Washington

The only picture I took is on my cell phone and I don't have the energy to upload it, but last week I spent in D.C. with the PAC for my specialty. The whole experience was kinda fun and depressing at the same time. I think Washington is more fun the more you like big government, so in that way it was kinda a drag in my case. On the upside, I did run into Al Franken pathetically drinking alone at a bar (he was probably waiting for someone, but I like to think he was drinking alone as the courts drag out the election).

While there I got to see my old college roomates, the libertarian lawyer who gets nauseated by the mere presence of government buildings and the newly sworn in State Department G-man.
Its always good to see them, and Phil felt validated that he isn't the only one to want a gun, a second dog, and drink fruit flavored malts.

Now the whole family is sick (except Sophia), so we are just lying around.

Warmer Days Ahead

Last weekend we had a warm day that made us hopeful for the arrival of spring. We took advantage of the weather to take our family to the Farmington Canal Trail near our apartment. It was nearing twilight when we went, which is how we got this great picture of bionic Alyssa, appearing to move at high speed. Not all the snow from our weekly snow storm had melted, so Alyssa and Sophia both had to check it out. This trail is great. We are looking forward to spending more time walking the trail this spring and summer.

Indoor Games

Alyssa has been working on perfecting her block tower. I think she's doing a pretty good job.

Here is the butterfly that I made with clay, and the squished piece that Alyssa made. Notice that the head and part of the wing are missing? Sophia was feeling a little left out and bit them off. Thank goodness the clay was made out of edible components. Of course, she still threw it up a few minutes later.

While I assumed that Alyssa would be really interested in the homemade clay, she preferred to play with the dog's food and water. I'm not quite sure why this is so fascinating, but she tries to do it at least once a day. Sophia is amazingly patient with this intrusion into her territory.

So what did I learn today? Sometimes the activities I plan do more to keep me entertained than Alyssa. But, I think it's good for both of us to try new things, so we will press on in our explorations. Next week, who knows? I haven't planned that far ahead yet.

Amerika, Ezra Benson, Churchill

Talking about Obama my dad was trying to remember an old 1980's miniseries where the US had been taken over by socialists. Not only did I remember the name "Amerika" I am putting up a link to a one minute clip that was pretty interesting.

Ok, I understand we didn't have a great administration last time, and, although I voted for the other guy, I was hopeful that Obama might be pragmatic. I was wrong.

We used to call this "godless evil," now it sounds like the state of the union adress:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA_dI2ia0QM&NR=1

More seriously, here is a segment from Ezra Taft Benson on government spending and socialism:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGAaOATLLrg&feature=related

"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill

Learn and Perform

Alyssa has learned how to climb up and reach the computer. She looks so serious typing and using the mouse like Mommy and Daddy.

Here she is standing in a box (she loves to climb in and out of them), trying to use the remote. She hasn't quite mastered it, but is a pro at using the buttons on the television.


Here she is resting after successfully climbing to the top of the ottoman in front of the computer.

Here she is working hard to climb up.

I'm a little behind a blogging because I had a concert last weekend. The company I dance with had our annual show. Dan and Alyssa both attended, although they didn't get to see all of it. Alyssa kept calling out "Mama", so Dan took her outside for part of the time. But even more interesting than my show is the show Alyssa puts on for us at home. She wants to grow up as fast as she can!