Reunion Weekend, Part One

For the past 18 months, several of my old Frederick Douglass Class of '89 classmates and I have feverishly planned, held conference calls, planned, budgeted, planned and organized and its finally here - our glorious 20th high school reunion.

Last night, we held a casual "lets get reaquainted" happy hour at the beautiful National Harbor area in Maryland. Except we've all been getting reaquainted via Facebook for the duration of planning this reunion so last night was more of a "lets get together, throw back some drinks, hug a bazillion times and then watch people get thrown off the mechanical bull".

Joe, Vic, Greg, Kevin

Rose, Me, Sara, Ronda

Carrie (reunion committee), and Steve

Allison, Sara, Me and Ronda


Ginger and Greg, who got the whole reunion planning started. Little did I know Ginger has lived about 5 miles from me for the past 6 years!

This guy broke the horn right off of the bull. See it laying to the left on the air mattress?

Tonight is the Big Night. The kids have a fun slumber party planned with our awesome neighbors John and Paige, with plans for pizza and cookie making, Wii and homemade pancakes in the morning. Knowing they'll be well taken care of, Andrew and I are looking forward to a celebratory night away at the Westin where we'll enjoy an evening of adult conversation, dancing and many adult beverages. AND most importantly, the first chance to sleep in past 8 a.m. in a LONG, LONG time!

the best part about making banana bread

well, that's a first

This is what the nurse said this morning during Logan's three year check up. I told him at the end of the appointment they were going to need to take some of his blood as part of his check up. I whispered to the nurse to pretend like she pricked my finger first, so I could have a positive reaction for him, then he would be more willing to have his turn.

The facade worked. She 'pricked' me, and I said "Ahhh, not bad at all! See?". Then Logan was begging for his turn. She stuck him, squeezed out a drop of blood for her slide thingy. And then it was over just like that. Except he was mad. "More! More! Do it again!"

She actually ended up having to do it one more time, because his iron levels came back slightly low. So another stick, this time he didn't need me to go first. He was thrusting his hand in her face, waving it around, demanding "Again! Again!". Low again. Slightly anemic.

So we'll be upping the daily intake of raisins and peanut butter and dried apricots, since most other foods high in iron are on Logan's Official I Would Not Eat This Food If It Were The Last Food On Earth List: spinach, liver, beef, beans, kale, peas, eggs, greens.

the good life

Friday evening, we were transported to a truly magical evening, with adult-only company, an incredible feast, and laughter that echoed in the night air. Magical. Our lovely neighbors invited us to an intimate surprise dinner party for a 40th birthday celebration for John. We were lucky enough to be included for one of the most memorable evenings I can remember in a long, long time. It felt as if we were on set for a movie being filmed in Tuscany. The hosts live in a home in rural Virginia about 30 minutes from us. The original home was built in 1780 and is one of the oldest houses in our county. They've kept much of the house original - exposing beams and floors, and added their own unique touches and additions. We drooled over their exquisite gardens as we sipped our wine and vodka lemonades, and then we enjoyed a delectable meal fit for royalty. Much of the food came from their gardens. Simply fantastic.

We haven't had many babysitters at all up to this point, but we tried a highly recommended babysitter a friend told us about. She reported that the boys were fantastic for her, and we hope to have her back again soon. It was so nice to have an adult evening out.

Table rustica...

preparing the hors d'oveurs table


Stephanie and Ken, gracious hosts..

Jessica, one of Paige's great friends...

evening in full swing as the meat smokes..

Paige, lets open them all!

the feast

the yeast rolls were to die for, there wasn't a single one left.. John helps himself to the beef tenderloin.

preparing to enjoy the bounty..

Thanks John and Paige, Stephanie and Ken for letting us be part of an exceptional and unforgettable evening.

water works

There's only one thing to do when you go to the pool and its too cold to get in. Sprinkler in the front yard!

Our awesome neighbors stopped by last night with this birthday gift for Logan. They know him pretty well because it involves water AND balls, two of his favorite thing. We gave it a try today, just before munching down some Super Hero popsicles on the front porch. Summertime in full glory.

natural wonders

We got a wild hair today, and decided to go into DC for an educational field trip. We've been stuck at home most of this week since Logan was sick. So we were up for an adventure to get us out of the house for several hours. I don't think he's quite up for the pool yet, and any kind of shopping is pure torture for both boys. So when I asked what they wanted to do today, they said Let's Go See Something Cool! Like at a Museum!

We hadn't been to the Museum of Natural History in DC for quite a while, and I figured that was our best bet. They have an insect zoo inside the museum, dinosaur bones, animals and maybe we'd even see stuff from Night at the Museum II (which we haven't seen yet, but it was filmed here).

To make the adventure even more of a nail biter, I decided Logan would wear big boy underwear. He's been doing pretty good with it at home, and I wanted to see if he could do it. So armed with a picnic cooler, spare shorts and underwear, off we went!

The new Sant Ocean Hall exhibit is where we spent most of our time, taking in all the underwater wonders.

Next favorite was the Insect Zoo, especially the live bee colony and the tarantulas.

In the Smithsonian Institute building (which I had never been in before, after living here since I was 8), we got to see the prop Pile of Loot from Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian and it includes replicas of such famous artifacts as Archie Bunker's armchair, Fonzie's jacket, and Dorothy's ruby slippers. I've lived here almost my whole life and I still can't believe we have access to all these incredible museums with free admission.

Then it was back to the car to retrieve our cooler, find a shady spot and settle in for a picnic lunch. Followed by peeing on the tire, and the voyage back to Virginia.

