Man of Steel (Week 24: June 9-15)

Romney and I went to see the new Superman movie: Man of Steel. I was really excited to see it since I loved the Dark Knight movies and Christopher Nolan had his hands in all of them. Overall, I'd say it was a great movie. Just beware that there are a lot of shaky scenes, even when there's no action happening. But I liked the darker story (compared to the fun but light-hearted Christopher Reeve movies) and it was interesting to see so much of the origin story with his parents on Krypton, even though I know they took some creative license with it. Just be prepared for a LOT of CGI action. Go see it!

We didn't have anyone to take it, but we're both in our superman shirts! ;)

Makiki Valley Loop Trail (Week 23: June 2-8)

Memorial Day we hiked the Makiki Valley Loop Trail. This was our first time to this trail. We went 2.5 miles in 2.5 hours. It had very lush and green scenery, it was beautiful. My cousin Jaymie, Eli, and Bella came with us too. After we got shave ice from Shimazu's.

Library of Congress & Arlington Cemetery (Week 22: May 26 - June 1)

We haven't done too much since we've gotten back from D.C. so I am still posting about the trip. The last day we were in D.C. we met up with our friend Marissa who lives there. It was great to see her. We visited the Library of Congress, ate lunch at Eastern Market, and she drove us to Arlington Cemetery.

 

They wouldn't let us take pictures of the reading room but this is the building's main foyer.

Across the street from the Library of Congress was the Capitol building.

Arlington Cemetery was so huge and there were headstones as far a you could see in every direction. We spent a short time here so we just walked up to the JFK memorial. 

 The JFK memorial was under construction. The eternal flame was moved to this temporary location on the left side while they modify the current site to make it more energy efficient.

Do you recognize this quote? 

Natural History Museum and Monuments (Week 21: May 19-25)

We visited the Natural History Museum next and it had a lot of things to see. They had a section on gemstones, animals, butterflies, dinosaurs, and ocean life. After we went to the National Archives but they didn't let you take pictures inside. We did get to see the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Magna Carta.

Here is the infamous Hope Diamond. Its not a clear picture, but it is 45.52 carats and renowned for its flawless clarity and deep blue color.

After this we went on a trek to see the monuments. We didn't know it would take as long as it did; we were out until after midnight. There were other people out then too in tour groups! Because of the sequester, no tours were allowed to the White House so we didn't get to say hi to the Obamas. Prince Harry was in D.C. that day and there was extra security around the White House. 

We took this picture in front of the pool at 10:00 at night. The sky should be pitch black in this picture. Dainan adjusted some settings on the camera so you could see our faces and the background!

US Botanical Gardens and Portrait Gallery (Week 20: May 12-18)

The next day I went to the US Botanical Gardens while Dainan was at his conference. Our hotel was only a couple blocks from here. I really enjoyed it and it was beautiful!

In the evening we went to the National Portrait Gallery. There was so much to see here and many great people to remember from history. Each room had its own theme and this is one of the few places where there are portraits of every US president.

Washington D.C. (Week 19: May 5-11)

We went to Washington D.C. this week for a conference with the Association of Centers for the Study of Congress. Because our Congressional Papers archivist left a year and a half ago, I was asked to go as a substitute. So Romney came with me and enjoyed the Smithsonian Museums while I sat through the conference. Then, when I was done for the day, we'd meet up and go see something together.

The conference was held in the National Archives building. Here I am on the front steps. However, I had to go in around the back where researchers go in.

(Romney) The first day, while Dainan was at his conference I went to the National Gallery of Art and Sculpture Garden. There were so many spectacular paintings and works of art. Here are some of the many that I saw. Recognize any of these?

Mother's Day (Week 18: April 28-May 4)

In preparation for Mother's day I handmade these cards for both our mothers. Happy Mother's Day to all!