Solar Decathlon

Ze German hous (yes, those are solar panels on the shades, programmed to constantly be following the sun)

This last weekend marked the end of the Solar Decathlon on the Mall, a university competition to create living quarters that run solely on solar power. Germany won. Here are a few pictures. You can check out more information at www.bpsolardecathlon.com. Some of our favorite things were a wood floor made out of bamboo (apparently it's cheap to grow, but costs approximately twice that of normal flooring), a table top made out of recycled plastic coat hangers, a bathroom door that was clear and embedded with twigs, etc. They're small, so they have to be very creative with space. I want a solar pod. or two. Sorry the pictures aren't better; there were lots of people blocking my sweet shots.

Air and Space Museum

To commemorate Columbus day, Amanda, Mike and I sojourned to Dulles Airport to look at various modes of transportation for our consideration. Something a little more snappy than the metro. NASA space ship? Nice, but a little bulky. Looks like it's made of legos. Would need a new garage. Not enough comfy chairs. No pink upholstery. So, we decided we all need some mode of transportation with more MACHs in it. I don't even have one yet. This stealth bomber travels at MACH 5, or 5x the speed of sound. And all black interior. Nice. A wee bit high on the gas mileage (it costs about $40,000 an hour in gas), but....the sleek sexy factor definitely outweighs that concern.

Sunday Night Escape

After sitting on our rumps, eating, sleeping, and watching during the entirety of Conference weekend, we felt a need for an evening stroll. We ended up wending our way to the Jefferson Memorial at dusk, and then over to the Capitol Building.

It was during this trip that Mike lovingly informed me that I dress in summer like a boy, although a 'cute, sexy boy,' which was shockingly not the consolation for which I was looking. It couldn't possibly have to do with the fact that I wear man tennis shoes that make my feet look like, well, man feet. Or my unisex billowing t-shirts. The next day we purchased me some sleek low-top white converse. The last time I had white shoes was in 6th grade when I wore all white Keds with scrunchie socks (which I still have, just in case they come back 'in'). According to cousin Christie, white converse are hip in a serious way, right next to toe-cleavage. Granted, the converse are still unisex shoes, but i'm working my way out of an all-man, or 'cute, sexy boy,' kind of look. Give me time.

We took this picture of the Capitol, and decided to label it, not Sleepless in Seattle, but Wide-Awake in Washington. We can't even contain our cleverness...

O Shenandoah

Here are a few pictures from our trip to Harper's Ferry last weekend. On the hilltop of the town sits an old Roman Catholic church, reached by climbing stairs carved out of the mountain. The members of the town wanted it to rival the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe and consequently built it in the Neo-Gothic style, but more intimate and quiet. The picture does not do the church justice. It charmed me.

We spent the rest of the day lazing on the quiet, gurgling river, eating ice cream, wading through the crystal water (which clarity prevented me from fearing the wrath of sea creatures), etc.

Love, Love. Love.

The week before we came out to D.C. we spent a weekend with the Bunnell family in Las Vegas. It was so nice to spend time together and to celebrate Roy's birthday. We went to the Beatles Love show at the Mirage, which was fantastic. I was a pathetic novice at Beatles trivia in comparison to the rest who were sophisticated, nuanced connoisseurs...

Gettysburg

On Saturday Mike and I traveled with the BYU group to Gettysburg. We spent much of the day touring the battlefields in the lovely fall weather, and then later traveled to Harper's Ferry where we mostly lounged on the river and ate ice cream.

A day with the Purdys at the National Cathedral

Last Saturday Mike and I spent a lovely day with Jesse and Dannii Purdy touring the National Cathedral, feasting on a delightful brunch prepared by chef extraordinare Dannii, and checking out various other sites around D.C. Danni and Jesse planned the whole day and Jesse magically conducted us from point A to point B through the mayhem of D.C. Here are a few pics...

Here are some more photos from the wedding...