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Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Jason Heyward & Dan Uggla
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Coach Dews
>> Here is a picture it Coach Dews who is 72 years old with Marlee Anne. Really nice man!!!
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Michala
> This would be Michala eating a whole funnel cake by herself at the Braves game saying "what game?!".
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Jason Heyward
> Marlee Anne is quite proud of this picture. Kinda like I am proud of my hug from him. This is a big guy. Marlee Anne said did you see his hands. He looks like a basketball player she said. Another very nice guy!
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A night with the Braves
I know another email in the same week. Wow! We are heading to Michala & Abe's neurology appts so I thought I would type this as we were going. We are praying for direction for their seizures. Michala is still having 2 really hard seizures a day. In reality that's really not bad & we know it could be worse. Abe is still having lots of them. They are changing or rather having some that are different looking. He has one med left to take and we were trying to hold off on it but now maybe it's time. Either way I am praying for peace.
Last night the Miracle League sent us to batting practice with the Braves. Even though it was 500 degrees on the field we had an awesome time. As we walked out on the field the outfielders came over and gave everyone baseballs. I just envisioned as soon as they gave Michala her's she would throw it back to them. We told her it was for her & she held it.
Ross who is the catcher came over & talked to us & signed baseballs & Marlee Anne's hat. Conrad came over & was very nice. Heyward came & man that dude is big. I will try to send a picture of hey & Marlee Anne so you can see how big his hand is on her shoulder. I went to shake his hand and he hugged me. Really nice guy too. He offered to take a picture with everyone & I said we would turn the wheelchairs around. He said no I will come around. Very thoughtful!
While Heyward was there with us Dan Uggla was talking to Mary Elizabeth. Everyone once in awhile someone makes a real connection with Mary Elizabeth and he definitely did. She was smiling & flirting with him. He took a long amount of time with her and even went back over a couple of other times to talk with her and ask to see her smile. I really hope the pictures turn out well of them. We did a group picture with Heyward & Dan & I have to say they quickly became favorites of mine.
Marlee Anne wanted to see Chipper. Well she got to see him but that was it. He was in his normal Chipper form and attitude. I think she quickly forgot him after Jason & Dan were so nice.
Our guide for the night was Steve and he was awesome! What an excellent host! After batting practice the Atlanta Journal Constitution did a video to go online of Homer giving us all souvenir tomahawks.
We ended up having excellent seats thanks to the Braves, Steve and our awesome usher! Everyone enjoyed their night!
I knew it would be a struggle for Abe in the heat so I found these neat ice packs. They are still soft when frozen. It fits really well in his stroller which is what we used last night. Not sure how it will do in his wheelchair but it should work nice. It stayed cold for 4 hours once it was behind him. It's made by igloo. We haven't gotten him a cooling vest yet so this worked well for now. Plus this was $4 as opposed to hundreds.
Last night the Miracle League sent us to batting practice with the Braves. Even though it was 500 degrees on the field we had an awesome time. As we walked out on the field the outfielders came over and gave everyone baseballs. I just envisioned as soon as they gave Michala her's she would throw it back to them. We told her it was for her & she held it.
Ross who is the catcher came over & talked to us & signed baseballs & Marlee Anne's hat. Conrad came over & was very nice. Heyward came & man that dude is big. I will try to send a picture of hey & Marlee Anne so you can see how big his hand is on her shoulder. I went to shake his hand and he hugged me. Really nice guy too. He offered to take a picture with everyone & I said we would turn the wheelchairs around. He said no I will come around. Very thoughtful!
While Heyward was there with us Dan Uggla was talking to Mary Elizabeth. Everyone once in awhile someone makes a real connection with Mary Elizabeth and he definitely did. She was smiling & flirting with him. He took a long amount of time with her and even went back over a couple of other times to talk with her and ask to see her smile. I really hope the pictures turn out well of them. We did a group picture with Heyward & Dan & I have to say they quickly became favorites of mine.
Marlee Anne wanted to see Chipper. Well she got to see him but that was it. He was in his normal Chipper form and attitude. I think she quickly forgot him after Jason & Dan were so nice.
Our guide for the night was Steve and he was awesome! What an excellent host! After batting practice the Atlanta Journal Constitution did a video to go online of Homer giving us all souvenir tomahawks.
We ended up having excellent seats thanks to the Braves, Steve and our awesome usher! Everyone enjoyed their night!
I knew it would be a struggle for Abe in the heat so I found these neat ice packs. They are still soft when frozen. It fits really well in his stroller which is what we used last night. Not sure how it will do in his wheelchair but it should work nice. It stayed cold for 4 hours once it was behind him. It's made by igloo. We haven't gotten him a cooling vest yet so this worked well for now. Plus this was $4 as opposed to hundreds.
