Aldie Mill and Snickersville Pike

Over the summer my mom and I noticed a farm that boasted an Angry Birds corn maze for the fall festival season. I did a search for angry bird farm and found just what I was looking for: Wayside Farm. I declared it our first fall festival and mapped out a road trip to maximize exposure to comely scenery. I took the kids to Aldie Mill, which is one of my favorite historic sites in the countryside. It's just to beautiful and quiet and it always feels like the world is ours when we are there. The kids loved it and I reminded them that we had been there before but it was Maeve's first time. 

After visiting the Mill we took the Snickersville Pike towards Wayside Farm and were rewarded with gorgeous farmland variegated with rock walls and soft curves. The sky was overcast, which added depth to the rich greens and burgeoning fall colors around us. It was a beautiful drive.

Maeve's Big Girl Bed and Assorted Adventures

Earlier this summer we graduated Maeve from her crib to a big girl bed. I thought nothing could be more challenging than transitioning Asher and Soren from their cribs to their beds--I was wrong. Maeve presented a whole new set of challenges. She didn't destroy her room frat party style, like her brothers, but she would NOT, I repeat, she would NOT stay in her bed.

One night she got out of bed probably 20 times. She would get out of bed and hide in my closet or run into the bathroom or run around Asher and Soren's room. I had no way of keeping her in her room. At my most desperate I pushed the rocking chair in front of her door knowing full well she could easily walk around it. Eventually I called Jamie in Afghanistan--woke him up even--to cry about my inability to get our daughter to stay in bed. The thing is--Maeve doesn't really respond to incentive. She has basically been potty trained without ONE single treat or bribe--she doesn't work that way (unlike her brothers, who still ask for treats after using the restroom). It would not have worked for me to offer a toy or treat if she stayed in bed. She'd be like, "Whatever. I don't care. I'm out of here!" Also, punishment schmunishment.

I knew it would just take time. At this point she goes to bed pretty easily and generally stays in bed all night. Sometimes surviving the 'and it came to pass' part of life can seem impossible, especially without the help and support of a spouse.

Maeve does love her room and wants to show everyone and anyone her big girl bed, even if they have already seen said big girl bed. 

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Maeve was super excited when she heard the bells ring. 

I love her.

The day my mom left I wanted to squeeze in one last adventure so we went to Eastern Market, a family favorite, and enjoyed the gorgeous weather. We then went to the Catholic Basilica, which is one of the few places we had not seen in DC. My mom took a quick tour of the interior while I explored the grounds and gardens with the kids. The structure was so beautiful, especially against such a rich blue sky.

The kids and I tarried near the fountain at Mary's Garden, which was quiet and calm. My kids wanted to throw pennies into the fountain and make wishes. After our quick visit we walked back to the car past a spooky, haunted looking house that no one was willing to stand in front of for a photo. They have their spooky limits.

One Last Spin with Grandma

After exploring the Basilica we hurried home so Asher and Soren could attend Aviva's birthday party. Maeve was in tears about not going so my mom and I took her to National Harbor for one final outing. Our destination was the carousel and Maeve LOVED it. She got to ride on the dragon, humming bird and panda bear. She was all smiles and kisses and so happy. It was a fun way to end our wonderful two weeks with my mom. She was especially turbo this visit--she cooked, cleaned, made party food and decorations and did crazy things like walk Maeve to Target (nearly two hours ONE way!). We went to the gym several times together and it was amazing to see her fitness level. She was kind and helpful and just what we all needed. 

My mom made surviving this year possible. She came out to visit several times, always when I needed her most. I feel lucky to see so much of her considering how far away she lives. The kids adore her and love to talk about how she does EVERYTHING and does it all so well. I can't wait for her to visit again!

Ladew Topiary Gardens

Now that the kids are in school it is a little trickier to go on extended outings because their schedule is pretty rigid. During my mom's visit, we had a lot going on that filled up time that would normally be open for anything. Well, we decided to skip church and visit Ladew Topiary Garden. My punishment was leaving my regular camera behind. At least I had my phone. The entire garden was one giant photo op.

We started our visit headed to the Nature Walk, which is about a mile loop around a woodsy, beautiful path.

We stopped by this fish pond on the way to the nature walk and it was the perfect introduction to the topiary garden. The kids LOVED it.

Beautiful in every direction.

My little poser. Sweet Soren is always willing to flash a smile for my countless photographs.

We saw so many butterflies, much to the delight of Maeve.

We took the stroller because I knew Maeve would want to be held most of the time and probably Asher too. My turbo mom pushed it the ENTIRE way.

There were not one but TWO polo fields on the property. I was explaining to the kids that polo was a game played on horseback and moments later we came out of the woods and found a polo match! 

Maeve entertained us with her "When I was a baby..." series. My favorite: "When I was a baby snake, you were my mommy snake."

Asher and Soren found a cute little fuzzy caterpillar. The kids were looking at it when suddenly Asher yelled, "DIE!!" and he stomped on the caterpillar. We were all shocked and I scolded Asher for killing the innocent bug. He was embarrassed and ashamed and retreated to the stroller. He quickly fell asleep and well, slept through the rest of our visit. Maeve was traumatized by the death of the caterpillar and talked about it for days. My mom laughed pretty hard about it later--silly Asher man. 

The kids didn't really like the nature walk but they LOVED the topiary gardens. I'm not surprised--the gardens were beautiful and whimsical and full of surprises.

We were drawn to the fountain--the weather wasn't super hot but it was warm enough to make us want to take a dip in the water.

We pretty much punk'd the fountain. I let the kids dip their toes and throw pennies into the water.

Maeve loved kicking off her shoes and running along the edge of the water.

The topiaries were stunning.

Asher slept. Starting school is exhausting.

Pretty sure we were cursed by a few visitors because of our stroller in the middle of the garden. 

My mom wandered around on her own while I sat with sleeping Asher and frolicking Maeve and Soren. When she was done exploring Soren and I walked around and discovering the gardens with him was such a joy.

He loved the topiary shapes and so did I.

The garden was divided into little gardens and they were all so lovely. 

The yellow garden.

Soren was so happy and asked several times if we could return and that's always a sure sign that our adventure has been a success.

Shortly after leaving this fountain I saw a snake and screamed! Soren saw it too and screamed even louder. We both sprinted towards my mom and the stroller. Soren's reaction made me laugh hysterically and we made quite the scene running and laughing/screaming.

These little ponds were full of frogs and fish, which Maeve loved.

The drive to Ladew was really beautiful--surely the area surrounding the garden must be one of the most gorgeous corners of Maryland. 

The fox hunt topiaries.

Ladew is my new favorite place in Maryland. I'm so glad we went with my mom. We all had a great time and can't wait to return. My mom is such a great visitor--she's up for anything and has the energy and endurance for hours of exploring.