US OPEN!

I feel like Ryan should write this post. I'll give you some photos and hopefully Ryan will fill in later with details. It was a very awesome experience. We were only allowed cameras on the course during the practice rounds, so of course that is when these photos were taken.  Two of us at a time also got to walk along the course with Ryan.  The crowds were bigger during play, which made it often times difficult to see his shots. As family we got a lot of perks like getting free lunch and snacks in the clubhouse, discounts on merchandise, special parking lots, shuttle services, free daycare (with police security outside), cell phones on site.  I also got a spouses gift pack with lots of goodies inside like a scarf that retails for $110, candle, wine, congressional charm, coupons  and had I arrived earlier I could have gone with the other wives on a tour of DC!  I could get used to that lifestyle!  It was all so amazing.  I just hope Ryan got a taste of the good life and it lights a fire under his rear to really take his game to the next level. 

The first 2 videos were of Ryan on the 18th green and was shown on ESPN!

This was the photo in the New York Times!  Along with the link to the article.

New York Times Article

And here is the link to the article in the News Times (Forest Grove, OR local paper)

News Times Article

The rest of these photos are a out of order as I stole them from multiple sources. Enjoy!

Bryce got to hang out with Daddy for a few holes during the practice round, otherwise he was playing at the complimentary daycare. The ladies watching him really enjoyed his company.  It was also great because they had shuttles between the course and the daycare facility for us parents!

Ryan's name plate for the range.  We got to steal it!

Bryan and I on course during the practice round.

The car Ryan got to drive around for the week!

Signing autographs!  So proud!

So glad Paul got to come and experience this awesome week.

3 generations!

Ryan with his swing coach and caddie for the week, Neil

Ryan's official 1st shot from the 1st tee box of the 111st US Open (that I illegally took with my phone)!  It was so wonderful to hear them call out his name just before he teed off.  I got a little teary eyed. I was so proud of him. Hopefully we will get to experience it again next year.

Bryce having some fun on the driving range after the 2nd round.

If you have not already checked them out, Ryan also has these and many more photos on his facebook page.

Washington DC

Since we were in the area and had never been to Washington DC, we decided to see the sites last weekend.  I was quite disappointed.  I had expected that the area just surrounding The White House would be pristine with lush lawns, flowers, etc. Instead it was dirty and run down. It didn't seem to portray what a great nation this is.

The mud we waded through to see the White House

Stupid terrorists! This was as close as we got!

Bryan, Neil, Dad, Bryce and Ryan in front of the Washington Monument

The WWII Memodrial, Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool (which was non existant as it was under construction) as viewed from the Washington Monument.

Bryce enjoying the long stroll

I really liked the WWII Memorial, it was very nicely done.

The Lincoln Memorial

Vietnam Memorial

The back of the White House.  Thankfully we were able to get much closer. 

Of course we were behind a gate and could see snipers all around.

The street sign outside the White House.

I'm glad I went to visit and hopefully will venture back to see the rest of the city.