Museum of Natural History

Amanda, one of my dear friends from graduate school, was up in DC for work and we had a great opportunity to hang out. We went to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, which had some new exhibits. One of our favorites was the gem/crystal/mineral exhibit where a plethora of precious gems, famous vintage jewelry pieces and crystals of all shapes/sizes/colors were displayed. After viewing the different displays of animals, oceanic life, jewelry, and dinosaur bones, I am again reminded of God's creativity. Why did he decide to create oceanic currents and have the cooler currents run underneath the warmer ones? Why did he decide to give the Irish elk antlers so large that he eventually became extinct? Why did he make diamonds one of the hardest materials in the world? Amanda and I decided that we hope there's an orientation time when we get to Heaven so all these questions can be answered!

Amanda and I in the front lobby with the giant elephant

Talk about some major flexibility -
that must be the best water ever!

Amanda & a North American bear

Me & the Giant Sloth

The Hope Diamond - 45.52 carats!

Look at this huge sapphire brooch! - 423 carats
Jason, I think I know what I'm going to put on my Christmas list:)

This was a display of crystals/gems in every
color of the rainbow - very cool

Richmond 8K

Last Saturday we ran an 8K in downtown Richmond. It had rained most of the night before and was forecasted to rain during the race, but we lucked out with cool, breezy, morning air. There was a portion of the course where we were running on old cobblestone roads, lined with row houses and large trees shedding bright yellow leaves on anything beneath its limbs...including the runners! Jason said it reminded of him of the Cosby show - not exactly what came to my mind, but we all know he's a bit of a dork:) Anyway, it was a nice time and we'll miss the cool weather for races such as this.

Back home after the race

The cool medals we were awarded!
We'll treasure them forever:)