Cruising the Anacostia

One of the first friends I made after moving to Virginia was back in town after a few back to back State Department tours. She had actually been in DC for a year and had made several attempts to get together but it was only the week before she left again that we saw her. I was sad that we had not gotten together more often while she was here and with several years ahead of her in China, I'm glad we at least had one wonderful afternoon. We met briefly at her house in DC then went to Bladensburg Waterfront Park for a pontoon ride on the river.

I was excited to discover a new place! The park was right on the banks of the Anacostia river and was bordered by railroad tracks on the other side. It boasted a red caboose that the kids could explore. We saw a train pass while we were in the caboose, which we all loved.

The park offeres free boat rides on the river--you just have to sign up a short while before the departure time. We were geared up with life vests and ready to cruise!

I LOVED the cruise. We saw loads of wild life: turtles, birds and jumping fish.

The kids were pretty good about staying seated but at various points throughout the cruise Maeve and her little buddies got up and walked around the boat.

We cruised past the National Arboretum and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. 

Asher and Soren complained that the cruise was taking 'for hours' and asked when it was going to be over. Eye roll.

Photo by Maeve.

The day was gorgeous--sunny, warm and little to no humidity. It was the perfect place to chat with Lisa and get caught up as much as possible before saying goodbye again for several years.

Claire and the kids on the caboose.

Fancy pants Maeve does a train dance.

The DC area attracts turbo people and as a result, we have gotten to meet and know countless impressive individuals and families. The downside is that people come and go and that can be brutal when you grow to love such great friends. Happily, DC brings people back just as easily as it sends them away. I hope Lisa and her family love their time in Taiwan and China and I hope we see them again soon!!

Crazy Cutes

After getting shorn, the boys were super hyper and whipped out air guitar and all sorts of fancy moves. My sweet boys--so little and grown up all at once.

Asher's Summer Shaving

Asher's summer transformation was just as stunning as Soren's. Despite his solem appearance post cut, he was super giddy when it was done and ran upstairs to show Soren. They both laughed hysterically when they saw each other, it was really cute.

Soren's Summer Shaving

Before : After

I was going for a Ragnar Lothbrock look--he could pull it off.

Jamie suggested that I shave the boys for summer to make hair maintenance easier. I was a bit hesitant because they have a lot of hair and I'm always sad to see it go--mostly because they seem to grow up by a year or two each time they get a serious haircut. I also think a summer buzz is a pretty classic boy look and it's cute.

Soren was my first subject and he was patient with me. The before and after is quite stunning! I had fun with various styles as I cut their hair and I kind of wish I would have done a transitional cut or two before taking it all off. Next year!

Soren likes his new cut and was shocked when he saw himself in the mirror the first time! Maeve said he looked handsome and we've all been rubbing his soft head with fondness.

Pet Packages

Maeve joined me to check the mail one morning and brought Lucy kitty with her. She put Lucy in the package box for a 'nap' and I thought it was funny. Asher thought it was hilarious too and suddenly all the kids were tossing their stuffed animals in the package box.

I love kids. I would never think, "hey, how about I throw my toys in this empty space?" 

Sugar, Curry Kitty, Lucy and Banana King all 'nap' together.

Kids are fun and creative. I need to do a better job capturing the silliness and joy of daily life. 

Run or Dye

A few weeks ago I participated in the DC Run or Dye event with my friends Jocelyn, Dayna and Cannon. Dayna just happened to be eight months pregnant and her son Cannon just seven years old! Talk about turbo! I had not really 'trained' for this race but once I got there I realized that it wasn't a serious race and was meant to be JUST fun. We got there early enough to be at the very FRONT of the very first heat because it was June in DC afterall and fun or not, we all wanted to get home too. Jocelyn was headed to OBX and my kind friend Sarah was watching my three kids.

I wasn't sure if I would run the whole thing or not but once the race started I knew it was all or nothing. I parted ways with my friends and let it rip at the brisk pace of probably 10 minute miles, not that impressive. The course was flat and super easy so it was actually a breeze at said pace.

After everyone finished we tossed our dye into the air and headed home. Thanks to Jocelyn for suggesting the race and thanks to Sarah for generously agreeing to watch my kids for several hours in the wee hours of a precious Saturday.

petting zoo party

Asher and Soren's friend Thane celebrated his 5th birthday with a petting zoo! This was the second time we had been to a petting zoo party at his house but the first time with a horse! Maeve LOVES her play horses but wanted nothing to do with the real thing, which I can respect. Horses are BIG! Soren bravely rode a few laps around the Magnolia tree but it was Asher who truly loved it and had a relaxed, happy grin on his face the entire time. 

Kids love animals and Soren used to ask for a pet daily but having his dreams shut down daily really tamped his asking. I am not interested in a pet AT ALL. 

After the petting zoo party we napped then went to the pool with friends and had a lovely evening.