First Day of Preschool

Nickolas and Lucy had a successful first day of preschool at First Baptist Church in Alexandria near Old Town. We're all excited for the program - Nickolas goes three days a week and Lucy goes two days from 10-2. We don't have to get ready too early and they get to eat lunch with their new friends. Nickolas has a very busy schedule including science, music, bible lessons, and outdoor play and nature walks. Lucy's schedule is a little more lax where after lunch, she essentially naps for the remainder of the school day. Nickolas ran right into his classroom and was very eager to start. Lucy, with a very serene look on her face, was handed over a half door to her teacher then mommy cried. With her doll in hand, she went right for the toys and was just fine with the situation. At pick-up time, Lucy was curled into a little ball on her sleep mat, so mommy went to pick up Nickolas in his classroom on another floor while Lucy's teacher woke her up. Nickolas and Lucy were excited to see each other and told us about their day the whole way home.


We're ready!


Lucy wasn't wild about wearing her backpack (perhaps on bare shoulders).


So she opted to play with it while Nickolas proudly wore his firetruck backpack.


When parent's asked Nickolas was his name is, his response: "Firefighter Nickolas".

Literally running into his classroom (without saying bye).

Remembering Some of Our Nation's Heros

It's hard to believe it's been 9 years.

Arlington County Fire Department Engine 5 in nearby Pentagon City was the first to respond to the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. About two weeks ago on a hot Sunday morning, a public event took place at the fire station in partnership with New York City that presented steal from the World Trade Center to the fire station. There were lots of motorcycles, bagpipes, and various types of fire trucks - one particular truck had the names of all of the NYFD fire fighters who died that day with the NYFD Chaplin's name front and center. It was a lovely event (for as long as the kids lasted) and something we'll never forget.

Bye Bye Jeep

It was a good run. We had the Jeep since the day before Nickolas was born. Didn't have to stick a dime into it and even got some money back on it. Problem was, there's no way to fit three carseats in it and overall space was running out for strollers. It was fun - especially in the snow this past winter and on the cobblestone streets in Old Town Alexandria. We now have a Honda Odyssey minivan - yes - minivan (pictured in driveway). I have to say, the kids seems to like it (Nickolas refers to it as his rescue truck) and enjoy crawling into and up into their carseats all on their own, which makes it easier on my back. So far so good. Bye Jeep.