Looking Back...

I posted this earlier, but it disappeared, so I thought I'd put it up again. I'll be home in four days! I can't believe it!

One thing’s for sure –moving across the country for three months was the greatest adventure of my life. My internship didn’t turn out anything like I expected, but it was an experience I wouldn’t trade and I’ll never forget.
I interned with the Republican Governors Association as their front desk/political/do anything else I’m asked intern. At first, I didn’t see the connection between the work I was doing at my internship and everything else I was studying as an elementary education major. As time went on, I came to love my internship and the crash course I was getting in politics. Politics had never really interested me before, but researching governors’ campaigns and having discussions with other people in my office showed me how fascinating government and politics are.
Working at the RGA was a lot of fun, too. I got to eat lunch every day in the park across the street from the White House, I made friends with the other interns in the office, I got to talk with governors on the phone, and I developed a love for afternoon Au Bon Pain cookie breaks.
I also got to see one of the greatest cities in the world with some of the greatest people I’ve ever met. From kayaking on the Potomac to seeing the monuments at night to cheering at baseball games, every day was an adventure.
I was nervous when I first stepped on the plane to come to DC. I didn’t know any of the other interns, and I didn’t know if I would do well at my internship. Looking back after almost three months, I know the risk paid off. I can’t wait to come back!

When family comes to visit...

... it's always lots of fun!


The McLellands came to DC over the Fourth of July, and they were nice enough to let me spend some time with them. :) We had a great time celebrating the Fourth of July, touring the Capitol, and walking through their very historic hotel. I was so happy they came!

I'm at the very center of Washington, DC! (Well, almost...)

Philo T. Farnsworth, one of Utah's two sculptures in the Capitol.


The Bronze Doors - What does this remind you of, Jenny?
The dome of the Capitol rotunda.

We all went to dinner together at Smith and Wollensky... delicious! Thanks, guys!

The Fourth of July

A long time ago, I promised someone I would blog about the Fourth of July in Washington DC... Well, I'm keeping my promise. Independence Day in the Nation's Capitol was incredible! It was especially fun because Bette Jo, Carl, Kevin, Melissa, and Scott came to visit! Holidays spent with family are always the best. I spent pretty much the whole day on the Mall (which meant I only had to wait in the crazy-long security line once). We started the day across from the National Archives and watched a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence.

We had snagged great spots for the reading, and that meant that we had great seats for the parade, too!

We spent the rest of the day at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, learning about Texas, Bhutan, and NASA. It was pretty cool. I liked the Bhutan exhibits the most, especially the yak herder and the calligrapher. After exploring the festival, Diane, Stanley, Melissa, and I went to stand in line for the concert on the Capitol lawn. When we finally made it through the security line, we found a spot on the grass and laid our blankets out. Then... it started to rain. And by rain, I mean downpour! Six of us crowded together under three umbrellas that we held together to cover us as much as possible. Our blankets got soaked, and we all got a little wet, too, but we became close friends as we played Two Truths and A Lie. :)

The rain stopped before the concert, so we didn't miss the great performance! We saw Huey Lewis and the News and Jerry Lee Lewis. You can bet we all sang along to "Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Fire!"

Then came the fireworks! The National Symphony Orchestra played the 1812 Overture as background. It doesn't get better than that!

We finished the day with dinner at Uno's Pizzeria -- tired, wet, but very happy.