Here is Logan's super cute self portrait. I love all the bright colors! But most of all, I love those huge eyebrows!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
L, a self portrait
I was in Logan's kindergarten classroom this morning prior to the fall farm field trip. So nice to see all the beautiful artwork the kids have already done so far this year.
Here is Logan's super cute self portrait. I love all the bright colors! But most of all, I love those huge eyebrows!
Here is Logan's super cute self portrait. I love all the bright colors! But most of all, I love those huge eyebrows!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Gangs Dominion
When I was growing up, we used to frollick as teenagers a couple of times summer at Kings Dominion. A trip there was a highly coveted adventure. I remember going there in college too, and having a blast. Then it seems like in my late 20's, approaching 30, Kings Dominion just lost its appeal. The people who came there seemed to suddenly all have pagers (remember those?) and way too much gold jewelry for what is acceptable at a theme park, and kids on leashes. Lots of the good rides disappeared... the King Cobra, Mousetrap, the Haunted River with that awesome straight down plunge at the end (but your hands would smell like mildew all day from holding onto the handle in the boat). Rides with Spongebob themes started taking over.
Its not a particularly pretty park either. Having been to Busch Gardens, Hershey Park and Dutch Wonderland in recent years, those are far more aesthetically pleasing. And after we go to Disney in two months, we may never be able to step foot in Gangs Dominion again.
A funny side bar... once when Andrew and I were dating and possibly engaged, I can't quite remember, Andrew and I got up one day in September and decided to both play hooky from work. It was a gorgeous day, and we decided what better way to spend it than riding some coasters at KD? We set off on the two hour drive (remember, this is way early in the days of internet, and the only thing your cell phone (if you had one) could do was make a call (maybe). Never even thinking about their hours. It was after Labor Day, afterall, but we thought for sure they must still be open since it was still so nice outside. We pull up around normal opening time, and the entire lot was empty. Not a car in sight. Maybe some maintenence trucks but that was it. Closed. They were closed on weekdays. As in "The moose at the front should have told you". And if you've been to Kings Dominion, you know its in the middle of nowhere. So without even turning the car off, we made a giant u-turn in the empty lot and headed back up 95 North all the way to Potomac Mills Mall, where we browsed Ikea and probably bought some nice textiles.
Anyway. Andrew has worked for the same company for 11 years. Its a huge company, and every September, they rent out an entire theme park for the annual company picnic. It used to be at Six Flags in Maryland (which I fondly remember from my high school years as Wild World, my friend Ronda was proudly the Plush Manager). But the company got too big and they moved it several years ago to Gangs Dominion, a bigger park, instead.
So yesterday morning, we set off down 95 South to the land of coasters and funnel cakes. Its always amazing to me how huge his company is. Because you'd think a private event at a theme park, you'd stand a chance at getting on a ride or two without an hour line. But as I said, its a huge company and people invite other friends and family and before you know it, its pretty much just as crowded as a peak Saturday in July, minus the 100 degree weather.
The fun part is, walking around Andrew will run into some people he knows. They cater a free picnic lunch that isn't too bad. And every year, our boys can go on bigger and bigger rides. This year, Logan was in a funk and didn't really want to ride anything at all. Which is honestly just fine with me. I'm not so much into spinning things, since I gave birth my equilibrium just never quite recovered. I'm more into the people watching and just watching my kids enjoy themselves. People watching at a theme park is stellar, even at a company picnic, let me tell you.
Its nice of his company to do this for the employees every year. We always have a good time, and more importantly, so do the kids. One of these days, our boys will be old enough to go to theme parks and 'meet back up with us later'. I hope that day is still a long time away. There's just something magical about a day at a theme park with your kids, even if its at Gangs Dominion.
Its not a particularly pretty park either. Having been to Busch Gardens, Hershey Park and Dutch Wonderland in recent years, those are far more aesthetically pleasing. And after we go to Disney in two months, we may never be able to step foot in Gangs Dominion again.
