Washington DC Temple

Oh how I wish I could be in DC during the cherry blossom season! I hear it's wonderful, and whenever I see pictures they usually have the Jefferson Memorial in the background. Although my visit didn't include any array of flowers, it was a beautiful day and a beautiful memorial nonetheless.

One of my favorite quotes from the panels inside is the following one from of course Thomas Jefferson. With the election around the corner, I have been thinking a lot about the evolution of this country from the founding to now. The nation has gone through so many changes and yet we still look to the Constitution as our highest form of law. We're not perfect but I still think it's impressive. Anyway, I thought this quote from one of the founding fathers was interesting and timely seeing how now more than ever the interpretation of the Constitution is under attack. Read it and take from it what you want.

"I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions, but laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors."

China Town.

On the rooftop at some guys party in our ward. I love how I improvised a mask with a chocoalte wrapper.

This was our Philadelphia trip. We were only there for one day but we visited a lot staring with the Constitutional Convention Center. For some reason I kept thinking how much fun dad would have in there. Lots of interesting exhibits and of course it was all dedicated to his favorite document next to The Family Proclamation:) Anyway we also visited Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, ate philly chessesteaks (well I didn't), saw Rodin sculptures, walked around like tourists, and ended the day at a very good Pizza place.

I'm trying to make a Y because right before we got a text update informing the group that BYU had won the game. I don't know who they were playing but I was still pleased as you can tell.

In the Constitution Center with Independence Hall in the background.

My friend Kristina, Ben Franklin, and me in the gift shop.

Having way too much fun with the signers of the Constitution. Believe me there was a whole photo shoot with them.

VALLEY FORGE

I coudn't help myself.

So a fellow intern from BYU works for our Congressman Jeff Flake. He was able to get me and another guy from Gilbert into this a tour of the capitol dome. Apparently it's pretty exclusive. You actually have to be present with your Congressman to go. Needless to say this was a nice lunch break. My office is just a couple of blocks away. This is an uber-cheesy picture of Jeff and me after the tour. I can't believe he said yes to doing thumbs up. Guess he has to please his constituents:) ps-this is Nancy Pelosi's view from her office. Her balcony is just to the right of us. On top of the dome. Dismal day but a great memory nontheless.

Here are some more pictures from my first day in DC.

The Lincoln Monument

The Washington Monument