DC part 5
Ok it didn't take me that many hours to write part 4. Some really bad weather & seizures to deal with.
What a wonderful day to rest! I am not sure how Mike made it through another day of conferences after the late night we had. After some of us (not me) had enough of being lazy we went to the pool to pass some time before dad got back.
That night when Mike got back we had supper & spent the beautiful evening walking around the wonderfully accessible National Harbor. Another stop by the Peeps store. On the way back to our room we discovered Godiva now makes milkshakes. Let me tell you the chocolate caramel one is delicious. I walked enough this week that it was ok if I had one. LOL!!!
Next morning Mike was up & out early again for his conference. We torn between the zoo, Alexandria, & the botanic garden. Everyone said the zoo out of those 3. We knew we would have a couple of hours when Mike got done with his conference. I was getting everyone ready when Mike walked in & the fire alarm went off. We get everyone in their wheelchairs trying to figure out how to get down the stairs with them. We called the front desk. No answer as I am sure all of them had headed outside. Thankfully the fire was taken care of with no one hurt. I had just fed Abe got up to get his clothes & before I could turn around Michala had pulled his gtube out. Balloon still completely blown up. I search for a syringe to deflate it & put it in. Forgot how much water & so thankful my friend Mary Jane was by the phone to answer & help me.
We get ready & as we walk outside the bottom falls out. We still head to the zoo but only to sit in DC traffic. Some how we made it & had time to most of it & definitely everything we wanted to see. As we are walking out of an exhibit I tell Mike the sky doesn't look good. We are at the very bottom of the zoo. My friend Maggie said the zoo is very hilly & boy was she right. Especially when you are pushing a wheelchair while running in down pouring rain.
We drive back through the DC traffic in the rain this time. It had cleared in National Harbor so we decided to try Grace's Mandarin for dinner. Very nice fancy restaurant with a beautiful view of the Potomac. We had just ordered & Michala flooded the beautiful marble floor with her daily episode. I get up & push her out. Our waiter was so kind & very concerned about Michala & me not getting my meal. She & I went left the restaurant just as it happened again. We get to the room, start the laundry yet again, finish a bath just as they walk in with my food. Perfect timing!
Friday morning Mike & Marlee Anne get up early to go get in line to see if they can get us tickets for the Washington monument. We had been trying to get them online but it was booked. They were 300th in line and were able to get 10 tickets. We were meeting my soul sista & her family that day & wanted them to get to come with us.
We ended up meeting Cyndi, her husband & their 2 daughters at Mount Vernon. As we are looking for a place to park my phone rings. It's Cyndi saying did you not even see us? I laugh & say no where are ya'll. She laughs & says we are the only black people around. We are all cracking up & Mike says we don't see color.
You would think it had only been a few days since we had seen each other. It's the most relaxing wonderful time with our families together. What blessings they are to us. Some of our most wonderful prayer warriors. We always giggle when we are together. This was no exception. At least we didn't know if the stares were for the wheelchairs or the 2 families together. Well ok one time we know what the stare meant. Nicki (black girl) was pushing Abe (white baby) & this older gentleman working there was too funny. His expression was priceless. At least Nicki was acting ok at the time & not being one of her aliases.
George & Martha's home was really lovely. The land was incredible. Their graves were very nice. The slave memorial was very beautiful the way it was set in the trees.
Again hills. Had it not been for Marcus taking over for me & Nicki taking over for Cyndi I do not think we would have made it back up the mountain. We were a hot mess!!! LOL!!! Quisha & Marlee Anne sat patiently at the top waiting on us.
Oh I forgot to mention that we were all taking picture of this tree that no one wants to claim said it was an apple. As I got closer I saw it was actually an orange. The gardens were absolutely beautiful along with the huge majestic trees.
We were not able to see it all in a day and would love to go back sometime to the museum. We decided to all have dinner together at the country buffet. It was so good to have some real food while enjoying the fellowship together. More giggles as Nicki brought her aliases out. Quisha was sitting quietly & we figured out she was enjoying her food.
They decide to start on their 3.5 hour drive home & skip the monument. As we walk out once again the bottom falls out. As we are driving we all see trees blown down over the fence into the street. Thankful that we were protected from whatever blew through.
We get to the Washington monument & find a HC parking place right beside it. We have 4 extra tickets so Marlee Anne, Michala, Abe & I go look got someone we can give them to. We see a family of 4 looking at their map and ask if they had been to the top. They tell us no that they weren't able to get tickets. We asked it they would like them & the mom starts crying. The dad tears up and said are you serious. We explain to them that our friends were not able to come with us. They were all so excited & could not thank us enough.