A funny side bar... once when Andrew and I were dating and possibly engaged, I can't quite remember, Andrew and I got up one day in September and decided to both play hooky from work. It was a gorgeous day, and we decided what better way to spend it than riding some coasters at KD? We set off on the two hour drive (remember, this is way early in the days of internet, and the only thing your cell phone (if you had one) could do was make a call (maybe). Never even thinking about their hours. It was after Labor Day, afterall, but we thought for sure they must still be open since it was still so nice outside. We pull up around normal opening time, and the entire lot was empty. Not a car in sight. Maybe some maintenence trucks but that was it. Closed. They were closed on weekdays. As in "The moose at the front should have told you". And if you've been to Kings Dominion, you know its in the middle of nowhere. So without even turning the car off, we made a giant u-turn in the empty lot and headed back up 95 North all the way to Potomac Mills Mall, where we browsed Ikea and probably bought some nice textiles.
Anyway. Andrew has worked for the same company for 11 years. Its a huge company, and every September, they rent out an entire theme park for the annual company picnic. It used to be at Six Flags in Maryland (which I fondly remember from my high school years as Wild World, my friend Ronda was proudly the Plush Manager). But the company got too big and they moved it several years ago to Gangs Dominion, a bigger park, instead.
So yesterday morning, we set off down 95 South to the land of coasters and funnel cakes. Its always amazing to me how huge his company is. Because you'd think a private event at a theme park, you'd stand a chance at getting on a ride or two without an hour line. But as I said, its a huge company and people invite other friends and family and before you know it, its pretty much just as crowded as a peak Saturday in July, minus the 100 degree weather.
The fun part is, walking around Andrew will run into some people he knows. They cater a free picnic lunch that isn't too bad. And every year, our boys can go on bigger and bigger rides. This year, Logan was in a funk and didn't really want to ride anything at all. Which is honestly just fine with me. I'm not so much into spinning things, since I gave birth my equilibrium just never quite recovered. I'm more into the people watching and just watching my kids enjoy themselves. People watching at a theme park is stellar, even at a company picnic, let me tell you.
When we go to theme parks, we always have to get about five maps because Logan's favorite part of the experience is studying the map. This skill may come in handy if he were looking for something useful to all of us, but all he's looking for is where they have the games so he can try and win a giant hideous stuffed animal of some sort.
Our end of the day splurge... funnelcake and the boys made their own stuffed animals.
Its nice of his company to do this for the employees every year. We always have a good time, and more importantly, so do the kids. One of these days, our boys will be old enough to go to theme parks and 'meet back up with us later'. I hope that day is still a long time away. There's just something magical about a day at a theme park with your kids, even if its at Gangs Dominion.
Monday, September 12, 2011
at the shore
This past weekend, we took the boys out of school a tad early Friday and headed east. Southeast to be exact. I've been craving some sand in my toes and some salty sea air for months. Then last week, we had a six day stretch of torrential rains we thought would never end. Little did we know back when we planned this weekend beach excursion months ago, it would be perfect timing taking us out of the monsoons here and into the sun and breezes there.
My old friend Jay has a family beach house on the barrier island of Chincoteague, VA. He and his two kids, and we and our two, met up for a weekend of fun in the sun. I've known Jay since we were 13. We grew up in the same neighborhood, attended the same college, and spent many weekends at the beach house with all of our friends doing what college kids do. You know, beer pong, and the usual assortment of ridiculous drinking games.
We got to spend a good chunk of Saturday at the beach, which is on the Asateague National Seashore. On the ride back to the house, we even got a peek at the famous wild island ponies.
A great weekend with a good friend. Thanks Jay!
My old friend Jay has a family beach house on the barrier island of Chincoteague, VA. He and his two kids, and we and our two, met up for a weekend of fun in the sun. I've known Jay since we were 13. We grew up in the same neighborhood, attended the same college, and spent many weekends at the beach house with all of our friends doing what college kids do. You know, beer pong, and the usual assortment of ridiculous drinking games.
