The Wee Chitlins

Day at the Museum

2012-02-04T21:00:00.005-05:00

We spent the morning at the National Gallery of Art in part for their monthly children's film series, which had the theme "Monster Mash". It was actually age appropriate since they're often for older kids. While Nickolas, Lucy, and mommy watched monster films in the East Wing theater, daddy and Flora toured the West Wing. We then met for lunch near the I.M. Pei-designed fountain.

In the theater anxiously awaiting the monster movies with babies in tow.

Lunch.

Fun light installation.

Lucy having all sorts of fun pointing to pretty pictures in the Small French Paintings gallery...

...until she decided to melt down.

Other favorites:

One of the Monster animated films was a neat little French one titled "The Silence Beneath the Bark" It can be found at this link (you may need to cut and paste it).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXWc3aFrxCo

http://joannalurie.com/

Flora's Babble

2012-02-04T20:54:00.002-05:00

Sometimes her little sounds are just too cute and need to be captured. Also, as you can see, she's in constant motion - always.

Ready for Preschool

2012-02-04T20:53:00.002-05:00

Hat Trick

2012-02-04T20:51:00.003-05:00

Nickolas was lucky to go to a Washington Capitals game against the Boston Bruins where one player scored a Hat Trick (when he gets 3 goals within one game). Since then, when he plays hockey in the house, he wants us to throw hats (like they did at the game) when he scores.

Christmas in January (from December)

2012-01-27T11:41:00.003-05:00

We went to Sue and Wayne's on Christmas Day. I forgot my camera, so I stole Sue's and snapped away as the kids dove into a mountain of presents, food, fun, and Packers.

Family shots

The kids with their buddy Patricia.

PRESENTS! How did Santa know to find us here?

This one has MY name on it...

Looking at the Christmas lights outside.

Peek a boo

Princess Lucy Grace and her Queen Sue.

Lucy's World

2012-01-19T22:34:00.003-05:00

As I was making lunch...

2012-01-19T22:29:00.002-05:00

I found Flora had climbed up to the big tall stool with Lucy quite puzzled. Lucy likes to keep a chair handy for easy up and down. Apparently, Flora has been taking notes.

MONKEY BABY

Dapper Daddy

2012-01-19T22:27:00.002-05:00

Woo hoo - 0.6 inches of SNOW!

2012-01-19T22:23:00.002-05:00

On January 9, late in the afternoon, the snow fell and actually amounted to enough to play in. In order to seize the moment, Nickolas and Lucy got geared up and played for over and hour and half on the deck. Wish it snowed here more often to entertain them. I think someone likes snow like their mommy...

Cozy

2012-01-04T22:30:00.003-05:00

It's been quite chilly the past few days with the low temperature last night reaching 17 degrees. Some of the floors are drafty in the house, so we placed our sheepskin rug purchased by Nana Jean from our honeymoon trip to Scotland under Flora's crib to ensure no drafts would reach her sleepy head. Brilliant invention, those sheepskin rugs.

Christmas Vacation

2012-01-02T22:06:00.005-05:00

Christmas vacation was fun and has now come to an end.

Had a fun visit from Grandma Julie.

Nickolas participated in a 3-day morning skate camp.

Flawless Flora

New "Angelina" books with a character named Flora!

Showing Grandma how to read books on the iPad.

Hokey Pokey-ing

Making cookies on Grandma's birthday.

Then, birthday dinner on George Washington's property.

Christmas Morning

2011-12-25T10:56:00.004-05:00

Thank you Great-auntie Jayne and Cousin Lisa for these awesome hats!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T10:48:00.004-05:00

At Christmas Eve Mass

Then home for dinner. Amazingly, they all went to bed on time and slept all night until after 8:00am on Christmas day!

Elves

2011-12-25T10:46:00.002-05:00

Countdown to Christmas

2011-12-22T00:47:00.006-05:00

On the way to Nickolas's skating lesson...

When Nickolas had fun sliding into cones during the final class of the session,

He received a certificate.

Neighborhood Lights

2011-12-21T01:16:00.002-05:00

Since little bugs are affecting big and little people in the house, Lucy and I decided to get some fresh air and walk around the block to see Christmas lights. Lucy was in awe of this particular condo complex porch, which had synchronized lights to the holiday music. Eventually, one of the owners made their way home and said hello.

Two More from Preschool Performance

2011-12-17T10:18:00.001-05:00

Santa!

2011-12-16T22:18:00.000-05:00

Preschool Christmas Performance

2011-12-15T12:39:00.005-05:00

Saint Nickolas Day

2011-12-06T23:51:00.003-05:00

And, looks as though Flora has 2 NEW bottom teeth breaking through on this Saint Nickolas Day.

