Trip to D.C.

Hello everyone,
Welcome to our humble, little corner of the Internet. Josiah and I would have posted earlier today, but we spent most of this afternoon loading hay trucks for a local farmer.

We'd appreciate if you'd pray for our brother Jonathan. A few days ago, he developed a really bad ear infection which has caused him quite a bit of pain and suffering. Please pray for his healing.

This week, we're posting photos from a recent trip we took with the Martin family to D.C.

Enjoy!

Let's get this show on the road!

The PRO gives us the lowdown on the METRO.

With a map like that, how could anyone get lost? (You'd be surprised.)

Hmm, it doesn't quite have the romantic aura of The General, but I guess it'll do.

The seasoned travelers settle back for the ride into the city. Josiah, stop looking so stiff!

Somewhere deep beneath D.C.

The US Department of Agriculture Building

Aren't you glad someone is keeping all those farmers in line?

"Uh oh, I think we're lost."

"Don't panic anyone, just stay calm and look around for a landmark."

"There has got to be something around here somewhere."

US Holocaust Memorial Museum

Our first stop of the day was at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. No picture taking was allowed inside the museum, so we don't have any pictures to show you. But you can visit the museum's website at http://www.ushmm.org

This museum was very well done and I highly recommend that everyone visit it sometime in their life. Because of the museum's subject matter, I would advise discretion for those with young children. There are many things in this museum which will make you wince and want to turn away, but I believe it is important for us to see these horrors and consider deeply their implications. It was an especially sobering experience for me as I considered how we in America are involved in our own holocaust today. Namely, the murder of thousands of unborn children every day under the approval of our civil magistrates. As I walked through the museum, I saw many chilling similarities between the Nazi holocaust of the past and the abortion holocaust of today.

We need to pray that God will have mercy on America and bring us to repentance for this horrible abortion holocaust. I know it isn't a pleasant thing to think about, but inaction and lethargy on this subject is not an option for Christians. We must not sit idly by and do nothing while this bloodbath is going on. May God have mercy on us!

- Benjamin

Walk to the Smithsonian

Philip acting like a backward country boy in the city.

"You know, the nice thing about this part of town is there's always a landmark in sight, just in case you get lost."

Isaac checking out the local wildlife.

Welcome to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History!

Family Reunion ;-)

This museum was by far the most militant evolutionary museum we've ever been in.

Yeah... right.

"From the Goo through the Zoo to YOU!"

(BTW, that creature in the picture is supposed to be our oldest relative.)

You got to keep your eyes open in those museums, you never know what might hit you from behind.

Hmm, what are all those people looking at over there?

Wow! The Hope Diamond - one of the most valuable gems in the world.

Beauty

IMAX Time!

Agent Conrad

Comparison Time

We thought this was interesting. In the two pictures below, Josiah and Ben each took pictures of the same subject, just from different angles and at different times of day.

So which one do you like better? And no, neither of us will be offended if you don't like our picture. ;-)

Benjamin

Josiah

Time to Go Home

Group picture.

Carmen takes a parting glance before descending into subway station for our trip home.

One thing is for sure, subway stations certainly provide lots of opportunity for neat pictures.

Riding home during the height of D.C. rush hour.

Over a delicious meal at Applebee's, we discuss the events of the day.

Thank you Martin family for the wonderful day! We really enjoyed it.

Painting with Light

A little while ago, Josiah and I took our camera outside for a little night shooting. Pretty cool, huh?

It's self portrait time!

BTW, we didn't do any photo editing in these two pictures. What you see is what came out of the camera.

~~~

Have a nice week, everyone! Take care and God bless.

Benjamin and Josiah

A Wedding and a Guest Blog Author

Hello everyone!
Ah, it feels good to get back to blogging! It's been a while, hasn't it? Well, you can blame the flu for the absence of fresh content on this blog. Recently, my whole family (myself included) came down with the flu. Over the period of a few days, our home turned from a busy place of work and play into a hospital ward with sick people lying everywhere. We were too sick to take any pictures of this exciting time in my family's life, so you'll just have to imagine what it looked like. :-)

For this week's post, we have something special for our readers: A guest blog author! Dale, our guest author, recently borrow my camera to cover the wedding of some friends of ours. Since most of our readers know the couple who got married, Dale made up a blog post for us to share with you all.

So we hope you enjoy the post. Remember, Dale takes full responsibility for this post. That means he gets all the praise and criticism. (OK, OK, Josiah and I did do some editing to Dale's original post, so I guess you can blame us too if you want. ;-)

Also, be sure to check out Dale's website: www.mountjoystudios.net (Dale, you may pay our commission in cash).

I'll now hand things over to Dale. Enjoy everyone.

Introduction

On Sunday, March Two, Nicholas and Lydia were married!

Kristen and I went out on Saturday afternoon to help out with setup. On Sunday, I served as the “official” photographer.

~Dale

Preparation

The sanctuary as it was when I arrived at 2:30 on Saturday afternoon. Looks like we’re almost ready!

One of the most valuable tools in the building.

Janna’s harp and music: ready and waiting.

Willing hands prepare the salad.

“He’s taking a picture of me!”

Meanwhile, back at the truck, Nicolas and Mr. R. ready the Extension Ladder (yes, that particular extension ladder deserves capitals – it’s quite the ladder).

Lookin’ cool.

Preparing to hang extra lights: “I was actually thinking it would work better over there, but since you’re the boss…”

How many grooms get to hang lights in the sanctuary the day before their wedding?

Kristen and Abigail work on the rice roses – Mrs. L’s creation.

“This one smells a little like…fabric. Go figure.”

Looks like we’re about finished!

Skillful hands (Nicolette’s) prepare the decorations for the bridal table.

All you’ll ever need to prepare for a wedding.

Hannah L’s prized scissors.

While the few remaining helpers finally make their way home at 8:30 PM, this lone lantern shines out like a beacon of hope, promising many happy hours on the following day.

The Wedding

All is in readiness. The bread and wine are for communion which will be Nicolas and Lydia’s first act together as a married couple.

Back in the reception area, guests mingle….

…and place presents…

…while Mr. B. spreads jubilation!