Dutch Oven Dinner

It was a little rainy, but we enjoyed our dutch oven dinner.  The kids were all great in helping set up. We loved getting together with friends, and of course we had some fabulous food!

Flight 93 Memorial

It was worth the trip to the Flight 93 Memorial in Pennsylvania.  It's humbling to remember September 11, 2001.  It was fascinating to learn more about the events of that day.  Two of our Census Bureau colleagues were on that flight, and Marion Britton's bronze medal was on display.  I remember seeing the smoke rise from the Pentagon and trying to decide where to go once we were released from work. I was debating between going home (closer the Pentagon and downtown) or stay in Maryland for a while.  I went home and after watching the news for quite a while took a bike ride. No one else seemed to be out that day and it was so quiet.  Often it is quiet as we remember those who have left us and feel their loss.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

It's so fun exploring and being out in nature.  It's awesome when there are waterfalls, bike trails, hiking paths, covered bridges, railroads, canals, and other historic locations all in one park.

Toledo

Our lighthouse cruise in Toledo didn't have nearly the speed our boat did on Friday, but I really enjoyed seeing the Toledo Harbor and Turtle Island Lighthouses.

Lake Erie Lighthouses

We had great weather on Friday for our lighthouse trip.  In addition to the planned lighthouses and islands, we were able to see a few bonus lighthouses.  We spent some of the day on the island of Put-in-Bay.  At the Perry Memorial we learned more about the war of 1812, and the battles there on Lake Erie.

Lighthouses include:

Port Clinton

West Sister Island

Pelee Island Lighthouse (Canada)

Pelee Passage New Lighthouse (Canada)

Distant View: Southeast Shoal Lighthouse (Canada)

Green Island

South Bass Island

Perry Memorial

Marblehead

Sandusky Harbor Breakwater

Cedar Point

Ohio Trip

This year for our lighthouse trip we went to Lake Erie.  We camped at East Harbor State park.  The first day we saw two skunks.  One right in our campground.  We were a little worried, but we didn't see them again the rest of our stay, and we didn't get sprayed.

We didn't visit Cedar Point Amusement Park, which claims to be the best ranked amusement park in the United States.  And for many years, the top in the world.  But we did enjoy many of the other attractions in the area.  Saturday there were some storms, so we went and watched a movie for the afternoon.

There were several lighthouses between Cleveland and Toledo that I hadn't seen yet, including:
Lorain Lighthouse
Vermilion Lighthouse
Huron Harbor Lighthouse

Philadelphia

We live about 3 hours from Philadelphia, and were able to take a day trip with the kids.  In preparation we had watched National Treasure.  We learned about Benjamin Franklin, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell.










































We had a blast joining the Continental Army, and learning about the rations, dental requirements for enrollment, and how to launch a bayonet charge.  Of course we enjoyed the Philly Cheesesteaks and other curiosities in town as well.  I don't think I've ever seen a bicycle bar before!

We wrapped up the day with a tour of the LDS Temple.  They have tours once the building is completed and prior to the dedication.  This is the reason we came to Philadelphia.  I am so grateful for temples that bind families together.  I am so gateful for the opportunity to learn about our Father in Heaven and His plan for us and our adventure here on earth.

2016 Butikofer Vacation

So much fun on our trip out west this year...  hope you enjoy this video!

Blessed

Yesterday I was cleaning the bathrooms and just had a random selection of songs playing.

I really like the song "Haven't Met You Yet" by Michael Buble.  When it came out I was single.  It was fun to listen to and dance to, plus it's romantic and full of hope.

And I know someday that it'll all turn out

You'll make me work so we can work to work it out

And I promise you kid, that I'll give so much more than I get

I just haven't met you yet

Well it's been a few years and I have met him.  We have been married for four years and I am constantly amazed by him.  He loves his kids, he builds me shelves, he gives amazing talks, he works with the scouts, he loves nature, he supports my lighthouse quests, he takes us tubing and fixes our bikes, he cooks, he has faith in Jesus Christ and honors his priesthood, he's smart and he even volunteers in the nursery when needed.

Oh, and did I mention that he cleans?  I was cleaning the bathroom for the first time in four years, because he always takes care of it! We work together, but in so many ways I do really get so much more than I give...

California Lighthouses and Long Beach Harbor

I had a work trip to Los Angeles, and got to see the four lighthouses in that area that I haven't seen on previous trips.

Point Vicente Lighthouse


















Point Fermin Lighthouse
















Los Angeles Harbor (Angel's Gate) Lighthouse
Long Beach Harbor Lighhtouses

I took a harbor cruise to get better views of these lighthouses, but still were fairly far away.  I did learn a lot of cool things about Long Beach Harbor.  It was also awesome to get a view of the lighthouses from the airplane as we were taking off.