Day 472 | Music Madness

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The new coffee shop in Takoma just started hosting a "Rise and Rhyme" series for little ones...right in our backyard! I am beyond excited to have another walkable activity for the boys and me.

After our first class today, I'm not exactly sold on becoming regular attendees. The atmosphere was madness (even though there is a baby sleeping on his dad's lap in the top-left photo) and the performer/teacher had no hope of keeping attention above all the parents who were more interested in sipping coffee and chatting (who, don't get me wrong, I wish was me...just not at a kids music class). There was no parent involvement and that makes it's hard to help your kids get the most out of this type of class.

I will say, Robbe seemed to really enjoy himself and Chase warmed up to the class and was singing and dancing by the end, too. I think we'll give another performer a chance in a week or two before making any snap judgements.

Day 471 | Thanks, Jason

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Uncle Jason was sweet enough to upload a Thomas the Train image for Chase to look at on the clock in our minivan. I'm not a huge fan, to be completely honest (I mean I already have to drive a minivan and now I have to look at a cartoon train while I'm driving...come on), but Chase loves it so I'll take one for the team.

That was the scenario until this weekend when Chris jokingly selected the other image Jason uploaded to the minivan: a family portrait, of his family. Chris thought Chase would revolt and demand Thomas back. Nope, he likes the new photo. Isn't that lucky? Now I get to stare at Jason, Erica, and the girls whenever we're enroute somewhere. Don't get me wrong, I love those guys, but again I don't really need them to be looking at me every time I'm driving. 

Maybe I'll try to change it when he's not with me (because he's been outspoken about not changing it when he is in the car), we'll see. 

Day 470 | Ice Cream

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Maybe it was just today's heat (the car said 101 when we loaded up) or the fact that ice cream has been far too absent in my life lately, but the ice cream at Moorenko's Ice Cream (in Silver Spring) was about the best I've had. We all shared chocolate chip, strawberries and cream, and cherry chocolate chip. Let's just say, delicious. And, if none of those flavors trip your trigger, every one we sampled (there are unlimited samples!) was equally as scrumptious.

Highly recommended!

Day 469 | Haircut Day

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Have you heard? It's national haircut day...at least around our house. I cut all three of my favorite boys' hair tonight, two (Chris's and Robbe's) for the first time. Big day!

It was sad to see sweet Robbe's baby hair fall away but it was time. Let's just say we moved past "cute and shaggy" a few weeks ago. He handled his first haircut (ever, not just by me) really well. I think it helped that Chase got his done first and Robbe does anything Chase does right now. When we asked him if he wanted to get his hair cut, he pulled on his locks and nodded yes. That boy was ready.

And I have to say, all three turned out pretty well. Maybe I've missed my calling. Even my first attempt at Chris's hair (who has got his hair cut by others, in case you're wondering), looks shockingly like the paid for version. Woohoo!

Day 467 | Saying Goodbye (Again)

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Have I mentioned that one of my least favorite things about this city is having to say goodbye? I'm sure I have. DC's transient nature means a lot of folks live here for a bit of time and then end up moving back to where they came from or close to family.

I had my official goodbye lunch with my good friend, Caia. She closes on her house tomorrow. Sniffle, sniffle. 

Day 466 | From Yesterday

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This photo was just too perfect not to post...a day late. The dentist photo needed its own dedicated space so I'll use this super cute one of Chase and his new favorite ball drop contraption today.

A friend suggested we check out the Discovery Comminications (as in the Discovery Channel) building in Silver Spring and boy was it a hit. You can tell by the excitement in Chase's face, right? We watched those balls wind, spin, drop, and jump through the exhibit for 20 minutes. That's equal to two months in the life of a three year old. I have to say, I was pretty entertained myself. The $0.50 paid for the visit (meter money) was totally worth it. 

Day 464 | A Takoma Sunday Morning

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Man, we rocked this morning. Read on for our schedule of events and I think you'll agree:

1. Walk to our favorite breakfast place to meet friends for some delicious egg sandwiches. 

2. Enjoy a lovely shaded park with said friends while chasing around Chris's new parachute toy (that is not a typo). 

3. Patronize a local store (shop local!) for the long-sought-after solution to our drippy shower head problem. 

4. Enjoy oodles of samples of fruits and one veggie at the farmers market. And we brought some goodies home, too, don't worry. 

5. Wrap up the morning with a walk home before the peak of heat hits. 

See, it couldn't get much better. 

Day 460 | The Mall

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Every time we venture down to The Mall for a morning outing it turns into the best decision ever. Today was no exception. 

It turns out the cure to overcoming a rocky start to the morning is holding various insects, watching a turantula eat her weekly meal, learning about animal skeletons, and running up and down a well-placed ramp at the National History Museum. Oh, and a lovely picnic in a shady spot overlooking the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial to wrap up the outing. 

I need to get up the motivation to trek down there more often...even if it is the height of tourist season. 

Day 459 | Walking in the Rain

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What happens when you've been cooped up for too many days because of the heat but it's raining post-bedtime? A walk in the rain, of course.

It's actually quite lovely, you know, to have nowhere to be and no reason to stay dry. Just me and my thoughts enjoying the city I call home. 

Special note: I think this is the first complete selfie (that is, of just me, no one else). Don't hate me for it. I promise it won't become a pattern. 

Day 458 | Monday

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A great Sunday followed by a pretty good Monday. The boys and I had a lovely low-key morning with an errand checked off the list and some beautifully shaded playground time. A cheaper than expected plumber visit (but still too expensive, obviously) with a quick and easy fix was equally as exciting.

Now dinner is ready to go in the oven and the boys are enjoying a well-coordinated nap time. No complaints here. 

Day 455 | Rough Day

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As expected, our first full day of "normal" life with just the boys and me was less than ideal today. Why is the transition back from vacation always so hard? Hmmm...maybe it's the constant attention that is no longer offered. Or maybe it's the fact that they haven't needed to do anything they didn't want to do...not the case any longer. Or maybe it's just that they're missing all our amazing family and friends...that's why I'm pretty mopey.

We did have some happy moments, though. We all sported our new Wisconsin tees (thanks, Grandma Mary!) and got some quality snuggle time in.

Thank goodness Chris only had to work one day this week or I think we would all be dreading tomorrow.

Day 453 | Travel Day

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Goodbye, Wisconsin. Hello, Washington, DC.

Aside from a couple of illnesses that tried to derail our vacation enjoyment, we could not have had a better trip. Thanks to all our friends and family for spoiling us with your time, your hospitality, and your love. 

Oh, Wisconsin, dear friend, we'll be back for good some day. 

*Side note: the boys did great on the flight! Best two-baby flight to date.