Memorial Day

This weekend will be full of people traveling and grilling and spending time with friends and family. And thank goodness because it's summer! I know friends and family that have much anticipated time off coming up and I am so excited for them.

Jared and I just got back from a whirlwind trip up to Washington D.C. He had work stuff up there and so we made a quick trip out of it. We woke up at 3:00 AM to get on a 5:15 AM flight. We were in DC by 9:00 and we ate breakfast at this awesome place called Wicked Waffle. It was SOOO good! And a great way to start out a touring day.

We started by geocaching along the mall. Most caches there are virtuals (can you imagine the potential bomb threats in DC with physical caches?) but it's fun to go to each monument and learn something new. Jared actually showed me a monument I hadn't been to (what???) for the signers of the Declaration of Independence. We also found the point where they measure all the highway miles on the South Side of the White House.

Mile 0!

I love touring DC. I find that each time I go I find a deeper and more mature appreciation for all the Americans that have gone before us to protect our freedom.

My great uncle, who is on the Vietnam Memorial

Hello Mr. Lincoln

Which is why I was a little disheartened by the second half of our touring. 

We went to the Smithsonian Museum of American History. This is one of my FAVORITE places. We got to go look at the gunboat Philadelphia. It was a small boat that helped delay the British from sailing down the Hudson River and split New York from the other colonies. Had this not happened, we wouldn't have had time to raise and train our army to fight in the Revolution. They found it at the bottom of the river 160 years later and brought it to the museum, cannonballs and artifacts and all. It was so incredible to see what these people did back then. And what drove them? This idea that the government did not have the authority to take all their money and dictate their lives.

What was disheartening was the amount of high school students there on field trips that seemed completely disinterested or were talking through the museum spouting incorrect information. It wasn't just the high school students either. While sitting and meditating about the War of 1812 in front of the flag that flew during that battle (one of the most awe inspiring displays ever) there was a mom who came in with her two year old and told him "Look, it's the very first American flag!" 

*Face palm*

I do admire her bringing her toddler to see American History. But I don't know what does more damage...not bringing your kid or teaching them incorrect information. Never mind that she had just walked through the first part of the exhibit explaining the story behind the flag. But apparently she didn't think it was important enough to get her facts straight before teaching her son something. 

I get it. He's two. There's plenty of time to get the record straight. But this instance, combined with several other examples just in the few hours we were touring, just highlighted to me the lack of interest people have for getting their facts straight. It's why political pundits can just spew lies about stats and history and get away with it. Because no one knows if they are telling the truth because they don't know their facts. Apathy is a killer. And it's people's apathy that is going to trap them from their potential as not just Americans, but as humans. 

Americans have built our nation on the ability to identify a problem and create a solution. Then they refine the solutions until it is the best it can be. But I have seen a trend in history where we balked at our ownership of innovation and told the government to take care of it. That's not the government's job and that's why it fails at many of the things it tries to do (Obamacare website perhaps as one of many examples?). 

While standing in the Lincoln Memorial, I always take time to stand and read the Gettysburg Address engraved on the side of the building. Something stood out to me this time. While standing at this site where so many Americans died, he said there's nothing we, the living, can do to add or subtract from this consecrated ground. Whether or not we dedicate this space makes no difference because the blood spilt makes it a sacred place. Rather, it is us, the ones alive, who should dedicate ourselves to finish the work they started. 

So this Memorial Day, I want to take the time to rededicate myself to the work that so many Americans have started. I'm killing apathy instead of letting it kill me. I want to help make sure that the ideas the Founding Fathers used to create this nation stand. We are nation with a government by the people and for the people. Not a government where some people can bully other people into submission. Not a government where we take more of your money to reward those who break the law or don't work. Not a government where we shame you for being "politically incorrect." Rather, we can, and should be, a government that gets out of your life and allows you to build things that benefits  people. Because American history has shown that when Americans succeed, the whole world benefits.

I'm taking time to do that today. I hope you do too. And God bless America so that we may become who we originally set out to be. 

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

Abraham Lincoln

November 19, 1863

Disneyland Trip Report!

Today is going to be a long post, but I hope it's worth it because we are talking DISNEY today!

Mom and I went out west to hang out at Disneyland over Mother's Day. We participated in the Tinkerbell Half Marathon as well as checked out all the new stuff they had for Star Wars and the 60th anniversary.

