5th Anniversary Celebration

We were only a month late, but we finally were able to celebrate our 5th Anniversary. In some ways these 5 years seem to have flown by, but in others it seems like we have been together much longer than that. Thank you my lovely wonderful sister Kim for making it possible for us to have a fun filled day ALL to ourselves (even if you did teach Alex to swear) :) Just kidding!!!! We got to talk without being interrupted by screams and shrieks. We got to walk slowly and hold hands. We got to stop and read and learn things at the museums. We got to eat while our food was hot. I repeat . . . we got to eat while our food was hot. That was the highlight of the day. :) Here are some photos.

We had just finished going through the National Archives (this is where they have the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and various other historical documents, etc). It was so inspiring to see all of these items and read more about how the documents were found, etc. Definitely one of the coolest things I have seen in DC so far. You can't take pictures in there, in case you were wondering.  Here we are sitting on a bench near the Washington Monument having a Lemon Ice thingy. 

And you also can't take pictures in the Holocaust Museum, which is where we had just came from in this photo. I have always had a big place in my heart for learning about the Holocaust, so when Joseph and I decided we would each choose one place we wanted to go today, he was not surprised when I chose this place. He chose the archives. This was a very touching place to go. Overwhelming to say the least, but every time I read a holocaust book or see a memorial etc, I have this sense of love and compassion that is ignited in me and it makes me want to serve others more deeply. Anyway, here we are in front of the Washington Memorial. 

And on our way over to the restaurant, we made a quick stop to see the white house. If you look closely you can see two snipers on top of it. I thought that was so cool. 

Anyone know if they do tours of the White House? Or do you have to be special to do that sort of thing?

Our last and most delicious stop of the day was Fogo de Chao Churrascaria (A Brasilian Steakhouse). A couple of members took us to these when I served my mission in Brasil, but in the US they are either not very authentic or way too expensive for a normal date night. We always set aside a little extra for anniversaries, so we splurged and went. It was SO worth it. I was in my element and had the time of my life. Joseph dubbed it "the best meat he has ever tasted." I had so much fun talking to the Gauchos (Brazilian Cowboys) in Portuguese and eating some seriously authentically prepared meats, breads, sides, and of course Pudim! Pudim is basically Brasilian style flan, but I do not like flan. I LOVE pudim! Heaven on earth. Pictured above is one of the Gauchos. I think he is holding Cordeiro (lamb). Oh. Do you like my tye die skirt? :) I got this in Brasil when I was there. I just had to wear it tonight. :)

After this, we took our sweet time walking back to J's Courthouse where we parked and then headed to my sisters house to pick up the kiddos. It's amazing how distance really does make the heart grow fonder. I have had so much more love and patience for them in the last 24 hours. Dates are important. Go on one with your spouse! :)