optimism

i think optimism is one of the most underrated qualities in a person. it's easily overlooked, taken for granted and never appreciated like it should be. and now you are probably wondering why this deserves a blog post? well this past weekend my appreciation for optimism grew {again}. being under the same roof as my husband and my mom for 3.5 days made the realize that these are the two most optimistic people i've ever met.

steve is the epitome of optimistic. just take one look at his career choice and this becomes extremely evident. he sees the possibilities this country can achieve and has decided to dedicate his career to this work. i remember when he first got back from his mission i asked him if politics he was sure that politics should really be a career choice rather than a hobby (like it is for most people) and he said that the best way for him to make a difference and a create a good future for our family is by choosing a career in politics. this kind of optimism has always been something i have admired. the approach most people take of "there's nothing i can do..." in any situation has never been an option for him. he always turns any frustrating, disappointing or rocky situation into a positive one. i give steve all credit for being able to up and leave what we knew was familiar a year ago and move across the country with no jobs, friends or family on the other end and stay positive through it all.

my mom defines optimism. everything is so uplifting and positive when she is around. after picking her up from the airport and going to our apartment it didn't take 5 seconds for her to start complimenting everything about our new home and neighborhood. even the quirks and weird things that I don't like about our apartment became minor in her eyes. this optimism didn't change all weekend, whether we were out to dinner, grocery shopping, site-seeing or doing laundry she was so positive and optimistic. although she has always been like this, it becomes more evident when you move away and spend less time together. she couldn't give enough compliments about steve and i's new phase of our lives and really confirmed for me that we are exactly where we are supposed to be right now. and that, my friend, is exactly what a mom is for.

you can just imagine that a weekend with these two was the most enjoyable thing ever. 

mom, thank you for coming and for all you did for us while you were here.
{including gift us with a gorgeous coffee table book of of our wedding photos,
even though it's been almost three years - so thoughtful!}

please come again {soon}!

a few photos of our weekend...

fords theater & the coolest portrait i've ever seen of president lincoln (at the national portrait gallery)

the view of the [back of the] capitol from the library of congress

the white house

most random highlight of the weekend: the peeps store at national harbor. steve was thrilled at the idea of a mike n' ikes wall - three pounds later, a happy boy!

arlington cemetery and the tomb of the unknown solider. incredible

the library of congress is amazing. the best part: thomas jefferson's personal library