Wednesday, January 11, 2012

First Few Days

So it's a little late, but here's a snap shot of some of my adventures since arriving in Kensington!

This is a picture of the townhome in which I now reside. I live in the basement and it's pretty spacious. I have amazingly wonderful roommates and it's been great being with them :)
I spent an afternoon wandering around "downtown" Kensington. It's actually considered a town and has retained some of that more homey atmosphere with it's antique shops and tea rooms. There's even a cute train station off the side of the road (and it still runs passenger trains-pretty sweet).

For my Lord of The Rings fans- I saw this minature of Minas Tirith in someone's rock garden as I was wandering. Couldn't resist taking a picture :)

My roommates, Eve, and I joined several other ward members in an outdoor ice skating excursion. It's been on my bucket list for some time to do this, and what better place than in the middle of the Smithsonian sculpture garden. I was surrounded by art and architecture and could even make out some stars. It was lovely!

The next day Eve and I went to the International Spy Museum. I can, in theory, now pick a lock, place and monitor bugs, and crawl soundlessly through air ducts. Quite an informative and exciting place to visit. I learned lots!!

I've found some great friends in these new roommates of mine- I think I'll keep them :) Later that night, we even threw an ice cream party for Jenn's (other Jenn- not me) boyfriend. I mostly just helped set up and eat ice cream. Happy days for me :) This week's hospital orientation, which is just information overload, but I'm excited for the weekend and a new adventure!!

Friday, January 6, 2012

Epic Road Trip!

The day after Christmas, with a VERY loaded down car, I started my epic move across the country to the DC area. I managed to take a picture of most to the state signs as I crossed the border. I don't think I've ever done so many so quickly!!

The drive sort of started a week earlier when I drove from CA to AZ after Grandma's funeral to be home for Christmas. Above is a shot of CA.

The 3 day, nonstop bundle of fun began Dec 26th. I took this one in AZ when I was at a dead stop just outside of Flagstaff for an hour. Love me some traffic delays, but I was lucky enough that my car didn't have problems, so I won't complain :)

Crossing over the continental divide in New Mexico, I was treated to snow covered mountains with the pink rock peeking out from underneath. Lucky, there was never any snow on the roads.

The great plains of Kansas treated me to windmills, and more plains. And then more windmills and more plains :P

A beautiful Tennessee sunrise. I woke up early my last day and couldn't fall back asleep. Kind of glad, because then I was treated to this vista for awhile. I did see some beautiful sights across this country of ours :)

In Virginia I was lots of hibernating trees surrounding little houses and towns. I imagine that it's just full of green in the summer time. I'll hold out for that :) Though there is something about barren trees that is compelling.

I did make it, after 3 very long days, to Kensington, MD. Home of the DC Temple and now this little lady as well. I'm excited to see what things are in store for me here. Oh, and anyone is welcome to visit. Turns out, I've got a lot of space in my room!!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Merry Christmas 2011!

Merry Christmas! Christmas at home is always my favorite, and we were blessed to have everyone there this year. First time it's happened for awhile! We all enjoyed some of our favorite activities, like reaading, pianoing, computering, and just generally goofing off :)

The boys also decided to see how buff Spencer is these days. Apparently, pretty darn :)
Of course the traditional games of ping pong were played. I've gotten better over the year, but I still managed to lose to all the boys. Though not by as much as I used to. Baby steps!!
Of course, Christmas wouldn't be complete without some awesome gift giving, and it was fun seeing what people thought of to give each other. That's may favorite part- giving :)



Shelly gave my parents this beautiful tile depiction of the Gilbert Temple that she had made in Portugal. It reminded me of the reason for Christ- to celebrate the birth of our Savior and His life that makes our eternal lives possible. I'm so grateful for Him, and feel so blessed to have the gospel in my life. Merry Christmas to all!