Family Reunion - DC & Gettysburg, Family Photos

We went and watched the changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington. It was the HOTEST day of the summer. I think it got up to 109. I've never sweated so much in my life. My Uncle Don met us there and spent the day with us. He is a marine and had some really intersting stories to tell. Story 1: Arlington National cemetary got started because Robert E. Lee coudn't decide which side to fight on, the North or the South during the Civil War. He decided to join the Confederate, the North got mad. In hopes that he would not return home they buried soliders (who fought for the north) in his front yard. The cemtary grew into what it is today
Story 2: We had lunch at Iwa Jima that after noon. Uncle Don told us that Grandma Clarice, who is also a marine was one of the first to see the photo when it was sent to DC for approval to be printed. She worked in the office that recieved all of the journalist photos when someone in the office opened up the photo and said "Oh this one will be famous." Her and several others gathered around to look at it.

We went and spent part of the day at Gettysburg. My camera battery died for part of it. We saw a short film on Gettysburg and then just drove around the battle field. The kids were getting hungry and tired. It was a really pretty day.

I must admit one of my most favorite parts about the whole reunion was playing games. We got some games of the "Minute to win it" website. They were absolutely hilarious. I'll spare myself the wrath of my siblings and not post any videos of us doing them, but here are a few pictures. Abby and Alaina put on a puppet show for us. I'm not sure what it was about, but they had lots of fun.

And what is a family reunion with out family photos. It's a little hard to get everyone looking at the camera at the same time. We walked down the street from Jason and Dadra's house to have their Relief Society President take the pictures. Her kids were jumping on the trampoline while we took photos. Can you guess which direction the trampoline was. :)

Family Reunion Continued - Antietam

We went to eat lunch at the Pennsylvania Dutch Market. The Amish come and sell food there and they make some pretty good BBQ.

After Lunch some of us drove up to Antietam and visited Burnside Bridge. It was amazing to think about how much history took place in this area and how it shaped our country. Grateful for those who fought for what the believed in.... OUR FREEDOM!

Family Reunion Continued

Thursday Morning dad made us the best egg burritos. He really does make the best I've tasted.

After Breakfast we all loaded up to hike part of the Appalachian trail. It was really pretty and the cousins had fun chasing each other up the trail. They were fun to watch.

Landon having fun.

Grandpa had fun with his grandkids. I love this picture!

We stopped at a monument for a little rest.

Landon, Tanner, Brayden and Abby

You had to walk up a stairs to get to the top of the monument. Brayden and Tanner were kind enough to pose for me on the way down. They loved letting me take pictures of them.

After stopping at the monument some of us continued to hike while others went back with the kids. It was a really beautiful hike and nice to have time to visit.