First off, we used The Mouse for Less Travel Agency to help us book this trip. Since we are normally Disney WORLD goers, it was so helpful to have someone give us an idea on what to expect for Disneyland. Jeannette Cona-Larock is our agent and she is FANTASTIC! When it came to restaurant recommendations and photo pass questions, she was able to help us out with all of it. Definitely check them out next time you are looking to go to Disney. Their services do not cost you ANYTHING and it's so helpful to have someone help you with all the questions you may have.

We headed out early on Friday morning. With the time change, it was like we time warped. We arrived "shortly" after we had left!

After getting to the hotel and unpacking, first item on the list was to get to the expo to pick up our race packets. Then came our favorite, shopping! After visiting all the vendors we made our way down Downtown Disney to shop in all the fun stores they have there.

At the expo!

There are several fun vendors at the expo and we always love the photo ops they have available with the photo pass photographers!

Look mom! I got wings!

All the swag!

Dinner that night was at Napa Rose. It was seriously one of the best meals I have ever had!  

My tomato-bell pepper soup with shrimp!

The following morning, we rope-dropped California Adventure and rode several rides!

Hello Cars Land!

Going down Route 66!

I got to see Red! He's my favorite!

 While out and about we got to see Chip and Dale! They were so excited to see us!

Happy Chipmunks!

Lots of love from Dale!

We dropped into the Twilight Zone!

Toy Story is our favorite! I actually got the high score for our car!

We pretty much did everything in California Adventure we wanted to do by noon, so we headed over to Disneyland and checked out the new Star Wars stuff they had! The Launch Bay ended up being one of our favorite things on the trip. They had a great small film talking about the impact the past Star Wars films had on movie making and where they were going in the future.

Then we got to meet Kylo Ren! They had us stand in a hallway to wait and so we started chatting. Then suddenly, he appeared from around the corner and just stared us down! He finally invited us in and said "I sense you sympathize with the resistance." I said he was correct. He told me that was unfortunate...he could teach me about the dark side of the force. After our picture he told us to give his condolences to those in the resistance. It was one of the BEST character interactions I have ever had!

Kylo Ren trying to use Jedi mind tricks on me.

I guess it isn't appropriate to side hug Kylo Ren??? I didn't feel like it at all!

Outside the exit they had a place for you to take photos with a lightsaber! Haha.

I'm feeling it. Just need the robe!

The force run strong in my family!

We then checked out the Blue Bayou for lunch...one of my other favorite meals!

The menus lit up!

Before we left the park we ended up stopping to get mom her Mother's Day present...a silhouette of her with my brother and I (who sent me a picture before we left!). 

Hand cut. Saying hi to Walt as he looks over the town square!

That night we "carb loaded" at PCH Grill before going to bed early because the next day...we raced!

I could write a whole review about the Tinkerbell race, but I don't think I would be able to add any more than others have already written on other blogs. I enjoyed the course immensely. It was a little weird running down Main Street "backwards" away from the castle and not going down the main street for Cars Land. But the out and back nature of going through Anaheim helped the "non Disney" miles go by quicker. I am THRILLED that they switched to having Photopass photographers on the course because we were able to get awesome pictures like these!

About to run through the castle!

So awesome!

I don't know what we are smiling at, but we are apparently having a good time!

Finish line!

We did it!

My mother (who runs much faster than me) really pushed me on my pace this race. Not to mention we had just a great time chatting as we ticked off the miles. It was such a great race and we finished in pretty much 2:30 on the dot!

After the race we headed back to Disneyland. We got done so quick (and were able to walk back to our hotel) that we pretty much walked into the part shortly after it opened!

It's tradition...gotta take our pictures with our medals in front of the castle!

We rode our E ticket attractions today! Indiana Jones and Hyperspace Mountain galore! We also made our way to the Launch Bay again and we ran into Boba Fett!

Apparently I look like a spy that he needs to take back to Jabba the Hut.

Our second way through Hyperspace Mountain!

Let me say, Hyperspace Mountain was our favorite ride the whole trip! We loved the Star Wars overlay. Going up the hill and hearing the main title theme gave me goosebumps!

The rest of the evening we relaxed and saw the last things on our list.

Dole Whip while watching the Enchanted Tiki Room? Perfection!

Then we capped off the night with watching the Paint the Night Parade and the Disneyland Forever Fireworks!

We ended up snagging a spot on Main Street right before the parade started!

These shows were my fondest memories. Watching everyone interact together with the floats (which were spectacular in themselves) was hilarious. And then we all moved into the street together to watch the fireworks. Everyone was singing and dancing together as they moved from song to song. It literally feels like you are there with thousands of your best friends! 