When it's our turn we go through security check & up the elevator. We go up 500 feet. When we step off the elevator & look out the window - WOW! That has to be one of the most amazing experiences in my life.
Out one window we watched as a plane landed. Has anyone flown into Ronald Reagan airport? I think it would be really cool! Out one window we saw Maryland & Virginia. We saw The White House, the Capital, pentagon & all the memorials. Oh and the mall with all the museums. On the way down in the elevator we get to see some of the walls as the windows open on the elevator. Very neat experience! So thankful that worked out.
Abe's seizures finally stopped after 2 doses of Ativan. It's still raining & storming. We have just 2 more hours to go & we will be home. Thanks for letting me share our trip with ya'll! Now my journaling is done for the scrapbook.
Love & respect to all!!!
What a wonderful day to rest! I am not sure how Mike made it through another day of conferences after the late night we had. After some of us (not me) had enough of being lazy we went to the pool to pass some time before dad got back.
That night when Mike got back we had supper & spent the beautiful evening walking around the wonderfully accessible National Harbor. Another stop by the Peeps store. On the way back to our room we discovered Godiva now makes milkshakes. Let me tell you the chocolate caramel one is delicious. I walked enough this week that it was ok if I had one. LOL!!!
Next morning Mike was up & out early again for his conference. We torn between the zoo, Alexandria, & the botanic garden. Everyone said the zoo out of those 3. We knew we would have a couple of hours when Mike got done with his conference. I was getting everyone ready when Mike walked in & the fire alarm went off. We get everyone in their wheelchairs trying to figure out how to get down the stairs with them. We called the front desk. No answer as I am sure all of them had headed outside. Thankfully the fire was taken care of with no one hurt. I had just fed Abe got up to get his clothes & before I could turn around Michala had pulled his gtube out. Balloon still completely blown up. I search for a syringe to deflate it & put it in. Forgot how much water & so thankful my friend Mary Jane was by the phone to answer & help me.
We get ready & as we walk outside the bottom falls out. We still head to the zoo but only to sit in DC traffic. Some how we made it & had time to most of it & definitely everything we wanted to see. As we are walking out of an exhibit I tell Mike the sky doesn't look good. We are at the very bottom of the zoo. My friend Maggie said the zoo is very hilly & boy was she right. Especially when you are pushing a wheelchair while running in down pouring rain.
We drive back through the DC traffic in the rain this time. It had cleared in National Harbor so we decided to try Grace's Mandarin for dinner. Very nice fancy restaurant with a beautiful view of the Potomac. We had just ordered & Michala flooded the beautiful marble floor with her daily episode. I get up & push her out. Our waiter was so kind & very concerned about Michala & me not getting my meal. She & I went left the restaurant just as it happened again. We get to the room, start the laundry yet again, finish a bath just as they walk in with my food. Perfect timing!
Friday morning Mike & Marlee Anne get up early to go get in line to see if they can get us tickets for the Washington monument. We had been trying to get them online but it was booked. They were 300th in line and were able to get 10 tickets. We were meeting my soul sista & her family that day & wanted them to get to come with us.
We ended up meeting Cyndi, her husband & their 2 daughters at Mount Vernon. As we are looking for a place to park my phone rings. It's Cyndi saying did you not even see us? I laugh & say no where are ya'll. She laughs & says we are the only black people around. We are all cracking up & Mike says we don't see color.
You would think it had only been a few days since we had seen each other. It's the most relaxing wonderful time with our families together. What blessings they are to us. Some of our most wonderful prayer warriors. We always giggle when we are together. This was no exception. At least we didn't know if the stares were for the wheelchairs or the 2 families together. Well ok one time we know what the stare meant. Nicki (black girl) was pushing Abe (white baby) & this older gentleman working there was too funny. His expression was priceless. At least Nicki was acting ok at the time & not being one of her aliases.
George & Martha's home was really lovely. The land was incredible. Their graves were very nice. The slave memorial was very beautiful the way it was set in the trees.
Again hills. Had it not been for Marcus taking over for me & Nicki taking over for Cyndi I do not think we would have made it back up the mountain. We were a hot mess!!! LOL!!! Quisha & Marlee Anne sat patiently at the top waiting on us.
Oh I forgot to mention that we were all taking picture of this tree that no one wants to claim said it was an apple. As I got closer I saw it was actually an orange. The gardens were absolutely beautiful along with the huge majestic trees.