A sidebar from our adventure, and a travel tip for anyone trying to park in DC. I personally can't stand riding Metro. I think its painfully slow, expensive and just not a great way to get around with young kids who can potentially have the chance for naps and movies in the privacy of our own car. Also, there was that little incident a few weeks ago that makes it all a little nervewracking. Throw a stroller into the mix and its a nightmare, because half the time the elevators are broken. However, parking in DC is a catastrophe, especially during summer tourist season. We drove around forever before I finally spied a metered spot about four blocks from the museum. Parallel parked (on the first try, thank you very much) only to discover the parking meter was broken. Damn, foiled again! Except I noticed there is a parking meter hotline phone number you can call to report broken meters. Which is exactly what I did. The lady gave me a confirmation number to write down, said to stick it on my windshield and that would prevent me from getting a parking ticket. Wala! So basically, my plan the next time we venture to DC is this -- find a metered spot, jam some pennies in there, report it as broken and enjoy free parking for our duration. Just kidding. Kind of.

3

Dear Logan,

My little man, today you are three. Big boy time! I look back on these first years with you and can't believe we are already here. Where did this little boy body come from? It seems like you were just a tiny baby wrapped in a blanket in my arms. Life with you is like a roller coaster that never stops, and one thing is for sure; there has never been a dull moment since you joined our family.

You've accomplished so much during this past year. Your language has exploded and you know exactly what you want and how to ask for it. And if you don't get what you want, you know exactly how to file a formal complaint. You look up to your brother more than ever, and emulate everything he does. You've done your share of torturing Dylan this year, as only a little brother can. But as much as you torment him, you can't go a single second without knowing where he is and wanting to be right next to him.

I love watching the two of you play when you don't know I'm watching you. You have such a sweetness when its time to cuddle, and you still love to be held.

I love seeing the world through your eyes. You live at full throttle and there's never time to sit still. You approach everything in your world will complete gusto, and I can't wait to see where your passion takes you. I sometimes wonder if you'll be sky diving by the time you're six; if you'll be our little race car driver. That middle name Enzo might come in handy someday. Just try not to give me too many gray hairs along the way.

This year will be a big one for you. You'll be going to preschool in the fall just like a big boy. This will mean making new friends and not spending every single minute of your life with me, and I'm excited for you. You're up for the challenge. You surprise us all the time, and I know you'll make us even more proud.


I love you so much, my little Logan bear. Happy Birthday.

Mama

final day of two

I think something clicked with Logan over our little vacation. He's pooped only in the potty for the past five days now, initiating it every time, and has had very few pee accidents. Could this be it? Could it?

And its not only clicking in the potty training department. His language skills are suddenly blowing us away. He's speaking in full paragraphs, and clearly too. In the past few weeks there's been a huge noticeable advancement in his verbal communication. In fact, I'm wondering if when he begins speech therapy this fall, they'll tell us he no longer qualifies for the program. And I don't think its a coincidence we've seen far fewer meltdowns and tantrums with this new boost in language. I have to believe that when you have all the nouns, verbs and adjectives your need to convey your thoughts and needs, your frustration levels taper off a bit. He's constantly checking in with us to make sure all is well. "Mommy, are you happy?" I hear this at least fifty times a day. And he apologizes for any little thing he does, like a little spill. Or if I apologize to him, "Its okay, mommy."

Tomorrow I'll have a three year birthday post for Logan. But for today, I'm simply celebrating these new skills in maturity he's proudly showing and hoping they are here to stay.

On this last day of his being two, I'm proud of how far he's come with his speech and behavior and big boy skills. I jokingly didn't know if either of us would make it to three in one piece, but we're here and better yet, we're smiling.

Lake Anna July 4th

Friday afternoon, we stuffed the car full again, including a giant inflatable boat from the beach, fishing poles, piles of towels and sheets, coolers, life vests and umpteen bathing suits and headed three hours north to the family lake house at Lake Anna. After a brief stop at the local Super Walmart (where it seemed everyone donned a tattoo and/or beer gut except us), we were on our way. Two tanned, tired boys and a new adventure ahead - sharing a lake house with 22 other family members!

Why is it we all came down with nasty colds with hacking coughs just in time for this little vacation? It seems everytime we have a trip planned at least one of us gets sick. Oh well, it wasn't enough to keep us from partaking in the nightly marshmallow roast:

On July 4th morning, the kids were up at the crack of dawn ready for some water action and weather couldn't have been better:

Then it was time for a family cookout and crabfeast....




And a birthday celebration for Logan, who turns 3 tomorrow....







A little post-cupcake ride through the yard with Cousin Maya...




Then it was down to the boat dock for fireworks over the lake. Spectacular! And, we told Logan we ordered the fireworks just for his birthday. I wonder how many birthdays we can keep up that story going?

Can't wait for our next trip to the lake later this summer to make more memories. We're so lucky to have this beautiful place to spend time with each other.

three days at the beach

We were lucky enough to enjoy a double whammy vacation for the past five days. Last Wednesday, we drove four hours south to Sandbridge, Virginia (just below Virginia Beach).

We first enjoyed three blissful, sunny days on the quiet, private beach taking in sand and surf, putt-putt and fishing. Logan loved the ocean, this was his first real time that he could experience big waves and dig for sand crabs. And Dylan never left the ocean when we were on the beach. We didn't need any sand toys, just the big, beautiful ocean.

Here are a few photos that capture our lovely beach stay.

Arghhhh, Pirate Golf!

me and my boys

After rum runners...

The good life.

We then drove three hours north up to the family lake house on Lake Anna, Virginia to celebrate July 4th. I'll post lake photos tomorrow.