Enjoying Darren and Exploring Greenwich

I really did start this post on January 14th.  The things shown here are what happened before the New Year. 

 Darren was born on December 20, 2012.  It happens to be the same day that Great Grandpa Neal Wayne Hart was born.  This is the reason his full name is Darren Neal Wayne Hart.  Even though it is four names it isn't an extremely long name.  Tanya has quite a story adventure to tell about the delivery of Darren.  England's medical care is different from the States.  Fortunately,  she is fine and so is Darren.

After Tanya and Darren came home for the hospital, I took Natalie and Marisa on a few site seeing excursions.  Mostly, I thought we needed to get out of the house. 

We headed for the bus to explore Greenwich.

I had a great view of Canary Wharf.  Tim worked in one of those tall buildings.  

Greenwich is a royal Borough.  It is home to the Royal Naval Academy.

The girls enjoyed splashing in the puddles.

We walked past Natalie's school.

This is the called the Queen's house.  At one time the Royalty did stay here when the were in the area. 

  The staircase above is in the Queen's House.

One another day, the girls and I took the subway by ourselves to the aquarium. We didn't even get lost. 

It was a cold blustery day, but we had a good time in London.  I always love to see Big Ben.

                  

One night shortly after Christmas I went by myself to see the Christmas lights.  I headed to Oxford Street and area.

                               

London really knows how to decorate. 

Welcome Darren

Lately it seems every time I find time to work on my blog something has changed.  I'm having a hard time upload pictures and changing the size.  Then the program won't let me write where I want to write.  Now that I have said that, I have a few pictures.  I want to welcome Darren. 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving in Utah

Wayne and I were lucky enough to spend Thanksgiving with our extended family.  Donna was such a wonderful hostess.  We enjoyed going to a movie, going to breakfast up in the canyon with her and shopping for her Christmas present as well as getting ready for the Big Thanksgiving meal at her place.  We also had a nice visit with my siblings.  Monday night most of us went to dinner.  Then we went to Valerie and Dave's for dessert and talking.  Kent and Judy left for an 18 month mission to Ghana shortly after we had been there. 

This is the new sporting goods store called Scheel's.  It has so many fun things to look at. 

 Grandma's table is set for 21.  We had to do a little furniture rearranging.

Wayne woke the next day with a really bad looking eye.  Fortunately it has healed nicely.  He looks like himself again.  It was scary looking. 

Ryder

About a week before Ryder turned two he was lucky enough to fly with Matt to California.  Wayne and I were glad to have him for 5 days.  He was a good sport.  He went shopping with me.  He liked the backyard. 

 Because he was here by himself I took him to Disneyland for his birthday.  We had such a great day.  The weather was perfect.  We enjoyed the new Cars Land in California Adventure.  He made until the Christmas parade in the early evening.  His were always so big.  He took everything in.

Both parks were very festive.  I was glad I had a reason to go.  Thanks Ryder.  Hope we can go together another time.

More of Simone

Grandpa Wayne arrived on Nov. 7th.  It seems  that Simone was already smiling at just over a week. 

Grandma and Simone.

Sara and Simone

The cute family: Mike, Simone and Sara 

What an adorable little baby!!

The streets of downtown Alexandria are very charming.

Monuments and Memorials

I think Simone was about a week here.  Sara felt sorry for me being at home all the time. I really didn't mind.  I had a chance to cook.  I don't do much cooking at home.  And cleaning their house and washing clothes really didn't tkle much time, so I was able to read all a wanted.   Sara drove me into D.C.  She walked around the Jefferson Mmorial before Mike called to be picked up.  I spent a few more hours walking around by myself.  It was a very clear day, but a little chilly for Simone to be out all day.  

It was a great view of the Washington Monument.  I enjoyed walking around the Jefferson Memorial.



Roosevelt Monument

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Korean War Memorial

The Washington Monument looks so neat looking down the reflection pool. 

Lincoln Memorial

 Vietnam Vetran's Memorial

 World War II Memorial

Of course I had to see the White House.  Election Day was on Tuesday November 6th.  Virginia was a state that made a difference.  There was a lot of campaigning going on.  Needless to say Election Night I spent glued to the TV.  I am sorry that it isn't Romney occupying the White House.