We got to spend a good chunk of Saturday at the beach, which is on the Asateague National Seashore. On the ride back to the house, we even got a peek at the famous wild island ponies.
A great weekend with a good friend. Thanks Jay!
Only at the beach can you get clams for $3.99 a dozen, and shrimp for $8.99 a lb.
The only downfall of beautiful, charming Chincoteague is the mosquitoes. This time of year, particularly, they are absolutely ferocious. As in, you get out of your car and run as fast as you can into the house. You don't sit on a patio unless its screened in. You buy Off by the case. These mosquitoes are so big, when you kill one it makes a sound as it hits the counter. They have stripes. That you can clearly see. In other words, I suspected going into this weekend we'd all come home with a case of the itchies. But, it was well worth it to dig for sand crabs, ride some waves and lick some soft serve at Mr. Whippy's!
The only downfall of beautiful, charming Chincoteague is the mosquitoes. This time of year, particularly, they are absolutely ferocious. As in, you get out of your car and run as fast as you can into the house. You don't sit on a patio unless its screened in. You buy Off by the case. These mosquitoes are so big, when you kill one it makes a sound as it hits the counter. They have stripes. That you can clearly see. In other words, I suspected going into this weekend we'd all come home with a case of the itchies. But, it was well worth it to dig for sand crabs, ride some waves and lick some soft serve at Mr. Whippy's!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Labor Day Weekend
It was time for a little road trip this past weekend, to spend some time with Grandpa Joe, Grandma Bobbie, Uncle Chris, Aunt Jessica, and cousins Josh and Maya. A great weekend filled with boating, beach time, swimming, a crab feast, and a birthday celebration for Grandma.
Aunt Jessica and Maya, ready for a boat ride
Aunt Jessica and Maya, ready for a boat ride
The little island we go to, only accessible by boat. The landscape there really change quite a bit from July 4th weekend, due to Hurricane Irene last weekend.
The boys made Grandma garden stones for her birthday.
Monday, August 29, 2011
the big K!
And just like that, there he goes. Logan has been SO excited for kindergarten, and this morning he couldn't contain himself. I literally had to set a timer for him to countdown minutes until we could go to the bus stop. The bus was a bit late coming, and the kids were antsy but then it pulled up and off they went!
I know he'll have a great first year of grade school! I just can't believe its already time!
I know he'll have a great first year of grade school! I just can't believe its already time!
My Dad and Bobbie are visiting, due to a power outage at their house from Hurricane Irene. They enjoyed seeing the boys off on their first day of school!
Logan and his good friend, E, ready for school!
How cute is this ... stepping on the bus at the exact same time, holding hands. Be still my heart!
After school we have a first day of school cupcake social, and then a pizzaria dinner with the neighbors. What a big day!!!
and third grade begins
What's the first day of a whole new school year without getting emotional? This morning, my sweet first born climbed out of bed at 6:45, got dressed, ate his pancakes and was ready to go seek the Adventures of Third Grade.
Third grade. How did this happen? Where did the time go? I know people say that, and I know exactly where the time has gone because I've savored every second of it.
Dylan, you make us proud every day. You approach school with such willingness to learn and welcome new experiences. Enjoy every moment, as I know you will!
Now, I have another one chomping at the bit to get to school, but the kindergarten bus doesn't arrive until 11:20. He's ready to go right now, counting the minutes! Photos of that send-off forthcoming...
Happy New School Year!
Third grade. How did this happen? Where did the time go? I know people say that, and I know exactly where the time has gone because I've savored every second of it.
Dylan, you make us proud every day. You approach school with such willingness to learn and welcome new experiences. Enjoy every moment, as I know you will!
Now, I have another one chomping at the bit to get to school, but the kindergarten bus doesn't arrive until 11:20. He's ready to go right now, counting the minutes! Photos of that send-off forthcoming...
Happy New School Year!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
a new year ahead..
This afternoon, the boys' elementary school held its annual open house event. Its an opportunity for the kids to come see their class, bring their supplies, meet their teacher and lets face it... start to mentally prepare for another school year. We start school Monday - Dylan, 3rd grade and Logan, kindergarten. They're both very excited, and we're all ready. It was fun to run into a lot of friends at school today and get excited about the year ahead.