Old Town Scottish Walk Parade

2011-12-03T13:49:00.009-05:00

The family had a fun Saturday morning at a parade party thrown by an aunt and uncle of Nickolas's classmate Nathan. They live in the carriage house section of the expansive historic house (circa 1840) right on the parade route.

Kids running through the garden as we heard the bag pipers warm up.

Two more classmates walking in the parade spotted us and ran off the route to give hugs.

The kids scored (and ate) tons of candy with their placement at the beginning of the parade route.

Firefighting Bagpipers

Wee Flora eyeing down the Morrison Clan. Unfortunately, we did not see a MacKay Clan. Perhaps we'll have to march next year in praise of Nana Jean and Aunt Flora.

Lots of Scottish dogs throughout the parade.

Shirlington Tree Lighting

2011-12-02T13:15:00.005-05:00

The kids had a blast at the Shirlington tree lighting in our neighborhood. The street was closed off, so we had fun walking through it with all of the trees lit up. They had carriage rides with horses that wore bells. The kids enjoyed the Christmas music and danced a bit.

Lucy's new fairy friend.

Hot chocolate as the festivities began.

Anxiously awaiting the Christmas tree lights.

There it is!

The white lights are so pretty overhead - wait, there's a horse and carriage!

School Pictures

2011-12-02T13:12:00.002-05:00

Lucy, apparently wasn't thrilled to get her school pictures taken. You think they would have, at least, tickled her. Of course, Nickolas was as smiley as ever looking more and more like his daddy.

Flora is 1!

2011-11-29T11:05:00.005-05:00

Happy 1st birthday Flora!

Giving Thanks

2011-11-29T10:59:00.002-05:00

Out and About

2011-11-29T10:49:00.002-05:00

Flora Making Us Laugh

2011-11-15T20:49:00.003-05:00

Flora has been doing the funniest thing lately. It's often when she's caged while someone is going to the bathroom and it CRACKS everyone up. She shakes her head around like a Beatle and coincidently, has a similar hair style like a Beatle. She gets a kick out of how everyone laughs when she does it. Our little ham.

Lazy Fall Weekend Fun With Daddy

2011-11-15T20:41:00.003-05:00

First, taking a break from some of the fun, so daddy can experience what it is like when the kids decide they want to be magnets to you - at the same time, usually around 6:00pm.

Adjust and flip.

Even the lid for the sandbox is fun to use for leaves.

Lucy, being very quiet since her baby was asleep in the stroller, enjoyed a taco while whispering to daddy all about her baby's day.

Little Ham

2011-11-15T20:12:00.002-05:00

Flora now knows the sound the camera makes when I turn it on. When she hears it, she turns towards the noise and smiles, often assuming HER photo is about to be taken.

Ooops, but The Wiggles just came on, so I better look.

Now I want a closer look and look what I found? Lucy's baby's pacifier. Don't I look funny with it in my mouth since I NEVER took one before?

Nickolas' Gymnastics Class

2011-11-15T19:57:00.002-05:00

Nickolas is taking a gymnastics class for 4 year olds. Surprisingly, there are a lot of boys in it. When it starts, three classes do warm-up together and then they split off into their stations. For this class, they had some parachute fun during warm-ups.

Floor exercises.

Bar station

Foam pit

Lucy at Gymnastics

2011-11-09T21:44:00.003-05:00

Lucy enjoys her gymnastics class on Wednesdays and listens well. She works very hard and is amazing at somersaults (see video). Nickolas, the good boy he is, sits on the floor with us, since mommy has to be there to participate, and watches or plays games. Flora, being the perfect baby, hangs out in the carrier and also watches. So far, so good. When Lucy turns 3, if she chooses, she can take a class all on her own (phew).

Caged Animal

2011-11-09T21:37:00.005-05:00

Flora is on the move. She is almost 1 year old, after all, but within a month, she went from a some crawling, to inching on her butt, to fast crawling, and now climbing and creeping. In addition to wanting to play and crawl all over Lucy's potty seat, we found her half-way up the stairs the other day. By the end of that day, the baby gate was dug up and re-installed.

Mommy-Lucy Day: Ballerinas

2011-11-09T19:51:00.004-05:00

Lucy and mommy enjoyed some one-on-one time at the Phillips Collection to see the Degas ballerina exhibit. A special event was taking place and Kirov ballerinas came to perform. Lucy, in tutu, was dazzled by their movements.

New Arrivals

2011-11-02T23:22:00.001-04:00

New hockey skates arrived.

As well as a new Glasgow Celtic Football Club hoodie.

