Chapter 7:  Mt. Vernon, Virginia  1965-1968

  After three adventure filled years in Europe it was time for the Halvorsen Family to load up and move back to the United States.  Grandpa received an assignment working in the Pentagon, which is headquarters for the Armed Forces of the US.  Grandpa talked about not looking forward to this assignment because of all the politics that are involved at the Pentagon but true to their nature, the family made this into an exciting adventure and great time of life. 

One fun story from this time is about Nana Bean getting ready for a talent show.  Grandma Alta wrote about this, "They (Nana and her friends) decided to sing and they have spent three weeks changing their name, deciding what they wanted for a costume, buying the material and pattern and getting go-go boots to go with it."  Nana even cut one of the girls hair for the performance.  Then she washed and styled all the girls hair.

One thing Grandpa Hal mentioned was a possible plan to teach in Colorado after retiring.  They were always busy making plans for the family but ultimately left it in the Lords hands where they would go and what they would do.  How can we exercise our faith in the Lord leading us where He needs us?  How has He lead you and your family?

This is where they bought a canoe.  A lot of time was spent camping, fishing, and rowing around in the canoe.  They made sure to attend the museums and monuments around the capital.  The kids all became involved in seminary, the ward, Nana was asked to be the pianist in church even though she was just a teenager.  The boys did scouts, teens did youth activities, they filled their lives with wholesome activities and friends.  

This was also a period of change, Grandpa Hal was promoted to Colonel,  Grandma Luella Halvorsen passed away, Uncle Brad started High School, Uncle Bob was baptized, and everyone was growing and changing.  Grandma Alta seemed to be the glue that held everyone together.  She had the kids practice their instruments, do jobs around the house, be responsible for their school work, and keep busy learning new things.  How can having responsibilities help kids to learn and grow?  What do you do around the house to help the family?