18 holes

We love us some putt putt golf. Little did I know until today we have one of the highest rated miniature golf courses in the U.S. so close to where we live! It was amazing, with a cool, authentic Indiana Jones theme. There were smoking crates, animated animals and witch doctors, screeching monkeys in trees and poison frogs spitting water from the bamboo brush. Awesome! Did I mention lately that we're having a really fun summer?

two wheels!

What a night! Mark the date - July 30th, 2009. Dylan learned how to ride a two wheel bicycle! He mentioned last week that he was ready to try. We've been waiting for it to be his idea....past experience has taught us things go much better once he comes up with the idea (or at least thinks he did).


We went for pizza tonight with Grandpa and Grandma, and during dinner Dylan said he wanted to come home and take his training wheels off. So home we went and within 30 minutes he was flying down the road! Here is a little video clip.

Grandpa Joe told him now that he knows how to ride a bike, he can ride it around the world. And I wouldn't be surprised at all if he gives it a try. Well done buddy!

one crazy summer

The summer has suddenly taken on an almost frantic pace, and its not slowing down anytime soon. Its all good stuff but holy cow I'm exhausted. Blogging has taken a back seat lately as our days seem to fly by racing from one activity to the next. I know before we even realize it, its going to be back to school. In fact, I got Logan's paperwork and tuition all turned in at preschool today. School starts officially in 41 days, and in that time we have three more trips planned, tons of parties and bbq's, concerts and days at the pool.

Here's a little summary of the last week or so.

First, Dylan enjoyed a week at McGruff Safety Camp, where he learned how to be safe at home and at play. I have to say, though, McGruff looks a little possessed in this photo doesn't he?

Then it was off to the lake house for the weekend. Great weather and lots of boat time. A nice little preview weekend to gear us up for our big 10 days we'll spend there in less than two weeks. Dylan spent hours driving the jet ski, and Logan had his first tubing experience and seemed to enjoy himself. We also drove the boat to the middle of a cove and all dove into the water for a little swim. Awesome!

This Monday night, we took the kids to the good old fashioned Loudoun County Fair Demolitian Derby. Some GREAT people watching, and smoking crashing cars. Sweltering heat, filthy rides, corn on the cob eating contest and carnie-folk aplenty. What could be better and more summery? Logan keeps asking to go see the crashing cars again and I'm sure will be recreating the derby with his Matchbox cars every chance he gets.

And now, Grandma Bobbie and Grandpa Joe are here from Florida for a little visit. This afternoon, the boys took turns pushing each other down the slip-n-slide and tackling each other.

the road not traveled (yet)

At what age do most kids learn to ride a two wheel bike? It's been on my mind a lot lately. Dylan's been in an awesome McGruff Safety Camp this week, and Tuesday was bike safety day. He's always been far more interested in riding his scooter, while the bike has just sat in the garage. And its an awesome bike, modeled after a Harley Davidson complete with flames and studded seat.

On the way to camp Tuesday, with bike loaded in the back, he was suddenly embarrassed to show up with training wheels. Its the first time he's ever mentioned anything about his bike, or the fact he isn't riding a two wheeler yet. I'd say about half of his friends his age are there, including Big C who just learned this week, the other half still have training wheels. One of our friends gave us their sons' old two wheeler bike, that is a bit lighter and smaller model than his Harley bike, I think it will be easier for him to learn on.

So I think soon, we'll be taking the two wheel bike to a nearby empty parking lot and giving it a whirl. He's 6. I think its time. And he's mastered so many other physical activities already.

Jeans, helmet, elbow and knee pads. Check. Hopefully we won't have to pay a visit to the ER. But if we do, at least its only 5 minutes away.

20 years later....

I'll still reeling and recovering from my 20th high school reunion, where we partied like it was "1989". The partying part - we still got it. The problem is, recovering takes much, much longer than it used to.

We had a lovely, fun, wild and hilarious time. And there are hundreds of photos on Facebook to prove it. Here are a few of the highlights.

Aerial view of happy hour Friday night...

My great girlfriends Ronda and Sara. We've been friends since 7th grade.

The entire reunion planning committee: Ginger, Marty, Carrie, Greg, me and Bruce. 18 months of planning, umteen conference calls, bazillions of emails all resulted in one heck of a great weekend!

Andrew, I think, had a better time than everyone else at the entire reunion combined.

Ronda, Sara and I bust out some moves from the Thriller video.

My friend Joe, who's in a rock band now up in Jersey.

Jenny, Melissa, Jennifer, Rose and Me

The after party in the hotel bar. Back: Debbie, Hope, Sean, Greg Front: Ronda, Shaney, Ginger, John and Jeff.

The after-after party in Ginger and Jeff's room at the Westin, this is about 3 a.m. with 25 people crammed into the room.

Frederick Douglass High School, Upper Marlboro, Maryland

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.