Best Buddies

2011-11-02T23:20:00.002-04:00

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T20:22:00.007-04:00

I think the kids had the best Halloween ever. They've only been counting down to it for the past 20 days or so. They had so much fun seeing all of the kids and their costumes. Lucy was speechless when she saw 4 10-year old Princesses. Nickolas, of course, was a hockey player and was quite proud his team is 7-2. Lucy was a cupcake fairy princess and rode on a princess chariot. Flora was a sweet little bunny. We learned that Lucy really likes witches and that Nickolas had Trick-o-treating down to a science by carrying his candy bucket with his hockey stick. After about 3 cul-de-sacs, he said "I think I've got enough candy, I'm getting tired, lets go back and hand out more candy."

Look who's taking a

2011-11-01T20:16:00.002-04:00

BOTTLE!

It only took 11 months. Daddy was playing with the kids in the upstairs bedroom and Flora found what had been used by Lucy as a a doll bottle and started to suck on it. Daddy had the idea to test it out and put milk in it. Sure enough, she loves getting her little hands on it and drinks away.

Really? A $0.99 Gerber bottle after ALL of the other varieties we tried?

Flora reclining while snacking.

Sunday Funday

2011-10-23T23:03:00.003-04:00

Our preschool had a Fall Fest Sunday afternoon. Before the Fall Fest, we enjoyed the weather and took a stroll into Old Town Alexandria with daddy. The Fall Fest was fun - they kids rode on a choo-choo with daddy, played all sorts of games, jumped on lots of inflatable things, ran around with excited classmates, and ate hot dogs.

Mommy and Baby (Green) Nite Nite

2011-10-22T21:40:00.004-04:00

Lucy's baby, Green, is now wearing Flora's newborn pajamas. Tonight, they happen to match.

Three Little Pumpkins

2011-10-21T23:00:00.002-04:00

Nickolas and Lucy's visit to the preschool pumpkin patch as well as Lucy's outfit inspired today's front yard photo shoot. It comprises their vast pumpkin collection acquired over the past 10 days. It got a little sunny, hence the squinting.

Brewers Bust

2011-10-21T22:49:00.002-04:00

Mommy did a wacky thing and went home for Game 6 of the National League Championship Series. The Brewers lost ending the series. The winner (who doesn't deserve the prestige of being mentioned on this blog) went to the World Series and the other winners (Grandma and Grandpa) got to play with Flora.

Milwaukee Twins, not to be confused with Minnesota Twins.

Bob Uecker's view, right after a big shout-out to B MICKEY!

Not the Brewers celebrating.

Mourning. I don't have the heart to post the picture of the sad and empty stadium since we were essentially the last to leave it.

Back to Caps Practice

2011-10-09T20:28:00.004-04:00

Mommy and Nickolas took a special trip to the Kettler Center to watch the Capitals practice - this time, with their star player ALEXANDER OVECHKIN and without Nickolas's little sisters since they stayed home with daddy. The team was in fun spirits after a big overtime opening season win the night before. This was our first time seeing Ovechkin up close. At one point while waiting for his turn in a drill, he skated close to the glass where Nickolas was watching. Nickolas tapped the glass with his hands and Ovie gave a tap back with his stick. It was so cool!

Watching Ovie stretch

Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom right after Nickolas got a tap from Ovie.

Nickolas had a blast playing with some big kids and their real puck. Nickolas was showing off for Nikolas Backstrom, his second favorite.

Flora's Crawling

2011-10-09T20:19:00.002-04:00

Flora's wee hands are working hard these days feeding herself from the highchair and crawling all over the house. She's discovered the toy room and likes to look out the back patio doors. She's also grabbing Lucy's babies resulting in a few spats. Nickolas welcomes his baby sister's new ability and gently plays hockey with her. Here's a short clip of a kitchen expedition trip.

Mommy's Thesis Research Assistant

2011-09-25T21:36:00.001-04:00

Lucy, who is much more photogenic than mommy, brought out her "laptop" to help with thesis writing.

Flora's Official Baptism Portraits from August

2011-09-24T22:07:00.003-04:00

These were taken back in August of our wee Catholic Flora.

Side by side of Lucy (left) and Flora (right) in the same dress.

Other Candids

2011-09-24T22:03:00.002-04:00

Goofy kids from the past month taken on the fly from phone.

Washington Capitals Practice Session

2011-09-24T21:25:00.005-04:00

On Nickolas's day off of preschool, we finally ventured to the Kettler Ice Center nearby (literally, 2 miles away) where the Washington Capitals practice. We found a good website that keeps an updated list of practice schedules, so we will be sure to keep an eye out for other opportunities. The big stars were not there since they had back-to-back preseason games the night before and that night. Despite that, it was an amazing facility and is very catering to the fans. I can only imagine what the little munchkins looked like from the ice with their noses pressed up to the glass although the players are likely used to it. We, however, had a blast and can't wait to go again.

