulation ride. We had a blast rolling and diving, chasing the enemy and being thrown against our safety belts. I think we were screaming a little loud for a couple of guys.

Next just a short walk up the quad, around the capitol and across the plaza we made it to out appointment at the Library of Congress. I was in heaven, all these books.

This has to be one of the most amazing libraries I have ever been in. Even the kids were intrigued some.
















Another group photo at the Capitol!

One can never have enough of these.














This Capitol photo is our official trip photo, taken by a man walking by with his daughter and with plenty of directions from Donna.










You'd think we were here during the cherry blossoms, but alas we were'nt. That did not stop Donna from capturing this great photo.









The last stop of the day was the botanical gardens. I got to rest while the others took photographs of all the beautiful flowers and plants. Here are a few of Donna's.

DC day one!!

We rode the Metro in from Annapolis. On our way to the Capitol we passed the Library of Congress which was on our itinerary for the next day.



The gang in front of the Capitol. Can you tell we were having great weather and it was only 10 am.







Going on vacation with a professional photographer is a special treat. Around every corner is a postcard picture ready to be taken!!


The Capitol from the east gardens.











Once through security we made our way to the visitors center. We were just in time for the next tour, and did not have to wait for our appointment time.




Being that congress was in recess we were able to score tickets from Senator Leahy to visit both the Senate and House galleries to see where the action takes place.


Both Jelani and Cait decided they wanted to take photos as well on this trip. Donna showing Jelani all they features of her camera.







This is one of Cait's photos











This is one of Jay's












The Russell Senate building, home to the personal offices of our senators.








Cait and Jay in front of Pat Leahy's office. Yes I am on a first name basis with him.









The King and Queen visit a Senator!











After the Capitol and Senate building we went to the Wax Museum (having fun the first time at the NYC one). We found some of Donna's relatives. This is President Grover Cleveland a relative from her mothers family.







Next is President Calvin Coolidge who married a Goodhue, from her father's family.











My first White House press conference.
"Chuck Todd, next question".


Look for me again during the next national disaster.















Back in Annapolis we had dinner out down by the bay. Nothing like couple of pizzas and sodas at dusk in the park. There was this great little gathering area, were many others had the same idea as us.
















End to a great day!