Doctor's Update on the Concussion

Dorito seems to be improving now that it's been 12 weeks since his concussion.  No more numbness in either leg, for instance.  So the neurologist gave him a computer test today called IMPACT, but he failed all the sections (scoring 0.2 on a scale of 0.0-7.0).  Too bad because she prescribed more rest.

Like a Classic Car Never Goes Out of Style

Grandpa Don celebrated his 80th Birthday this weekend with stories of car racing, cars with illegal plates for his farm kids, and car-shopping ad infinitum with Dorothy.  Many friends and family gathered from far and near for Saturday night's buffet at the Eagle's Lodge in Leavenworth.  More than 100 visitors came, some of them meeting my children for the first time!  Captain missed the big party, but he is going over for lunch this afternoon at his dad's house with the Nebraska cousins who stayed over.   Happy Birthday, Don!!

Quiz Bowl Competition

We were short a few team members this year, but still competed in the Highland Community College "Scottie Scholars" Bowl. Top 10 teams received a trophy, and our Homeschool Team won 6th place.  Jonathan keeps the trophy as our only senior.  Dorito is standing on his left.

Sump Pump is Still Running?!

We have 12+ inches of snow on the ground, and I still hear our sump pump running a couple of times each day!?  Unbelievable.  Just told the boys they might have to mow those three square feet of prairie hay in the middle of our drifted front yard. 

Tuesday Night Talks - Main Stage

We flew home just in time to perform at the Pony Express Museum's winter lecture series about the Civil War.  The "Tuesday Night Talks" stage featured our own "Fiddlers Three,"

who played 13 songs from that historic period mixing in tales and anecdotes of cowboys, soldiers, and spirituals from Missouri.  Polar Bear told about Pa Ingall's fiddle before playing "Irish Washerwoman," and Winger acted like Bronco Charlie with a bull whip before "Buffalo Gals."  The grand finale was "Orange Blossom Special," which is always a crowd pleaser--especially when Dorito doesn't slow down nor miss a beat!

Day 3 -- The March

Every year near the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the "March for Life" gathers a HUGE crowd in D.C. to witness to the executive, legislative, and judicial branches that unborn babies deserve the right to life, too.  This year 332,000 people plus Dorito and I were freezing marching on the Mall.  Prior to the noon rally, we attended Mass with 10,000 of our friends in the DC Armory. 

Another 18,000 had tickets to Mass at the Verizon Center.  It was an inspiring day. Especially since more than 20 pro-life freshmen came to speak at the platform.  Afterward, we avoided the Mall crowds and took the Metro out to Arlington National Cemetery at dusk.  What a view from the hillside! 

When in Washington, you must try to get to the hockey game.  Especially when you have an Ovechkin jersey that your dad bought in Moscow last year.  Kristen was a quick study in blue lines and penalty minutes.  Ovechkin put on quite a show in overtime.  But he missed on the shootout?!

Here is Dorito cheering for Backstrom's goal in the shootout.  (Caps lost to the Rangers.)   

This has been a wonderful trip, continuing the tradition I started with Meggar.

Day 2 -- Sightseeing Near the Hotel

More walking today.  First, the White House Visitor's Center with video news reels of the past nine presidents. 

Then the Archives - a real national treasure.  Followed by Ford's Theatre for an in depth look at Lincoln and his political life.

We also spent time at the Museum of American History and the National Portrait Gallery (more presidents and Elvis).  Later, Kristen met us at the Kennedy Center for a free concert by the U.S. Navy Band, Brass Quintet, and Sea Chanters.  There were several show stoppers in the series honoring JFK's presidency 50 years later. 

We ate dinner at an Irish pub with an authentic waiter and menu.  Then, Kristen drove us around to see the D.C. monuments illuminated at night.