DC Travel & Adventure Expo-UPDATED

National Geographic was one of the major sponsors of the DC Adventure Expo that took place this weekend at the DC Convention Center, so Brad got a ton of free passes. Of course, the second Carson gets wind of it, it becomes the day to look forward to. The morning arrived, we piled all the kids in the Carraway's suburban and off we went.

Along with all the travel agency booths (the Smith's will be happy to hear we found some sweet deals from QANTAS on flights to Oz! - with free lay-over stays in Fiji!), they had a rock climbing wall, three story zip-line, and 4ft/1.2m deep pool for free scuba lessons. Kim was bummed that her pregger-status wouldn't let her enjoy the various activities, nevertheless, she took a ton of pix of Brad and the kids having a ball. All were amazed that little Hannah (5yrs) could rock climb with the best of them, and they even let her be the smallest person they've ever let on the zipline!

(sorry for the crummy photo quality from the antiquated RAZRs of ours!)

Crash/Boom/Bang

Kim was parked at a red light at an intersection heading to the Metro when a she heard a bang and her car jolted forward. Lucky for us, the person who wrecked into the back of her is the CEO of a major construction company, so we're hoping their insurance will take care of us! You can see the truck/boot buckled together and the lights dashed to bits:

SNOW FIGHT!!!

Finally, with spring around the corner, we woke up this Sunday to find ice rain falling like crazy! We all packed up to go to Church, and the phone rang, "Church has been canceled." Then, the ice rain turned to huge snow flakes, and by noon, there was about 5in/12.7cm of snow (too bad it didn't happen Monday so work would get canceled!). We quickly started building snow ball forts and went at it:

"Not a 'goodbye', but rather a 'see you later'"

As many of you know, for the last 5 months we have been living with the Carraway family in Mclean, Virginia. David (the father) has been battling brain cancer for the last 2.5 years, and early Saturday morning, February 17, he passed away.

Our lives will never be the same because of the example he was to us. He taught us to face each obstacle, to never take the easy road, to live each and every day without fear, to love life, and keep a sense of humour through it all.

Thanks for everything, David!

Carson's Birthday Bash

Carson turned 12 years old today. After a birthday meal of pizza, Domino's pizza of course, we adjourned upstairs to David's room for a delicious ice-cream cake. A short while later the bishop, stake president, home teachers, and friends came over to ordain Carson a deacon. It was a great experience seeing David's hand held in place while Carson received the ordination.

Carson enjoying the flames!


Hannah deciding whether or not to stick her toes in the cake.


Molly was, a, well, MOLLZINATING!!


Mary Lynne cutting the cake.


Granny (David's mom, Mary) watches over David.


Mary Lynne giving David a calming head rub.


Micheal Jackson...I mean, Brandon with surgical glove.


Pop (David's dad, Jim) stands guard.