Mrs. Bell (alias--Grammy) Goes to Washington!

This is what I got to wake up to EVERY day. . .

Good morning, Miss Caroline!

And hello to you, Mr. Harmon!

I got to Matt and Raquels' house on Friday night and Saturday am we ventured out to see Mount Vernon.  Caroline LOVED the flowers in the estate gardens . . .and also taking her barrette out on a regular basis.

Matt, Caroline and Gammy

 A view from George and Martha's back porch. . .the majestic Potomac. I could get used to that!

On Daddy's shoulders, waiting in line to go through the main house.  Can you see how red Carolines' cheeks are and how wet her hair is?  It would be a gross understatement to mention that it was HOT!

Caroline and Grammy in front of George Washington's house

Riding her bike at Mt. Vernon.    This bike is so cool, the adult can help push it along and steer it.  We had a fun time with this.  All in all a very nice day, too bad it was very hot and muggy.  Raquel stayed inside most of the time with Harmon so he wouldn't get too hot!

Bye-Bye!

 Home again, home again for lunch. . .lovely grapes

Sunday we went to Delaware to visit my brother and sister in law, Neil and Anese Harmon. What a treat we had in store!  We loved seeing the children and hearing about their lives.  Also, Anese is one of the best cooks I know, and she had prepared a feast for us all. YUMMY!

 Here are a few pictures. . .

Eliza with her kitchen that Neil made for her

TOYS!

Eliza and Harmon

Caroline and Eliza giving us a 'fashion show'.  Eliza was a great big sister and just took Caroline under her wing.  Caroline was in heaven!

Orson with Harmon

Gordon holding Harmon, Hyrum wanted to let Harmon hold a toy, so he found Winnie the Pooh!

As we left Delaware, we got to stop by the church where Neil is employed as the Music coordinator.  He played the organ for us, and of course, Miss C. had to have a turn.  She loved all of the buttons!  Heaven for an almost two year old.

An original Tiffany stained glass window. . .stunning!  Thanks Neil and Anese!  We love you!

Cute little Harmy sleeping. . Raquel is hoping he sleeps like this more at night!

 Miss C. in the morning watching a show. . .probably Sesame Street or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!

And yes, those songs are all stuck in my head.

Matt arranged for me to have a Capitol "Dome" tour with Senator Mike Lee and six other people.  What an amazing thing to do.  If you ever get a chance, you must do it.  Be prepared to hike a few stairs!

Here are some pictures of what we saw on the way up. . .

About half way up, the ceiling through a little alcove.

 This painting was around the whole dome, painted to look like marble statues.

The ceiling of the dome, painted by Constantino Brumidi.  It was incredible to see it up so closely.

George Washington in the middle

Representative of the thirteen colonies

Lady Liberty

Hot and sweaty, but made it to the top. . .

Matt, me and Senator Lee

See the girl across the way behind us? It was incredible to walk all the way around.

We then went up more steep steps to the very top which is above this painted ceiling, went out the door, where it was raining, and saw this magnificent view!  

Each state has a statue. . .me and Brigham!

Looking up at the ceiling from the floor of the capitol

Matt, doing what he does!  I am a proud mama and grandma!

Spent the rest of the week loving these babies and helping Raquel pack a little.  

 I wouldn't have seen Harmon until he was over 5 months old, so I am glad I was able to go and bond with him.  What a blessing!

Caroline found this Happy Birthday hat while we were packing. . .

Favorite food--CHEESE!

 Harmon went to his three week check up while I was there and found that he had gained almost 2 pounds in three weeks!  Growing fast already.  Such a sweet, peaceful little guy!

Concentrating. . . hmmmmm!  This picture reminds me of a picture of me when I was little!

Now, that's a Happy Grandma who got to spend a week in Grammy heaven!!

Thanks, Matt and Raquel