We were not able to see it all in a day and would love to go back sometime to the museum. We decided to all have dinner together at the country buffet. It was so good to have some real food while enjoying the fellowship together. More giggles as Nicki brought her aliases out. Quisha was sitting quietly & we figured out she was enjoying her food.
They decide to start on their 3.5 hour drive home & skip the monument. As we walk out once again the bottom falls out. As we are driving we all see trees blown down over the fence into the street. Thankful that we were protected from whatever blew through.
We get to the Washington monument & find a HC parking place right beside it. We have 4 extra tickets so Marlee Anne, Michala, Abe & I go look got someone we can give them to. We see a family of 4 looking at their map and ask if they had been to the top. They tell us no that they weren't able to get tickets. We asked it they would like them & the mom starts crying. The dad tears up and said are you serious. We explain to them that our friends were not able to come with us. They were all so excited & could not thank us enough.
When it's our turn we go through security check & up the elevator. We go up 500 feet. When we step off the elevator & look out the window - WOW! That has to be one of the most amazing experiences in my life.
Out one window we watched as a plane landed. Has anyone flown into Ronald Reagan airport? I think it would be really cool! Out one window we saw Maryland & Virginia. We saw The White House, the Capital, pentagon & all the memorials. Oh and the mall with all the museums. On the way down in the elevator we get to see some of the walls as the windows open on the elevator. Very neat experience! So thankful that worked out.
Abe's seizures finally stopped after 2 doses of Ativan. It's still raining & storming. We have just 2 more hours to go & we will be home. Thanks for letting me share our trip with ya'll! Now my journaling is done for the scrapbook.
Love & respect to all!!!
Part 4
Well we love Virginia but after sitting in traffic for 2 hours on 95 we are now thankfully on 85 about 8 hours from home.
After leaving the Capital we went back to Union Station for supper at America. It was really a neat place. Each state's shape was somewhere on the wall of the restaurant & taught me that I have several state shapes I cannot identify. A great project for Marlee Anne & I.
Those of you that know us know that we make the most of any trip we take, trying to pack in the most possible. We decided to go to the Vietnam memorial. I knew it was going to take lots of deep breaths and prayers to get me through this one. As we walked up to the statue nearby to take a picture I was once again flooded with the disrepect. Three young boys maybe high school or older came running up screaming. They stopped in front of me as I was about to snap a picture of the statue & said oh look there's some homies. A very nice lady came up and said just what I was feeling. She said it's very sad. There are nice signs placed about reminding us to be respectful & silent. Perhaps these boys couldn't read.
As we began our walk I heard my sweet child's voice say WOW look at how big that wall is. Then again saying look at all those names. Even as I type this now the tears flow. With every step I took my thankful heart grew. With every family member that touched the wall, was getting an etching of their loved one's name or a picture near their name I was grateful & prayerful.
Our first several steps afterwards no one said a word. Later as we continued towards the World War II memorial we discussed the sacrifice those had made for our freedom and how often we take that freedom for granted.
The World War II memorial was so large & really very beautiful. The gold stars reflecting in water along with the wreaths that were there were such a great remembrance. It was dark for our walk back down to the Lincoln memorial where we were parked. I enjoyed the quite peaceful walk just to reflect on my day, absorb & process it all. The kids loved all the lightening bugs we saw that we don't get to see at home.
It was such a quick drive back to National Harbor. Really beautiful to see the city lit up. It was back to the room to do laundry because of Michala's daily flooding of her wheelchair even through the double diapers. The joys of life & the reminders that God is always good!
I think we all welcomed rest time while Mike was working. We took our time & got ready for our big day at The White. We were told to park at Willard Hotel. Once parked it was a short walk before our adventure into The White House began. This is not something I ever thought I would have the privilege to do.
We got confirmation & instructions for our trip just a week before. First no strollers so we had to measure the double wheelchair. It wouldn't fit on the elevator at the White House so the secret service approved Abe's stroller. Because Mary Elizabeth was 18 she had to have an ID. Birth certificate would be ok. Oh no wait it had to be a picture ID. Thanks so some wonderful friends that was taken care of and hand delivered to our home the day before we left.
Standing on the grounds of The White House you knew great things had been done there. Great people had graced those halls. Whether you liked or agreed with the present or any of the past presidents should not be a focus at this time. To me I was incredibly honored to be allowed to walk those same halls. Sadly others made it obvious they were not as honored.
