A Trip to the Capital

Clark's parents were in town this weekend for a visit so we decided to go downtown and visit the capital. A little history for you, the Alabama State Capital served as the Capital of the Confederate States of America. It is a beautiful white structure with marble stairs leading to the front entrance.

Nearby we also saw the monument to the confederate soldiers, first white house of the confederacy, Martin Luther King Jr monument and Dexter Avenue Baptist Church - where Martin Luther King Jr served as Pastor. The civil rights history is very rich in these parts. As you may already know, Rosa Parks is also from Montgomery and many of the civil rights movements were centered in the capital or nearby Selma, AL.

To the north of the capital is a two block area that has been preserved as an historic district, called "Old Alabama Town." The structures either originated at their current location or were moved to be included in the preservation. There are some really nice homes, one I think Stephanie would love to have as her own, but wouldn't want to clean it.

The family in front of "Old Alabama Town." It is also near the Alabama River and the boys want to make sure we mention the home of the Montgomery Biscuits (triple A baseball team - reigning Southern Regional Champs) is just a few blocks away!!! The stadium lights can be seen in the background.
They have taken great care in preserving this beautiful pre-civil war plantation home. We weren't able to go inside, but the size and beauty of the home was remarkable.

Baseball Season Begins

It's February and it is time for Baseball!!! That's right, we don't wait around for those silly pros to get started first -- we get things rolling before the heat gets turned up.

The boys had "try-outs" this morning -- they call a skill evaluation tryouts so they can be sure one or two teams aren't stacked with the best players. I think this is a great idea and if it works, should level the playing field. In any case Clark and Ryan are real excited. We had to track down their gloves, cleats and baseball pants. The fee is more here, but included in their fee they will get real baseball jerseys, hats, socks and pants. It should be a lot of fun.

It has been raining the past few days and been cold. Twice this week we woke up to frost on his windshield!!! We can't resist poking a little fun at the cold weather the folks have been having back in Utah.

We have found the camera, but we still haven't posted any pictures, sorry. We shall try to do better. The house is comfortable and Emma is in love with her pink room. She has a friend come over Friday to play and she had to show her the pink room. Although a handful, she is fun to watch as she continues to be all girl!

Stephanie got her visiting teaching assignment and she is excited about getting involved in the ward and making a contribution. The Bishopric seem very nice and the ward has been very accepting to our arrival. It appears to be very organized and with all the military we are expecting an exodus of 1/3 of the members and expect to receive more this summer. The whole military coming and going thing ought to be quite the experience!

Talk to you again soon, love ya' all very much.