Field Trip and Projects

Yesterday Dad had to go into D.C. to help set things up for the Russian President at the Blair House. (He's been SUPER busy with visits these last couple of weeks.) I decided that I might as well take some time off from hanging around the house and do some sightseeing, so Skip dropped me off on Constitution Avenue and I walked to the mall from there. I took a few pictures along the way before my camera died.



At the mall I started at the American History Museum where I learned about Thomas Edison. It was really interesting to see some of his notebooks, the first light bulbs, and other inventions. At the Natural History Museum I saw a new exhibit on ocean life, and an exhibit on the Yu'pik people of Southwestern Alaska. Moving on to the Art Gallery, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Chester Dale collection - a huge collection of art from impressionists to more modern artists. One of my new favorites is this one by Picasso, called Le Gourmet:



I've also been taking advantage of time off "work" to finish a couple of projects. I knit this elephant from a pattern I found here. His name is Elijah. I think he's adorable. I'm going to try to knit a bunny next from the same designer.



I started making two table mats last summer. I made one like it for Grandma Condie for Christmas, and finally finished this one:



I've also been working on reviewing my bobbin lace skills, and finished this book mark:



My next project is lace mats to decorate a set of acrylic coasters:



These are just some of the fun things I've been up to.
Next week I get to go to YW camp. A week in a camp kitchen. I'm expecting lots of fun!

Loving Summer

It's the first full week of my "official" summer vacation from my part time job playing the piano for Forest Park High School choir, but I can't tell you what a HUGE difference it makes in my attitude, and my perception of time. Days seem so much longer, and I seem to get so much more accomplished. Hope is renewed that I can read more, relax more, learn more, and do more.

I'm still teaching piano lessons in the evening - two or three a day, and so far this week I've also had time to work on family history (a new habit/addiction), read a book, go to the temple, make bread, granola, and lasagna, compose, clean my closet, and put a big dent in my "in" basket (stuff that needs attention eventually).

I have always had huge expectations of what summer will be like, and sometimes I get a bit disappointed when projects, field trips, or road trips don't always pan out, but I've learned I need to just take things as they come and enjoy what happens, even if it's not exactly as I had envisioned.

Yes, I do have a list VERY similar to one Beth posted recently , but I think I'll just let my list evolve, and maybe post at the end of the summer so we can see how I actually did at getting a couple of the things done. I love all of my family, and I hope you'll keep on keeping me posted on your fun and accomplishments. You inspire me!

Now here's to summer 2010 - bring it on!

Natalie's Graduation

Yeah! She/we did it! ALL of the Baird children are high school graduates now. We're so proud of this milestone in Natalie's life. After an outdoor morning Commencement Ceremony, we celebrated in the afternoon with family and friends, and enough salads, chicken wings, and brownies for an army. We all love Natalie, and can't wait to see what wonderful things she does with her life now!