Colonial Times

We had many interesting experiences at Mount Vernon on Saturday, including spymaster training, where our huge Spy Kids fans learned how George Washington used invisible ink to send secret messages. Then there was the amazing sunset celebration. While we were enjoying a beautiful view and picnic the kids were given a secret message to deliver to two ladies on the front lawn. The message had secret words ( more invisible ink!) and the lawn was filled with volunteers re-creating fascinating aspects of colonial life, from puppets to make up (Madeline was riveted) to dancing, singing, hoop rolling and a ring toss game called Graces, which we all loved.

Picnic

Ben Franklin puppeteer

Madeline and Sophie get decorative colonial 'moles'.

Playing Graces with my Madeline a Grace

Welcome Summer!

Aunt Melissa and Uncle Greg arrived to help us welcome summer with bubbles, a barbeque, a trip to Mount Vernon, a visit to the National Arboretum, and more. 

Madeline insisted that Sophie come pick her up on Friday... In the jeep!

Big bubbles

Bikini girls

Beautiful night for dinner outside

Family selfie on Mount Vernon boat ride

Pond full of frogs at the arboretum

It was over way too fast! But lots of fun.

No Party Like an Abra Party

It's not every seven-year-old's birthday that ends with the grown ups mud sliding. 

Have You Ever Seen The Grass So Green

...Or a bluer sky? It's been a gorgeous May week with perfect weather. A few scenes...

Patrick reading while putting on shoes

Madeline in a beam of May sunshine on our walk to school

Another fond farewell...Madeline blowing kisses from the window at Abra next to BFF Ella G.

Patrick on third base. He had a double play on a beautiful Thursday night game.

Picking up Madeline in the jeep...with special guest visitor Cousin Soph!

Chip Off the Old Block

Breakfast and a book. Swap Nancy Drew for Star Wars and this was me 33 years ago.

Easter Moments

Mothers Day Moments

Well, we had a little mishap with a cancelled plane this year so no celebration yet but on Friday I got a wonderful treat: a bag full of gifts from Madeline including three necklaces and a fan, and a beautiful card from Patrick. This was some consolation for the moment on Thursday evening when Madeline informed me she was playing "kids" and proceeded to buckle her baby into her car seat and hand her a Happy Meal.

Madeline orders from a pretend drive-through. Looking for my "mother of the Year" award any day now.

Baseball Begins

After just one year of T-Ball Patrick is on
to coach- pitch. The Silver Hawks won their season opener and Pateick scored a few runs. 

Bike to School Day

It was a beautiful morning for a long-anticipated bike ride to school!

The Big Sleep(over)

Patrick hada sleepover last night. We checked all the boxes: a movie with popcorn, sundaes, post lights-out giggling, early wakeup to play 'revolutionary war' and a little sister who kept reminding us it was her first sleepover too.

Pretty Purple Toes

Madeline and I had a little ladies' outing to Sugar Scrub today. She was delighted by the entire 'beauty parlor' process.