We were encouraged to ask the secret service any question we wanted. In the blue room Marlee Anne asked who was the first president to bring a Christmas tree into The White House. She first asked the secret service in the red room. She said she didn't know but she did know where they put it. She said they take the chandelier down in the blue room & it goes in the center. She said the secret service in that room could probably tell her. He couldn't answer but said if we would wait he would look it up. He pulled his phone out & began looking. We have been studying about the presidents in school but I wasn't sure exactly how much Marlee Anne remembered. The secret service said Andrew Jackson had a small sugar tree made but the first real tree was brought in by Benjamin Jackson. My sweet girl said thank you and walked on. Later she told us it was actually Franklin Pierce but she didn't want to tell us in front of the secret service. She had read that when studying about the presidents.
Quick stop at Chick-fil-a because we haven't seen one in 7 days. More soon.
After leaving the Capital we went back to Union Station for supper at America. It was really a neat place. Each state's shape was somewhere on the wall of the restaurant & taught me that I have several state shapes I cannot identify. A great project for Marlee Anne & I.
Those of you that know us know that we make the most of any trip we take, trying to pack in the most possible. We decided to go to the Vietnam memorial. I knew it was going to take lots of deep breaths and prayers to get me through this one. As we walked up to the statue nearby to take a picture I was once again flooded with the disrepect. Three young boys maybe high school or older came running up screaming. They stopped in front of me as I was about to snap a picture of the statue & said oh look there's some homies. A very nice lady came up and said just what I was feeling. She said it's very sad. There are nice signs placed about reminding us to be respectful & silent. Perhaps these boys couldn't read.
As we began our walk I heard my sweet child's voice say WOW look at how big that wall is. Then again saying look at all those names. Even as I type this now the tears flow. With every step I took my thankful heart grew. With every family member that touched the wall, was getting an etching of their loved one's name or a picture near their name I was grateful & prayerful.
Our first several steps afterwards no one said a word. Later as we continued towards the World War II memorial we discussed the sacrifice those had made for our freedom and how often we take that freedom for granted.
The World War II memorial was so large & really very beautiful. The gold stars reflecting in water along with the wreaths that were there were such a great remembrance. It was dark for our walk back down to the Lincoln memorial where we were parked. I enjoyed the quite peaceful walk just to reflect on my day, absorb & process it all. The kids loved all the lightening bugs we saw that we don't get to see at home.
It was such a quick drive back to National Harbor. Really beautiful to see the city lit up. It was back to the room to do laundry because of Michala's daily flooding of her wheelchair even through the double diapers. The joys of life & the reminders that God is always good!
I think we all welcomed rest time while Mike was working. We took our time & got ready for our big day at The White. We were told to park at Willard Hotel. Once parked it was a short walk before our adventure into The White House began. This is not something I ever thought I would have the privilege to do.
We got confirmation & instructions for our trip just a week before. First no strollers so we had to measure the double wheelchair. It wouldn't fit on the elevator at the White House so the secret service approved Abe's stroller. Because Mary Elizabeth was 18 she had to have an ID. Birth certificate would be ok. Oh no wait it had to be a picture ID. Thanks so some wonderful friends that was taken care of and hand delivered to our home the day before we left.
Standing on the grounds of The White House you knew great things had been done there. Great people had graced those halls. Whether you liked or agreed with the present or any of the past presidents should not be a focus at this time. To me I was incredibly honored to be allowed to walk those same halls. Sadly others made it obvious they were not as honored.
We were encouraged to ask the secret service any question we wanted. In the blue room Marlee Anne asked who was the first president to bring a Christmas tree into The White House. She first asked the secret service in the red room. She said she didn't know but she did know where they put it. She said they take the chandelier down in the blue room & it goes in the center. She said the secret service in that room could probably tell her. He couldn't answer but said if we would wait he would look it up. He pulled his phone out & began looking. We have been studying about the presidents in school but I wasn't sure exactly how much Marlee Anne remembered. The secret service said Andrew Jackson had a small sugar tree made but the first real tree was brought in by Benjamin Jackson. My sweet girl said thank you and walked on. Later she told us it was actually Franklin Pierce but she didn't want to tell us in front of the secret service. She had read that when studying about the presidents.
Quick stop at Chick-fil-a because we haven't seen one in 7 days. More soon.
DC part 3
Well we love Virginia but after sitting in traffic for 2 hours on 95 we are now thankfully on 85 about 8 hours from home.
After leaving the Capital we went back to Union Station for supper at America. It was really a neat place. Each state's shape was somewhere on the wall of the restaurant & taught me that I have several state shapes I cannot identify. A great project for Marlee Anne & I.
