Cherry Blossom Festival

Since we came to Washington everyone has told us how eye-opening and fun the Cherry Blossom Festival was going to be. We were told it was one of the most beautiful and exciting times to live and work in Washington. Well, I have to proudly say the stories are all true.

You can not escape the excitement in the air. People are friendlier, there are so many awesome events to be a part of, it is much warmer (thank God for us Texans hating this cold), and of course the beautiful cherry blossoms. It is a testament to God’s great creation.

The day started early – my roommates and I were going to head to the National Mall to throw some football. Austin and I decided to ride our bikes there instead of taking the Metro (it was such a perfect day for riding). When we arrived – we stood in awe at the many thousands of people, many of which were flying kites! It was the opening day of the Cherry Blossom Festival, and they had kite-flying events throughout the area; I have never, in my life, seen so many kites.

It was so enjoyable to notice the faces of all the people on the National Mall in such happiness. It struck me - as if I remembered a happy moment in my past with someone special – and everyone there was happy too, as if they were with me (if that makes sense).

We threw the ball for a while – I decided to take my bike for a leisurely ride around the Tidal Basin; it was crowded – but to see the panoramic views of the Jefferson and Washington Memorials was worth it.

As I rode along the Tidal Basin with my bike, there were many spots where I just stopped, walked, or stood while taking it all in. I prayed a lot as well – and reflected on many things. It was such a clarifying moment to be alone yet surrounded by life. I stood and admired God’s creation, and how simple and yet complex it all was. I recollected on my countless hours back in Texas at our family farm, down by the creek in the woods. I remembered how I thought then, as I do now, that surely God is everywhere - because I see Him in his creation when I am there.

I was definitely stirring feelings of home inside my heart – and though I was happy to be here, I was yet the more happy to be coming home soon.

The walk and ride on my bike concluded with the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. It is the largest memorial in Washington; consisting of seven acres. The designers of this memorial made great use of water with the many waterfalls and fountains that are weaved throughout the FDR Memorial. I actually thought, on a nice day I will come back with a good book, find a good spot next to one of these fountains and read some.

Riding my bike back across the Potomac, I gazed behind me, and I thought to myself how happy I am to see it all, and I how happy I will be to share this all with you.

My Friend Monica Came to Visit!

This past week, my good friend Monica came to visit me! It was so good to see her and catch-up on all the news; I missed her a great deal. We had such a blast, and were able to see so many great places in Washington. This first photo is one of my favorites. The Cherry Blossoms were just coming out – and we were in one of the Smithsonian Gardens – next to the Old Castle. It was the start of the day, and we walked the National Mall – checking it all out. We visited the Lincoln, Korean, Vietnam, WWII, and the Washington Memorials just to name a few.

Giant Chocolate Capitol

Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport

GREAT DAY at the Airport!

This weekend Joseph’s cousin Clay came up to visit and check out the area, and one of the places he wanted to see was the Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport. So, Austin, Clay, Joseph, and myself piled in my car and we drove out to Dulles.

I must say, it was a very interesting museum. It was housed in a HUGE HANGER; I told the guys jokingly that I need one of these to store all my stuff in back in Texas – but seriously, this place was huge.

Inside, there were planes of all kinds, and we saw many different things. I was fascinated with the experimental aircraft from WWII that the Nazis were building. Additionally, there were some historic aircraft on display such as the Enola Gay, the Minnie Mae, and the Little Butch.

It was a great day!!!

The MOST AMAZING HIKE!

Today I was able to experience one of the most INCREDIBLE things yet! A hike along the cliffs of the Potomac on a path called the Billy Goat Trail!

Joseph and I had been talking about going on a hike (if we could find some woods and a good place). We really loved and missed the outdoors of Texas, and how soothing and relaxing it is to be around nature - so we were ready - we just didn’t know where to go.

…and that is when we talked to Rachel…

It happened to be that this weekend my friend Rachel had a friend fly up to visit her, and they also wanted to go on a nice nature hike. She showed us a video that talked about the Billy Goat Trail - and after watching it, we were sold. The four of us were going to go!

We set out after church. The park was just 20 minutes outside of D.C. and it was truly a hike I’m never going to forget.

We hiked along the cliffs of the Potomac. There were some great places to go Bouldering – so we spent a considerable amount of time doing that (I’ll post some photos later).

We also hiked along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O Canal)…my photos didn’t do it justice, so MAKE SURE you check out the “Quick Tour” slideshow at the C&O Canal Website; they also have some great links to maps and trails.



…CHECK out the SLIDESHOW!


…wasn’t that amazing?!?! I totally recommend this place for anyone who loves the outdoors, nature, and some great panoramic views of the Potomac!

It was such a great day, with some great friends. Even the weather was considerably good, slightly cold for me, but not too bad.

Towards the end of our hike we came back to where we started (the trail makes one large loop), and right at the beginning of the trail, there is a side path that takes you to the Great Falls. We took the bridged path to the lookout of the Great Falls and were amazed to see the most spectacular example of a RAGING RIVER.

The Potomac happened to be extra high due to all the rainfall farther up the river – and it showed! Check out the two videos I took below. The crashing of the water was intense, deafening, and was a great reminder of the power of God.

I was definitely at home in the woods, and though I can’t speak for the others, I was truly inspired by the wonderment and wildness of this place. I urge everyone to visit here and experience an excursion you will not soon forget.

LOVED IT! LOVED IT LOVED IT!

Additional photos will be posted soon.

Our Trip to Philadelphia – In Search of the Great Cheese Steak!

Last weekend, my super-amazing roommate, Donnie, organized a trip for eight of us to Philly. It turned out to me one of the most memorable mini-vacations of my life!

It all began...(Stay tuned...more to come tonight!)

Old Ebbits Grill Last Night

Last night was nice - my roommates and I finally were able to eat at Old Ebbitt Grill. It is Washington’s most famous and oldest saloons, and close to the White House.
We were taking our unbelievable and most generous neighbors, affectionately referred to as Uncle Jean and Aunt Sandy, to dinner (more on them later) to show our appreciation for their kindness to us.

The restaurant is a definite must if you are visiting D.C. It is located close to the White House, and is bursting with history. One of the first things I noticed when I walked inside was the antique gas-lit lamps and chandeliers. It was almost as if I were stepping back in time. Additionally, adorning the atmosphere of the main room was the museum-quality collection of decoys – it gave a sense of camaraderie one might experience at a private hunting lodge in the mountains – truly a great sense of home for an outdoorsman like myself.

There were other animal examples throughout the restaurant, and you wouldn’t believe my excitement when I discovered that some (above the old bar) were actually taken by President Teddy Roosevelt himself. President Roosevelt, or as I refer to him, TR ‘The Lion’ is perhaps my most favorite U.S. President because TR did so much for conservation and the outdoors. In fact, TR was a known patron of Old Ebbit and enjoyed dining and entertaining there; I was in stunned amazement to be sitting in the presence of one of my hero’s favorite spots – and its great history therein.

We ate very well to say the least; the service was excellent and the food was fantastic. I totally recommend the crab cakes; fresh and satisfying, with a selection of gourmet sides to compliment.

A good time was had by all! When my Dad comes to visit me up here, I will definitely take him to the Old Ebbit Grill, so we can sit and dine in the presence of great times gone by.