Maddle and the Motorcade

Madeline was already thrilled to be staying home thanks to a minor throw up on the way to school. On my way home from Target for saltines and such I noticed that a block of Mt. Vernon Ave was shut down. The secret service was everywhere. I quickly parked and Madeline and I ran up the street to see what was going on. President Obama was in Fireflies restaurant! We grabbed a seat at the counter at Mancinis across the street and watched the 'action' which was a lot of waiting around looking at the press corps and secret service. But then we saw Obama walk out, and he waved as the motorcade drove by. I couldn't believe the set of factors that allowed her and I to be home together on such a big day and see the president from the window of our family hangout. Madeline, who as a native Washingtonian is less impressed by these things, said 'that was fun. Can I go home and watch Frozen?'

Growth Spurt?

...or a tapeworm? It's not even 6 pm and she's eaten two eggs, bacon, fruit, black bean soup, burrito, black beans ( just a bowl, plain mom), snacks at birthday party, birthday cake, broccoli, strawberries, 8 chicken nuggets and no slowdown in sight....

First Base Finesse

Patrick closed out a fun season with the Silverhawks with two amazing plays at first base and a great hit ( a single). All of the coaches and teammates congratulated him, and he had a grin from ear to ear.

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!