Those of you that know us know that we make the most of any trip we take, trying to pack in the most possible. We decided to go to the Vietnam memorial. I knew it was going to take lots of deep breaths and prayers to get me through this one. As we walked up to the statue nearby to take a picture I was once again flooded with the disrepect. Three young boys maybe high school or older came running up screaming. They stopped in front of me as I was about to snap a picture of the statue & said oh look there's some homies. A very nice lady came up and said just what I was feeling. She said it's very sad. There are nice signs placed about reminding us to be respectful & silent. Perhaps these boys couldn't read.
As we began our walk I heard my sweet child's voice say WOW look at how big that wall is. Then again saying look at all those names. Even as I type this now the tears flow. With every step I took my thankful heart grew. With every family member that touched the wall, was getting an etching of their loved one's name or a picture near their name I was grateful & prayerful.
Our first several steps afterwards no one said a word. Later as we continued towards the World War II memorial we discussed the sacrifice those had made for our freedom and how often we take that freedom for granted.
The World War II memorial was so large & really very beautiful. The gold stars reflecting in water along with the wreaths that were there were such a great remembrance. It was dark for our walk back down to the Lincoln memorial where we were parked. I enjoyed the quite peaceful walk just to reflect on my day, absorb & process it all. The kids loved all the lightening bugs we saw that we don't get to see at home.
It was such a quick drive back to National Harbor. Really beautiful to see the city lit up. It was back to the room to do laundry because of Michala's daily flooding of her wheelchair even through the double diapers. The joys of life & the reminders that God is always good!
I think we all welcomed rest time while Mike was working. We took our time & got ready for our big day at The White. We were told to park at Willard Hotel. Once parked it was a short walk before our adventure into The White House began. This is not something I ever thought I would have the privilege to do.
We got confirmation & instructions for our trip just a week before. First no strollers so we had to measure the double wheelchair. It wouldn't fit on the elevator at the White House so the secret service approved Abe's stroller. Because Mary Elizabeth was 18 she had to have an ID. Birth certificate would be ok. Oh no wait it had to be a picture ID. Thanks so some wonderful friends that was taken care of and hand delivered to our home the day before we left.
Standing on the grounds of The White House you knew great things had been done there. Great people had graced those halls. Whether you liked or agreed with the present or any of the past presidents should not be a focus at this time. To me I was incredibly honored to be allowed to walk those same halls. Sadly others made it obvious they were not as honored.
We were encouraged to ask the secret service any question we wanted. In the blue room Marlee Anne asked who was the first president to bring a Christmas tree into The White House. She first asked the secret service in the red room. She said she didn't know but she did know where they put it. She said they take the chandelier down in the blue room & it goes in the center. She said the secret service in that room could probably tell her. He couldn't answer but said if we would wait he would look it up. He pulled his phone out & began looking. We have been studying about the presidents in school but I wasn't sure exactly how much Marlee Anne remembered. The secret service said Andrew Jackson had a small sugar tree made but the first real tree was brought in by Benjamin Jackson. My sweet girl said thank you and walked on. Later she told us it was actually Franklin Pierce but she didn't want to tell us in front of the secret service. She had read that when studying about the presidents.
Quick stop at Chick-fil-a because we haven't seen one in 7 days. More soon.
After leaving the Capital we went back to Union Station for supper at America. It was really a neat place. Each state's shape was somewhere on the wall of the restaurant & taught me that I have several state shapes I cannot identify. A great project for Marlee Anne & I.
Those of you that know us know that we make the most of any trip we take, trying to pack in the most possible. We decided to go to the Vietnam memorial. I knew it was going to take lots of deep breaths and prayers to get me through this one. As we walked up to the statue nearby to take a picture I was once again flooded with the disrepect. Three young boys maybe high school or older came running up screaming. They stopped in front of me as I was about to snap a picture of the statue & said oh look there's some homies. A very nice lady came up and said just what I was feeling. She said it's very sad. There are nice signs placed about reminding us to be respectful & silent. Perhaps these boys couldn't read.
As we began our walk I heard my sweet child's voice say WOW look at how big that wall is. Then again saying look at all those names. Even as I type this now the tears flow. With every step I took my thankful heart grew. With every family member that touched the wall, was getting an etching of their loved one's name or a picture near their name I was grateful & prayerful.
Our first several steps afterwards no one said a word. Later as we continued towards the World War II memorial we discussed the sacrifice those had made for our freedom and how often we take that freedom for granted.
The World War II memorial was so large & really very beautiful. The gold stars reflecting in water along with the wreaths that were there were such a great remembrance. It was dark for our walk back down to the Lincoln memorial where we were parked. I enjoyed the quite peaceful walk just to reflect on my day, absorb & process it all. The kids loved all the lightening bugs we saw that we don't get to see at home.
