So Wicked

Last night the Nelson family went to the Broadway Musical Wicked at the Capital Theater in Salt Late City. Most of us girls had seen it either in Hollywood or in New York City but to have all our family together was so much fun. Best Night Ever.

Recently my friend wrote a post titled, "best day since Christmas" and that is pretty much how I felt after we saw Wicked. Never gets old...Loved it! I just say..."toss toss" :-)

The Nelson Family. (Don't mind the front row of people in the picture).

The set

Heather and Casey

Jeff and Carly

Sally and Dave.

Thank you again Sally for the wonderful evening of Wicked enjoyment and the plethora of candy to eat. It was perfect.

Spring Break in D.C.--Day 1 and 2

Yet, another perk of being a teacher as opposed to another job or even being in school is that I get a spring break! Yeah baby. So, I planned a trip to visit Abby and Matt, Abby was one of my college roommates and I haven't seen her since she got married. I have been to D.C. before, right after I graduated from high school, but anyone who has been to D.C. knows that one trip or for me one day is not enough time. Thus, I was looking forward to this 4 day trip. I was in D.C. from Saturday to Wednesday. Saturday night Abby and I saw the last day of the Cherry Blossom Festival which ended in fire works. A beautiful sunset started off our night of monuments. I think the monuments are best in the evening because they are lit up and they were better than I remembered. We saw the Jefferson, the Washington, the WWII, the Lincoln, and the FDR. However, my camera died, of course, so I only got this one photo and Abby has the rest of us at the monuments.

Walking along the Potomac to see the Jefferson Monument.

Easter!

Easter Sunday I spent going to church with Abby and Matt, making dessert for dinner with Abby's friends that evening, and playing a competitive game of pictionary which the girls won. I have to say that I was a little sad I would be missing Easter with Adam but Abby was so sweet and made me and Easter Basket--Thank you Abby. I loved it. Plus, dinner with the Waldrip's friends was very entertaining. They have a great groups of friends and they were so welcoming to me. Easter ended up being a great eveing.

Doesn't this look delicious! Abby and I made Triffle for dessert for Easter dinner. I wish I could give you the recipe but we just made it as we went and it turned out to be scrumpshis.

D.C. Day 3: A day to myself

Day 3 I spent by myself because Abby and Cat had to work and my teacher friends were not getting into D.C. until latter that night. So, I visited all the Smithsonians. I have to say that most people may not think that going to museums alone sounds like fun, but it was so nice. I was able to go at my own pace and enjoy my time just learning about each museums treasures. So, here is a recap of the highlights that I enjoyed as I had a day to myself on D.C.

When I got off the Metro, the Washington Monument was the first thing I saw. In my opinion...A great way to start the day. Below is a picture of the National Mall where all the Smithsonians are located.

First stop,
National Museum of American History

This museum is full of everything that has shaped our country into what it is today. From pictures and uniforms from past wars to Judy Garland's Ruby slippers this museum was my second favorite. (Newseum is my first)

Had a whole section dedicated to the general motors of America.

Julie Child's original Kitchen.

My favorite part of the American History museum was the First Lady's Dresses. This is First Lady Taft's dress.

The War of 1812 produce our American flag and National Anthem. Here is the original American Flag with fragments cut out when people snip off parts for souvenirs.

Lincoln's Top Hat

Second Stop,
National Museum of Natural History

Dinosaurs.

The Natural history museum has rooms full of gems which I loved but didn't realize they were a part of this museum. There were thousands of gems, including the Hope diamond which is 45 carrots large!

A room full of Orchids. One of my favorite flowers.

Center piece of the Nature History Museum. I know in the Movie Night at the Museum T-Rex is the center piece, but in real life it is this African Elephant. (since I was by myself I couldn't take pictures with me in them. However, I did have a lady take this pic for me and is turned out okay. Honestly, it is hard to find a stranger who takes good pictures.)

Third stop,
National Galleria of Art

Some people don't like art gallerias but I love them. I never tire of looking at classic pieces of art. At the galleria there was a special exhibition of Franks "American People" taken in black and white that really grabbed at my emotions. I couldn't take photos of Frank's work but it was inspiring.

One of my favorite paintings ever, Rembrant's the Windmill.

A great painting titled, Haystacks in Brittany by Paul Gauguin. I took a double take at it and every time I look at it I like it more and more.

Fourth Stop,
National Archives

Declaration of Independence. Very faded and I could barley see John Hancock's signature.

Constitution


Fifth Stop,
George Town

When Abby got off work I met up with her and Cat in George Town. Abby works at George Town University so went met there and ate dinner on M street which is a fabulous street full of character and lined with shops, restaurants, and close to the river front. We ate dinner at Old Glory and delicious BQQ hit then walked down to the river front where there is the beautiful water fountain. Lucky for us we didn't get rained on once.