The following morning we had to leave, but we didn't leave before hanging out with our favorite characters at Goofy's Kitchen!

Chef Pluto!!!

The character interactions took the "waffle" (get it? It's breakfast so not cake...). Dale recognized my ears to be like Pluto and he refused to take a photo with me until I took them off!

Of course, Pluto loved them!

Did I mention my favorite, gluten-free Mickey Waffles?????

Last goodbye!

Disneyland has such a special place in my heart. It was my first park as a baby and the history behind it strikes a chord in my heart. I actually like it being a smaller park. It does not lack for things to do and it feels more immersive due to the compactness of it. I prefer the Disneyland version of several rides (like Haunted Mansion, Pirates, It's a Small World, etc) as well. 

It was such a fun vacation. A whirlwind for sure...and I'm fairly certain I am still on California time. But we had such a wonderful time and lots of precious memories together. I know I will certainly cherish the fun Mom and I had together for a long, long time.

But the fun doesn't have to stop here! If you want a more in depth look you can check out all the Go Pro video I got from the trip! You can watch us on Radiator Racers, going upside down on California Screamin', hanging out in Tower of Terror, our awesome Jungle Cruise Skipper and more! 

Have a great rest of the day and see you real soon!

Serial Saturday: Communism

So one of the things that I have been very impressed with on my new subscription to "The Blaze TV" is their "serial" series. They discuss different topics and the history behind them. I don't know about everyone else. But in every history class I ever took we spent ages on years 1600-1950 and then crammed 1950-1990 into one day. So much happened during that time that directly affects us today and I have no idea what went on. Additionally, no one really taught about communism vs. capitalism in depth. No one explained progressivism to me. No one was unbiased enough to just give me the fact straight on.

There is never an unbiased agenda in the news but the thing with Glenn Beck is I feel like I know his bias. He doesn't hide it so I can take anything he says with the appropriate grain of salt. But I have found these serials he has been doing to be really helpful in understanding that recent history that I never got to study in depth.

Hope you enjoy.

Today's serial discusses the history of Communism. Even if you had to read Animal Farm, this might be a helpful history lesson on what has shaped much of history over the last hundred years.

Home Makeover: Egli Edition - The Garden!

Jared and I have talked about redoing our garden for a long time now. We finally made it happen on Monday!

The first thing we had to do was change out our sprinkler heads. The old ones wouldn't have cleared the new bed. Plus, these are directional so we won't be watering the fence any more!

Next we built the planter box. Jared made it out of cedar and it smelled incredible! 

Then we dug our trench for the underground hose that would lead from the house to the planter box. We are putting in a subterranean soaker hose to the garden so that even if we are out of town, the plants will still get watered. Once the trench was built, we put the box in place on top of some landscaping netting to keep any future weeds out!

Once that was done we filled in our trench and added dirt! We found a local place that had massive piles of dirt you can buy in bulk instead of the 1 cubic foot bags at Lowes. We got half and half for filler and organic garden dirt for the top. I had some sweet peppers going already along with some jalapeños, green bell peppers, strawberries and three kinds of tomatoes. Then, my blueberry came back after dying last year! So I was super excited to put it back in the garden, this time with some more shade. 

One of the most frustrating things last year was that I got one tomato and a bird took a big chunk out of it. So this year, we are adding a cage around the garden to protect it from birds and any other animals that might want to help themselves.

Test fitting the cage

All done!

I'm super excited about my garden and can't wait to see what it can produce this year! I'm getting more and more knowledge about how to grow things and I want it to pay off so bad! I guess we will have to wait a few more months to know!

Serial Saturday: Black American Founders

So one of the things that I have been very impressed with on my new subscription to "The Blaze TV" is their "serial" series. They discuss different topics and the history behind them. I don't know about everyone else. But in every history class I ever took we spent ages on years 1600-1950 and then crammed 1950-1990 into one day. So much happened during that time that directly affects us today and I have no idea what went on. Additionally, no one really taught about communism vs. capitalism in depth. No one explained progressivism to me. No one was unbiased enough to just give me the fact straight on.

There is never an unbiased agenda in the news but the thing with Glenn Beck is I feel like I know his bias. He doesn't hide it so I can take anything he says with the appropriate grain of salt. But I have found these serials he has been doing to be really helpful in understanding that recent history that I never got to study in depth.

Hope you enjoy.

Today's serial was from last February celebrating Black American History Month. While everyone focuses on Martin Luther King, I had never heard of many of these black American founders until now. I loved hearing their stories and found them truly inspiring.