It was such a quick drive back to National Harbor. Really beautiful to see the city lit up. It was back to the room to do laundry because of Michala's daily flooding of her wheelchair even through the double diapers. The joys of life & the reminders that God is always good!
I think we all welcomed rest time while Mike was working. We took our time & got ready for our big day at The White. We were told to park at Willard Hotel. Once parked it was a short walk before our adventure into The White House began. This is not something I ever thought I would have the privilege to do.
We got confirmation & instructions for our trip just a week before. First no strollers so we had to measure the double wheelchair. It wouldn't fit on the elevator at the White House so the secret service approved Abe's stroller. Because Mary Elizabeth was 18 she had to have an ID. Birth certificate would be ok. Oh no wait it had to be a picture ID. Thanks so some wonderful friends that was taken care of and hand delivered to our home the day before we left.
Standing on the grounds of The White House you knew great things had been done there. Great people had graced those halls. Whether you liked or agreed with the present or any of the past presidents should not be a focus at this time. To me I was incredibly honored to be allowed to walk those same halls. Sadly others made it obvious they were not as honored.
We were encouraged to ask the secret service any question we wanted. In the blue room Marlee Anne asked who was the first president to bring a Christmas tree into The White House. She first asked the secret service in the red room. She said she didn't know but she did know where they put it. She said they take the chandelier down in the blue room & it goes in the center. She said the secret service in that room could probably tell her. He couldn't answer but said if we would wait he would look it up. He pulled his phone out & began looking. We have been studying about the presidents in school but I wasn't sure exactly how much Marlee Anne remembered. The secret service said Andrew Jackson had a small sugar tree made but the first real tree was brought in by Benjamin Jackson. My sweet girl said thank you and walked on. Later she told us it was actually Franklin Pierce but she didn't want to tell us in front of the secret service. She had read that when studying about the presidents.
Quick stop at Chick-fil-a because we haven't seen one in 7 days. More soon.
Part 2
After a much needed pitstop we are back on the road.
I will say that we were pleased with the accessibility in National Harbor & DC. Parking was at a minimum in DC but that was for all parking. Our friend Pam had warned us ahead of time about the difficulties of parking. Thankfully that all worked out. Tons of walking but worth every step & again very accessible. Not all the places had automatic doors or HDA buttons which was surprising.
So after my overwhelming experience at the Lincoln memorial we walked down to the new Korean memorial. I think with each step my heart grew heavier for those who lost loved ones & thankfulness to those that fought for our freedom. My words will never be able to express the magnitude of emotions I felt on this trip.
More Disney friends were waiting on us at our hotel so we headed back. We had supper with them at Ketchup. It's a neat restaurant owned by Ashton Kutcher. I think everyone should try it once. We really enjoyed the French fry trio with the 5 different types of ketchup which included root beer, habinero & chipotle. Marlee Anne loved the asparagus.
The next day Mike was up bright & early for his conference. He left in plenty of time since he wasn't sure how long his commute would be. Good thing! Later that afternoon he came back & got us for our Capital tour. We parked at Union Station & walked over.
Those of you that don't know I am not big on history. Wasn't my favorite subject. I remember going to the Capital in Atlanta for school. I grew up in local politics but never loved it. Walking into the Capital was totally different for me than I expected. I was thinking all along that it would be neat & it is a beautiful & well kept building. However when I got inside it was more like an if these walls could talk experience. I felt the magnitude of the laws that were discussed & voted on there. I felt the presence of the great people that stood there, walk those halls & helped shape our nation. Very odd for me indeed. We had the most wonderful guide named Dave. Do ya'll know who Crawford Long's famous cousin was? Think on it & I will tell you soon. There is a statue of a great person from each state in one of the rooms in the Capital. Dr. Crawford Long's statue represents Georgia. Crawford Long hospital is where the surgeon that did Michala's amputation & helped save her life was from.
After our tour we got tickets for both the senate & the house. In the senate there was a congressman discussing the need for medicaid. I hope he saw our 3 on wheelchairs & realized that his speech was needed & not in vain. Michala brought enough attention to herself by clapping so she had to leave.
As we were leaving we took pictures of the beautiful Helen Keller statue. Her statue is the first statue of a child & a disabled person in the Capital. Very moving! Yes you know I was moved to tears.
Break for now because my phone is going dead. If you have made it this far I hope you are enjoying our trip so far.
I will say that we were pleased with the accessibility in National Harbor & DC. Parking was at a minimum in DC but that was for all parking. Our friend Pam had warned us ahead of time about the difficulties of parking. Thankfully that all worked out. Tons of walking but worth every step & again very accessible. Not all the places had automatic doors or HDA buttons which was surprising.
