Tasha and Aaron

What's Hot

Arizona's hot! Summer is here and just yesterday I tried frying an egg on the pavement outside. Holy smokes, it came out perfect....I like mine overeasy. Well, I apologize for our lack of updating our blog. I know it has probably been a cause of much anxiety for many that visit on a regular basis. I'm hoping my absence from the site will never be delayed this long. Been going back and forth to Montana to work some construction....(and get out of the heat). Been applying to a ton of jobs trying to get on with the Forest Service or Park Service as a Landscape Architect.

Tasha has survived another tax season from hell...yes, I'm not afraid to say that because that's what it is. Long hours, lots of stress, and no time for me....But that is behind us now and she is back to her regular 55 hour week. That's right, you heard correctly....

We are saving our money for our dream home in Montana...I already have a place picked out.Now, let us begin the new photo gallery. Hope you enjoy!

The iconic Washington Monument framed by some cherry tree branches.

Standing on the steps of the might Supreme Court! Check out those huge collonaides!

The FDR monument. This was a really cool space...lots of waterfalls and boulders and interpretive signage.

The Washington DC temple glowing in the night.

Mt. Vernon, the home of George Washington. What a remarkable place this was. Even by today's standards this home and estate would be considered extremely "high class" no doubt about it. We spent 5 hours walking around, going through the house, visiting the other many outbuildings. Simply amazing. Probably my favorite part of the trip. After learning about this great historical figure of our past in grade school, not until this trip did I feel really connected to George. (yes, we are now on a first name basis) Simply amazing...I just wish I could go back in time just for a minute!

The original home was much smaller than the one you see in the background. George kept adding to it and soon it became what we see now.

This was their view looking off the back porch towards the Potomac River. Just think...we stood right where George spent many a night gazing and pondering over the many concerns he had in his time. I was humbled and grateful to be there.

You have got to be kidding! The very sword General Washington used during the nine battles he himself fought in during the Revolutionary War!

The grave site of Geoge Washington and his family, about a 10 minute walk from his home.

Korean War Monument with actual photo images etched into the granite walls.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial, designed to line up exactly with the Washington Monument. The design for this monument was actually awarded to an undergraduate student Maya Ying Lin from Yale University as part of a design competition.

Raising of the flag at Iwo Jima.

In the Rotunda of the Capital building.

Tasha preparing to give her inaguaral speech.

So enamored with our first president...I was curious to see how I would look if I were to go back in time!

Took the train across town to catch a Washington Nationals baseball game. Tasha said it was her favorite ballpark so far. It was beautiful....but we got ripped off by some scalpers for tickets we found later we could have bought at the ticket office for only $5!

Department of State building. This is where Hillary sits when entertaining foreign diplomats and other dignitaries.

Night falls on Pennsylvania avenue.

Light and shadow on the National United States Department of Agriculture building.

A column as part of the World War II monument displays our big sky state...with the Washington monument peaking through the trees in the background.

World War II monument.

And of course, Tasha had to pose with her "other" favorite state :)

Tasha desperately wanted to climb over the fence to meet Obama.

The Capital building was much, much larger than we both thought it would be. Very impressive indeed.

I will say this, Tash is becoming more photogenic these days...much more willing to have pictures taken of her. Thats good because how else are we going to preserve the good times!

My favorite picture I think. All 50 states etched in the granite columns as part of the World WarII monument.

This picture I believe just has the word "FREEDOM" written all over it!

Tasha posing with her visitors pass granted to us by our very own senator...John McCain, giving us entrance into the sacred halls and corridors of the US Capital!

Here, I pause to capture a reflection of the monument who bears the name

of the noble and great man who fought so diligently for our countrys freedom...George Washington. The reflection I see causes me to reflect on my own life and on the freedoms I enjoy on a daily basis.

Posing at the base of the Washington Monument with the Capital building at the other end of the mall.

This picture hides the fact the monument actually extends 550' 5 1/8" into the sky. Wow! I wanted to take the elevator to the top but didnt get a chance too due to the long lines. Next time for sure!!! One side note...at first glance I was somewhat disappointed at the Washington monument but as the weekend progressed it bacame one of my favorites. The feeling that permeating at night seemed to sway me in that direction. It stands as a beacon that can be seen from anywhere around the city.

Tasha and I applying equal pressure to the Washington Monument so as not to push it one way or the other. A kind lady we met at the steps here took this photo...very fun once I talked Tasha into doing it :) I changed my mind, I think this is my favorite picture now.

Aaron would no doubt be a natural as our country's 45th president!

Arizona sunrise

While driving down to Tucson yesterday, I stuck my camera out the window and snapped this photo. I was pleasantly suprised at how well it turned out. What a nice start to the day!

Let us pause to wish Larry a Happy Birthday!

Larry Bird was born on Friday, December 07, 1956 in West Baden, Indiana. He was the son of Georgia Kerns and Claude Joseph "Joe" Bird. He grew up in both West Baden and the adjacent town French Lick, which earned him the nickname "the Hick from French Lick" in his later basketball career.

"Larry, you only told me one lie. You said there will be another Larry Bird. Larry, there will never, ever be another Larry Bird."
— Magic Johnson, as quoted at Bird's retirement party.

Aaron takes his wife in hand as he attempts to simulate the bronze statue of the dancing couple in the background

Mom and the javelina's!

more thanksgiving weekend pics...

My wife and her western hat found while cruising the shops at Sedona.

Aaron and Tash pause to take a photo as the sun reflects off the red sedona rocks in the background.

Another beautiful shot of the spectacular Sedona landscape

My parents posing on the cool ADA ramp up to the famous Sedona church

A beautiful ADA ramp integrated nicely into the landscape

Thanksgiving weekend highlights

A visit to the Mesa Temple with all it's lights were stunning indeed. Here Aaron pauses to snap a photo of the temple reflection in a sea of glass-like water.

Dad eyes the hole down as he prepares to take a swing at the flag. In the background is ASU stadium tucked between two desert bajadas.

My wife and her follow through after a well-struck drive that lands safely in the center of the fairway. Nice shot babe!

Family Home Evening activity

For family home evening Tasha and I had to use the alphabet to start words or phrases that described the other person. The only requirement was that the qualities had to be uplifting and positive :) It was interesting to read them to each other afterwards and see what the other person was thinking....

"If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear"

When it comes to being prepared, Sea Foam salad is a must. This has become one of Aaron's all-time favorite's concocted by special friend of the Henegar family, Chris Petersen. I have not perfected the recipe yet...but I'm getting there!

The feast laid out before us, in preparation for serving.