Growing up, I remember sitting on the front porch steps watching water cascade out the sprinkler. I also remember running through that same water that was nourishing our green grass. I can't say Dad was always thrilled with that last part, but for a kid, staring at a sprinkler is only so fun. Back then, my dad knew all the tricks of watering the lawn, but in case you don't, I have some wisdom to share about how to water the lawn. And no, I don't think sprinting or leaping through the water will make the tip list. While fun, I don't think it helps save money or the environment. . . .

Welcome to the Suitcase Dance 2008, the site of our first picutre.

I moved really far away first, and then she moved more West. This means, Janel and I are even farther apart than we use to be. Years ago we were just floors away, now we are miles and miles. In honor of her new home, it's Garden City, Kan., trivia time. . . .

Out here in Virginia, there are tons and tons of trees — at least compared to what I was use to back in Kansas. Not all of them are native to the area, but many thrive because of the wet conditions. So through my internship with ABET, I looked into the best shade trees in Virginia. (Read this on ABET's site, too.) . . .

Calvary men stand at the top of the ridge watching the battle ensue at Little Round Top and Devil's Den.

The battle of Gettysburg celebrated its 150th anniversary in re-enactment fashion last weekend and this weekend. Cole and I attended the smaller of the two re-enactment weekends. The first day include the battles at Little Round Top, Devil's Den, the Wheatfield and the Peach Orchard. The second day, which had many more people, showed Pickett's Charge. This is the charge the Confederate troops took toward the center of the Union lines on the third day of the battle. . . .

Cole and I join the crowd to watch the DC Fourth of July parade.

Fourth of July includes lots of fun and patriotism in the Capital. No better place to celebrate on our day off. We started the day off at the parade. The sun poured down on us as we watched band march, float riders wave and dancers shuffle down Constitution Avenue. We stood right in front of the National Archives. . . .