So after my overwhelming experience at the Lincoln memorial we walked down to the new Korean memorial. I think with each step my heart grew heavier for those who lost loved ones & thankfulness to those that fought for our freedom. My words will never be able to express the magnitude of emotions I felt on this trip.
More Disney friends were waiting on us at our hotel so we headed back. We had supper with them at Ketchup. It's a neat restaurant owned by Ashton Kutcher. I think everyone should try it once. We really enjoyed the French fry trio with the 5 different types of ketchup which included root beer, habinero & chipotle. Marlee Anne loved the asparagus.
The next day Mike was up bright & early for his conference. He left in plenty of time since he wasn't sure how long his commute would be. Good thing! Later that afternoon he came back & got us for our Capital tour. We parked at Union Station & walked over.
Those of you that don't know I am not big on history. Wasn't my favorite subject. I remember going to the Capital in Atlanta for school. I grew up in local politics but never loved it. Walking into the Capital was totally different for me than I expected. I was thinking all along that it would be neat & it is a beautiful & well kept building. However when I got inside it was more like an if these walls could talk experience. I felt the magnitude of the laws that were discussed & voted on there. I felt the presence of the great people that stood there, walk those halls & helped shape our nation. Very odd for me indeed. We had the most wonderful guide named Dave. Do ya'll know who Crawford Long's famous cousin was? Think on it & I will tell you soon. There is a statue of a great person from each state in one of the rooms in the Capital. Dr. Crawford Long's statue represents Georgia. Crawford Long hospital is where the surgeon that did Michala's amputation & helped save her life was from.
After our tour we got tickets for both the senate & the house. In the senate there was a congressman discussing the need for medicaid. I hope he saw our 3 on wheelchairs & realized that his speech was needed & not in vain. Michala brought enough attention to herself by clapping so she had to leave.
As we were leaving we took pictures of the beautiful Helen Keller statue. Her statue is the first statue of a child & a disabled person in the Capital. Very moving! Yes you know I was moved to tears.
Break for now because my phone is going dead. If you have made it this far I hope you are enjoying our trip so far.
Washington DC
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> Some of you may not be interested in our trip to our Nation's Capital. For those of you that are here it is. I didn't proof it so please overlook any mistakes or wrong facts.
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> While we are still stuck in traffic on I-95 in Virginia, heading home from Washington DC, I thought I would send a trip report. I wish ya'll could feel what I felt (good & bad) and see what I saw this week. If you are reading this on Saturday please pray for safe travels & peaceful trip for all.
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> Mike had a conference in DC and asked did we want to go. Worse case was we would have different walls to look at than we do at home so yes we would like to go. Mike wrote to our congressman about us getting tickets for The Capital & The White House. We were very excited about that. We were told to expect it to be extremely hot & humid. The week before we were there it was 105. Well I may leave some of it out but just know this trip was meant to be. God went before us as He always does & makes it perfect.
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> We got there Saturday, checked in, and went to explore. We stayed in National Harbor which is a fairly new area about 5 miles from where Mike's conference was in DC. However he would quickly see those 5 miles took 45 minutes. So we loved the place where we stayed & the National Harbor area. We had supper at Cadillac Ranch (don't recommend it!). Next we headed straight for the Peeps store. WOW doesn't cover it. Afterwards I said ok we can go home now. Little did I know what lied ahead of us & so glad we didn't leave.
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> We met up with some Disney friends. Their two girls & Marlee Anne played on The Awakening which is a sculpture of a giant struggling to free himself from the sand. You see a big head, hand, arm, knee & foot all sticking out of the sand. Very neat! That's also at National Harbor.
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> Sunday was our day to explore Washington, DC before Mike's conference got going. We found the perfect parking place at one end of the mall in front of The Capital. Marlee Anne chose the Air & Space museum first. So much to explore. I loved the Wright brothers exhibit. Next was the Natural History museum which was very interesting. One thing we quickly noticed was the lack of care that was taken care of the museums. I am sure with admission being free it is hard to find funds for it to be taken care of. This is also when I first notice the lack of respect by a large part of the population. Respect for property and for others.
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> It began to storm so we stayed to let the storm pass. We were all anxious to see the Lincoln memorial but we weren't sure about parking. Right in front was a parking spot with out names on it. As we walked towards the memorial I wasn't expecting to be filled with quite so much emotion. When we exited the elevator & saw the massive statue of honest Abe carved out of that Georgia marble my heart was filled with thanks. I had to stop and think what if God had not given us this great men to lay the foundation for our great nation. That's when the overwhelming part of my trip began.
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> I will stop here so ya'll can take a break & I won't lose this email since I am typing on my phone.
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