Given the outstanding weather in DC during the summer months, we thought it would be a good idea to head towards our local water park, Cameron Run.  Of course Erik and Joseph had a good time, and Erik would have liked to stay all day long going down the waterslides.  They have a wave pool, and when Joseph first got into the water he burst into a huge smile.  We could definately tell that he misses going to the beach and having real waves.

 
Watch out, he just might get you…

Chris & Joseph heading down the slide

Our cabin in VA sprung a leak, so I had the chance to plug it up.  I thought that the repair would be pretty simple, but I had to remove more rotted wood than I anticipated.  Fortunately my Mom was able to help out and I think that the repair turned out pretty well.

The area needing to be patched

Fitting the plywood to the area. I purchased a slightly thicker plywood that what was in place, so I hope the difference won’t matter too much.

Laying down tar paper.  While I couldn’t get it completely under the existing shingles, it’s better than an open hole.

The finished product.  After the first two rows Mom suggested drawing a line to make sure the shingles were straight. Oops!

I guess that I should have brought a magnet for holding nails.

So I thought that making some milkshakes would be a good idea.  Little did I know that it was not just a good idea, it was a great idea.  Joseph had about three full glasses, and as you can see from the second photo, he had to use three straws to get enough.  Anyway, it’s good to have small moments like these ones.

Norma, Joseph, and Erik sharing mommy’s strawberry milkshake

Warning! Triple straw action going on here

Erik finished his first two weeks of swimming lessons and absolutely loved it.  Some mornings when the pool was a bit on the cool side, he wasn’t too excited to get into the water, but otherwise he had a great time. 

This is the new sewing machine that I got for Norma as an anniversary, birthday, Christmas, Kwanza, and any other reason you can think of gift.  We had been saving up for a while to buy it, and I figured that she should have a few months to get familiar with it.  I ordered it without telling her, and took her to the fabric store as a surprise.  When we entered the store and the sales rep asked if we wanted to see anything in particular, I said, “I think you might have something for Norma Bergaust.”  Norma then said, “Chris, what did you do?”  Of course I didn’t respond, and a few moments later the sales woman appeared and told Norma, “I think this is for you, and the good news is that it is already paid for.”  Needless to say, Norma was quite surprised and pleased with her new gift.

http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/US/7118.htm

This past weekend, Erik and I decided to take a father-son camping trip to the mountains.  We left on Friday afternoon and after setting up camp, we cooked some foil dinners and smores.  While Erik liked cooking the marshmellows, he preferred eating the chocolate bars.  We then had a light saber fight with glowsticks and slept in our new tent. 

Saturday we got up, did some work around the cabin, and went fishing.  As you can see below, we were successful and caught two fish.  I hadn’t been fishing in a long time, and this was Erik’s first real attempt, so reeling in the fish, removing the hooks, and trying to get them into the bucket was pretty comical.  After going for a swim in the lake, we had a picnic lunch and headed home. 

Erik camping

Roasting marshmellows

Catching fish

Erik enjoys a tasty treat after visiting Skyline Caverns in VA

Today we went to see Mount Vernon, the home of our nation’s first president, George Washington.  I was pretty surprised at how much we could see.  I thought that we would only spend an hour or two, but we stayed for five.  One of the museums inside showcased various dinner plate settings used throught various presidencies, which was interesting. 

Mount Vernon

Erik and Joseph looking at sheep

Norma and I were fortunate to get a tour of the West Wing, Rose Garden, and Press Room of the White House.  Seeing the Oval Office in-person was a pretty cool experience.  We also saw the Situation Room (and kitchen right in front), the Cabinet, and Roosevelt Rooms.  Our tour happened at 7:00 pm, after the President and other employees went home. 

We learned two interesting facts on our tour: 1. The President doesn’t use a computer in the Oval Office.  2. In the Roosevelt Room (essentially a waiting room in front of the Oval Office), the party of the current administration determines which Roosevelt has the most prominence. Currently Teddy’s picture is above the mantle, but if a democrat were to win, FDR would receive more prominence.

Chris and Norma in the Rose Garden

White House Press Room

Twice each year, the Mine Mountain Homeowners Association cleans up the roads, lakes, and other common access areas.  Our family has owned property in this beautiful mountain area since its start in the 70’s.  Norma and I purchased a lot in 2005, which we plan on using for family camping when we are posted in DC.

 After helping cut down some trees, Erik and I decided to take a quick rafting trip on one of the lakes.