I have to admit I was a little worried about being alone all day in D.C. but looking back I loved it! I would do it again if I could. Plus, the whether was perfect... not humid, not too hot, didn't rain, and was sunny. A perfect day.

D.C. day 4

On Tuesday I met up with my friends Cali, Molly ( girls I teach with) and Janea. Our plan or today was to visit the home of George Washington, Mt. Vernon and then visit Fords Theater, where Abe Lincoln was shot. It was an adventure driving in D.C. but we survived thanks to Abby's GPS and Cali's directions from the front seat. At one point I asked Cali if I should get off on an exit, mind, she was holding the GPS, and she says, "I don't know, what do you think?" and proceeds to show me the GPS picture while I'm driving. As you can see, it truly was an adventure. However, we made it!

We all decided that we could easily live at Mount Vernon. Plus, the drive to Mt. Vernon is beautiful. At least the drive home was. On our way there we got lost and took the long route but once we saw this house it really didn't matter how long it took to get there because it was worth it.

It is placed right on the Potomic. The tree behind me was there when Washington lived here! This view is the most pleasant view I have ever seen. (That was for Molly).

Me, Molly, Janea, Cali.

Getting artistic with my camera. The porch has rocking chairs to sit on while enjoying the view of the Potomic. Breathtaking!

About to go in to the house tour.

George's flower garder and garden house.

George and Martha's tomb.


Saying goodbye to Mount Vernon.

Then we made our way to Ford's Theater where, yes, they had the original coat that Lincoln was wearing when he got shot. Tuesday night we saw a musical at Fords Theather about the civial war.

On a side note...in between Mount Vernon and Ford's Theater, I went by solo to my FAVORITE museum. It is a new museum called Newsuem. It is the history of the news. Here are some of the highlights of the museum to me.

One section of the museum was dedicated to showing all the Pulitzer prize winning pictures throughout time. This may have been my favorite part.

This wall has 127 front pages from newspapers on 9/12 showing out country's reaction to 9/11. it was overwhelming. The peice of metal is an antena from the North tower.

Another part of the museum delt with the evolution of news and how it went from newspapers, to radio, to television, and them internet. There are artifacts along the way like the original mikes used for the fireside chats. They also had the phone that took the video from the Virginia Tech Masacare. Awseome!


Lastly, the top floor was dedicated to newspapers published through time. There was everything from the Magna Carta in the 1500's to the Titanic (below), to Lincolns assisination, and on. It is amazing to see orginal newspapers that show historical events from our country.

If you get the chance, go to the Newseum. It was my favoirte museum and I think I could easily spend all day in there. D.C. is packed with so much to do. I am glad I got to see all I wanted too and still spend time with Cat, Abby and Matt. I the East coast is so full of character and I can't wait to get back. Hopefuly with Adam next time.

Mrs. Nelsbr

All of the students' schedules has my name down as Mrs. Nelsbr. What the HECK! I guess because there is a Mr. Nelson at the school as well he get seniority priority so I get stuck with a catchy combination of my first and last name, thus NELSBR. Frist semester I didn't want the students to call me Nelsbr because I wanted them to respect me as there teacher and all that. However, I have to admit that the students have gotten away with calling my Nelsbr more this semester because it is growing on me. I guess Nelsbr isn't that bad.

Deep Sea Fishing in Mexico

Adam got invited to go on a deep sea fishing adventure with a buddy from work for yellow tail fish in Las Carlo, Mexico. Although it was a slightly quite by myself for 5 days I am so glad he got to go. He had a great time and caught some delicious fish. Don't worry, we already had a fish fry with the fish he brought home.

The fish were huge and according to Adam the toughest fish he has ever had to reel in. I guess those Yellow Tails put up a pretty good (40+min) fight before they are caught.

Bringing in a barracuda.

Mitch, Brent (Adam's friend from work), and Adam.

Adam speared this fish.

Trigger fish, I guess it is pretty rare to catch.

Along with the 30 pound Yellow Tails, Adam reeled in this little guy...a poisonous scorpion fish.

What an awesome trip. I am glad Adam got to go, plus now we have yummy fish to enjoy.

Track Coach Anyone?

Last week I got an email at school asking if any of the teachers wanted to help coach track! Within an hour or so, and a few emails, I was suddenly a track coach. YES! I love track and field and now that I am done competing in the sport I feel like coaching is the best way to keep myself involved in it. So, I am officially the relay and long jump coach. Sadly, in Utah middle schools they do not have hurdles (which I love) but I am still so excited to be a coach!