Not So Bummer Summer

 A few days before school got out Atley and I went on a date to Judy Moody's Not So Bummer Summer. Of course when we got home we had to make a list to make sure our summer was not a bummer. 

 Here is our Not So Bummer Summer To Do List:

Go to a Washington National's Baseball Game

Find the Potomac on the trail by our house

Have a campout in the backyard

Visit Luray Caverns

Teach Nash to Ride his bike without training wheels

Swim everyday

Go to the beach twice

Complete the Library's Summer Reading Program

See Cars 2 & Mr. Popper's Penguins

Visit at least 3 different parks

Complete the Children's Friend Summer Reading Program

Go to a Water Park

Watch Movie's on the Potomac at National Harbor

Go to a Spray Park

Visit the Children's Museum in Baltimore or Norfolk

Go to Colorado

Visit the Bureau of Engraving & Printing

Visit Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Go to the Smithsonian Culture Festival

Go to Antietam

HAVE FUN!

We have finished a few of the items on our list and we have even done some things we hadn't planned. For example, yesterday we crossed the Spray Park off of our list! This activity was fun for some and more of a bummer for others.

Bib Necklace Tutorial

Supplies:

1 piece of Houndstooth pattern felt

1 thrift store silver chain

Hot Glue

First Day of Summer Vacation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A New York Minute

Last night while we were sitting around the dinner table and I was anxiously waiting for bedtime so that I could curl up on the couch and watch the Bachelorette, Scott got a phone call. There was a work emergency in NYC and he had to go. "When?"  "Like NOW!"  Then he says, to the boys delight, "Do you want to come?"  "Sure."  We cleaned up dinner, packed in lightning speed and hit the road. We got to Manhattan around 11PM and Scott immediately went to work.  The kids and I checked into the hotel. We stayed in Times Square which we have never done. It was really fun being in the middle of all the excitement.

Harley was completely mesmerized by the bright lights of Broadway and all the kids wanted to explore the surrounding streets despite the late hour. We opted for bed, but probably should have stayed up and partied because Harley was a nightmare in the hotel room.  All she wanted to do was look out the window pointing and saying, "THIS! THAT!"  She finally settled down around 3AM which is about the time that Scott came back.  Unfortunately, he had to leave again before 6AM and at this point the boys were up and ready to go.  We had a quick bite and headed out. First, we went to Good Morning America until the kids got bored. Then we spent some time walking around Times Square.

To celebrate the summer solstice there was a giant YOGA party in the street.  Oh, how I wanted to be a part of it! But it might have been a little difficult with a baby on my back and two little boys in tow.  I am not sure what was more entertaining, seeing the thousands of female YOGI's in their awkward positions or watching the men on the street who stopped to watch the women!

Scott finished his work and we met up parking our car near Central Park and the Plaza Hotel. The hotel was absolutely fascinating to the boys because according to Atley that is where the kid stayed on Home Alone 2.

The most important thing to the boys was a visit to FAO Schwarz.  They were so eager that we arrived 20 minutes before it opened. 

Recognizing their excitement to get inside, the workers in the store actually formed a line for them and clapped as they entered-the first customers of the day.

Harley was fascinated by the thousands of stuffed animals both big and small.

Of course, we all played the BIG piano!

Next, we headed to the Empire State Building but we just let the boys hang out the sun roof  and wave as we passed!  Finally, Scott dropped me off in the Fashion District (35th-38th between 7th & 8th Ave), where I lost myself in fabric stores for about an hour.  I wish I would have taken pictures of all of the fabric.  It was so cheap, with an amazing variety from all over the world. I can't wait to go back when I have a whole day to look around.  We left the city before noon and got back to D.C. less than 24 hours after we left. We are tired and a little grouchy but we had a very memorable 1st day of Summer!

Happy Father's Day!

Nash's Father's Day gift to his dad pretty much sums it up!  At our house we definitely think that "Dad Rocks!" 

Just look at the fun he had with the boys on their Slip-N-Slide even though it specifically said "Ages 5-12" on the box.

Since I am always writing my thoughts about motherhood, I thought it would be fun to ask Scott some questions.  So, I interviewed him.

What is the best thing about being a Father?

"Being loved by your kids!"

What is the hardest thing about being a Father?

"Discipline!"

What is your most memorable fatherhood moment?

"The births of each child."

What are your favorite things about each child?

"Atley:  His caring nature.

 Nash:  His attitude.

 Harley: Her sweetness."

What are your greatest hopes for your children?

"That they will turn out better than me!"

What is the most important thing you want them to know?

"That I love them no matter what!"

American Girl Doll Grand Opening

Today was the Grand Opening of the American Girl store in D.C.  Harley and I, with some friends, got up bright and early to get in line and join the throngs of people who were equally excited for this blessed event. We luckily arrived early enough to avoid the hours of waiting that some people must have been facing.

Harley brought her Bitty Baby and window shopped while we waited.

Outside there were also activities and freebies. Check out Harley's balloon Elmo hat!

Finally, we were inside and it didn't take her long decide, with momma's help, that she definitely needed the Bitty Baby stroller.

We had a very memorable mother-daughter morning!

Book Review #2

This book is about a young midwife during the Civil War. Her greatest desire is to become a surgeon which was unthinkable for a woman in the 1800's.   However, the war provides her the opportunity to learn things she might not have wanted to know.  I especially enjoyed this book because Mary was living in Washington D.C. and dealing with the battles that occurred near our home in NOVA.  Some of the details of childbirth and leg amputations made me a little squeamish.  Perhaps I could have done without such graphic descriptions. The cover tells of an epic love story, but the romance was lacking.  Historically, this is a great novel that sheds new light on one of the darkest time periods of American History. Unfortunately, there is one scene where a depraved soldier abuses himself and three or four swear words, neither of which added anything to the story. Other than that, it was a clean book  as long as you are okay with gruesome medical jargon. If anything it certainly makes you thankful for modern medicine. 

I give it 3 1/2 stars (out of 5). 

Cabin John Park

Today was a BEAUTIFUL day, warm temperatures, low humidity, and perfect for a day at the park.  Nash, Harley, and I went to a place called Cabin John Regional Park in Maryland.  It is a shady place (shady trees, not shady scary )with lots of picnic areas, play equipment for all ages, and this adorable little train that you can ride through the woods for $1.75. We even saw a giant beaver in the woods, which for some reason only made me excited.

 Of course, Harley thinks that she is as big as her brother and tries her best to keep up.  She actually did pretty good climbing the equipment, sliding down, and brushing herself off when she fell.  She had a routine when she would fall into the wood chips. She would hop up, brush off her belly, brush her hands together a few times,  then pat her butt twice before playing again-perhaps a little OCD but cute nonetheless.

  Since Harley was born Nash has always been a fabulous big brother.  He has loved Harley from day one and I don't think he has ever felt a moment of jealousy.  I love how kind and gentle he is with her. I hope that he always looks out for his baby sister.  She adores Nash as well and it is so much fun to watch them interact.  With Atley getting out of school next week I am sure Harley's playtime with big brother will be trumped by Nash's playtime with Atley.  That fact made watching them play today all the more sweet.