Their teachers are both fantastic; we're so very lucky. Among other kindergarten-y things, Logan will get to take part in planting and working in the schools' garden and he's so excited about it. He has a couple of really good buddies in his class, and he's chomping at the bit to get in there and get busy. Dylan has some good friends in his class too, and his teacher is so kind, and experienced. I've signed up to help in both of their classes when I can, and always love to watch them in action at school and be a part of that experience.
Dylan will switch out to other classes for Social Studies and Language Arts. He has P.E. three times a week, and art and music, Spanish, and SEARCH (guidance). Logan will only go half day this year, so most of this day is spent in his same classroom. I'm happy DYlan's lunch is at noon - 12:30 this year. Last year, 12:40 just seemed so late. Both boys are allowed to bring a snack and water bottle to school though. I don't think we were allowed to do that when I was in school.
Dylan and his teacher, Mrs. W.
These late summer weeks always seem to go on and on, and their boredom kicks in. Fighting reaches an all time high, and my patience is running thin. School starts a week earlier than usual this year, and will get out a week earlier in June. This works for me!
Homework starts for third grade on the first day of school - around 40 minutes a night. I'm hoping we can roll right back into that routine as smoothly as last year. Logan will probably have a little homework as well. And if he doesn't, I'll make some up!
T-ball, taekwondo, fall swimming and Cub Scouts will all be firing up soon and life is about to take on a whole new level of busy. But its all great, and I welcome it all! Fall is a great time. It almost seems like the New Year, instead of January 1st. We all love the routine, the schedules, and giving our brains a work out again after summer.
We still have a few summer-ish adventures coming up in the weekends ahead with a trip to Grandpa Joe and Grandma Bobbie's, and a trip to the beach at Chincoteague. We're not quite ready to totally say goodbye to summer yet. But we're definitely ready to welcome the routine of fall.
Their teachers are both fantastic; we're so very lucky. Among other kindergarten-y things, Logan will get to take part in planting and working in the schools' garden and he's so excited about it. He has a couple of really good buddies in his class, and he's chomping at the bit to get in there and get busy. Dylan has some good friends in his class too, and his teacher is so kind, and experienced. I've signed up to help in both of their classes when I can, and always love to watch them in action at school and be a part of that experience.
Dylan will switch out to other classes for Social Studies and Language Arts. He has P.E. three times a week, and art and music, Spanish, and SEARCH (guidance). Logan will only go half day this year, so most of this day is spent in his same classroom. I'm happy DYlan's lunch is at noon - 12:30 this year. Last year, 12:40 just seemed so late. Both boys are allowed to bring a snack and water bottle to school though. I don't think we were allowed to do that when I was in school.
Dylan and his teacher, Mrs. W.
Dylan and our next door neighbor, S. They sit right next to each other in class!
Logan and his teacher, Mrs. H
He's so excited about all the fun stuff in the class!
These late summer weeks always seem to go on and on, and their boredom kicks in. Fighting reaches an all time high, and my patience is running thin. School starts a week earlier than usual this year, and will get out a week earlier in June. This works for me!
Homework starts for third grade on the first day of school - around 40 minutes a night. I'm hoping we can roll right back into that routine as smoothly as last year. Logan will probably have a little homework as well. And if he doesn't, I'll make some up!
T-ball, taekwondo, fall swimming and Cub Scouts will all be firing up soon and life is about to take on a whole new level of busy. But its all great, and I welcome it all! Fall is a great time. It almost seems like the New Year, instead of January 1st. We all love the routine, the schedules, and giving our brains a work out again after summer.
We still have a few summer-ish adventures coming up in the weekends ahead with a trip to Grandpa Joe and Grandma Bobbie's, and a trip to the beach at Chincoteague. We're not quite ready to totally say goodbye to summer yet. But we're definitely ready to welcome the routine of fall.
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