Marbles Museum for Kids and, Pullen Park NC

The day after we got to VA, we drove 3 hours into Raleigh, NC to suprise the kids. It was awesome! Couldn't have been better timing, we came around the corner of the museum just as they were walking up to the door. It took them a second to process, then came running towards us. Man I have missed them. The museum was great. It was fun as well as educational. From face painting to giant legos, water, a pirate ship, watering a garden to swimming in peas and carrots. Then we went to a park nearby that had a train and boats to ride and a carousel. It was a really big park with a lot of vegitation including magnolia trees. Wow. Beautiful. It was great to spend time with everyone again.

Oklahoma City

Coming into OK city we went to the memorial. It was simple yet impacting. There were momentos tied all up and down the fences along the side walk. As you walk through the doorway you see the reflecting pool and the other doorway. Posted on the top is the time stamp of 9:01 and 9:03 on the opposite wall representing the bombing of the building at 9:02. The chairs in rows represent the people who were killed on each floor including the daycare kids and five people who were killed outside the building.

That night we got tickets to Lion King and then a backstage tour with Carson who was working the show. We got student rush tickets and were seated in the second row. It was great to see it a second time and be so close to watch their faces and get a closer look at the costumes. It's an awesome show!

Graceland in Memphis, TN!

We had a lovely time learning all about Elvis. He seemed like a pretty cool guy to be around. I took a ton of pictures, but only picked a few to put up. His house it beautiful. He bought it originally in the 50's for $100,000. The mansion and 13 acres of land!!! Crazy. Went through the mansion, car museum, private Elvis(soldier), his two planes and other stuff. There was a lot to do. We spent about 3 or so hours there. Loved it. The man truely accomplished a lot of things in his life. Random facts for the day... he had a John Deere tractor that he loved. He was known to ride it around town or just down the driveway to get the mail. Also, my old roomie Amber Lopez was born on his birthday, and I was born on his death date. Crazy!

AZ to VA

It was fun to watch the scenery change as we got closer to the east coast. It went from desert mountains, to flat brown, then short and green to tall, close to the highway and green. It's beautiful here. Covered about 2,500 and 35+ hours in driving crossing through AZ, NM, TX, OK, AK, TN then into VA. Whew!

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Latest show I worked. Did this last week at the Orpheum and have two days left at the MAC. Also saw it on broadway with Jonathan Pryce and Norbert Leo Butz about 3 years ago with Mom. Fun times and funny show.

I finally found housing!!!

Yep. I was getting pretty nervous for a while. I had checked so many websites and checked craigs list almost everyday to try to find somewhere to live in VA. I talked to the ysa branch pres and his counselor, a rs pres and a bishop. Had another friend talk to fam out there, and still hadn't really heard anything. I sent out a ton of e mails trying to see if anyone would offer a 6 month lease. Most only had June-Aug, or the full school year for the college out there. So through a school website I finally found someone. She is a 45yo RN with a background in theatre. Yeah, how random is that. She used to travel for theatre jobs and knows costuming. I figured it couldn't be more perfect. She also had a cat, so I'll feel a little more at home with an animal in the house. She seems really cool and easy going. So I'm headed out to VA on the 18th. Broke up the 35 hour drive into a few days. It's going to be a looong few days, but will be worth it in the end. Yeah for new adventures!!! And you all better miss me. :)