Skins Game, Rockstar Style

2011-09-24T21:14:00.003-04:00

Cousin O, mommy, and Nickolas had a Sunday Funday at FedEx Field. Nickolas had a cozy lap to sit on (Wayne), someone to tackle (Sue), cheerleaders to flirt with, and someone to give him lots of juice and sugar (O and Sue). A good time was had by all in the suite.

Back to Preschool

2011-09-13T11:44:00.004-04:00

Nickolas started Pre-K on Monday and now goes 4 days a week. We took pictures today for Lucy's first day. She's in the 2-year old class and goes 2 days a week.

Fun Weekend with Uncle David

2011-09-13T11:36:00.004-04:00

Uncle David came for a visit last weekend and it was a fun one. We had a cookout with the cousins and our litter of 5 wee ones, the boys went to a Skins game, and Nickolas had someone to play with him - continuously on the iPad with a very special air hockey game. The kids were so sad to wake up Monday to learn that he flew back home. Come back again Uncle David!

iPad Air hockey

Until Uncle David figured out how to sync two together to play a real game.

Fresh Kentucky Air

2011-08-23T12:15:00.003-04:00

Feeding the geese at the pond.

NANA!

A Relaxing Time in Kentucky with Nana and Big Daddy

2011-08-23T11:38:00.006-04:00

Nana and Big Daddy

Big Daddy enjoying "The Moldau" playing from the computer.

Lucy loves her big cousin Grant.

Mother and son

We certainly ate well.

And then enjoyed the weather.

Cleaning up the country dirt.

Best Sandbox Ever

2011-08-23T11:30:00.004-04:00

At Uncle David's house, he put fresh sand - and tons of it - in Grant's old box for the kids to play with. It was part of our daily routine with walks up to the sandbox at least twice a day. It was the best sandbox ever providing hours of entertainment. Thank you Uncle David!

Bubbles

2011-08-23T11:28:00.002-04:00

Soccer With Uncle David, Daddy, and Cousin Grant

2011-08-23T11:25:00.002-04:00

Racing Cars

2011-08-23T11:07:00.002-04:00

Nana had a fun NASCAR game Nickolas played with every morning. Big cousin Grant enjoyed it, too, as well as daddy.

Meanwhile, the girls were entertained.

Nickolas Drives a Car in Kentucky

2011-08-23T11:03:00.003-04:00

Isn't Uncle David the coolest? Nickolas got to DRIVE!

Funny thing, as this photo was taken, little did we know Nickolas was driving on down the road (over Dan's shoulder).

Other Highlights from Grandma and Grandpa's

2011-08-09T12:36:00.005-04:00

Coloring with Great-Auntie MB

The kids got sick.

Doctor/Godmother Amy to the rescue!

Flora met her new friend Brianna, the daughter of mommy's good friend Karla.

Fun with Grandpa.

Flora getting big - at a whopping 14 pounds 12 ounces (at 8 months)!

Bubbles with Uncle David

A Visit with Cousin Maryam

2011-08-09T12:35:00.007-04:00

The kids took a trip to Madison to see Dan's cousin Maryam. We had a lovely lunch and viewed some great photos of daddy when he was Nickolas's age. The apple certainly did not fall far from the tree.

Wisconsin State Fair

2011-08-09T12:35:00.004-04:00

We went to the opening day of the Wisconsin State Fair with Godmother Amy, Uncle Brian, and our gradeschool friend Clare and her baby daughter. Unfortunately, the camera battery died, so we only got a few shots of the fun.

Nickolas schmoozing with Milwaukee Bucks owner and U.S. Senator Herb Kohl.

NASCAR game

Where Flora resided for most of the trip to the Fair.

Bunnies.

Wiggles and Waterparks

2011-08-09T12:34:00.010-04:00

We went with Uncle Brian to the Wisconsin Dells to see THE WIGGLES. We caught the 12:30pm (not a.m.) gig and spent the rest of the day swimming at a water park and at the hotel pools Uncle Brian smartly researched with two fun and age-appropriate swimming areas. It was a breeze getting the kids to bed that evening after the day of fun of the WIGGLES PARTY with Lucy dancing for it's entirety and WATER PARKS!

Lucy rocking out to "No More Joeys Jumping On The Bed":

Horses in Wisconsin

2011-08-09T12:34:00.006-04:00

We ventured to visit cousin Danny and his family. They live next to a house with a barn and lots of horses. Mommy, the city kid, got bit trying to feed a horse. It took two extremely smart 4 year old boys to show her the proper way to feed a horse - not with one's thumb extended out saying "please bite".

A Day at Lake Geneva

2011-08-09T12:33:00.012-04:00

We made our annual trip to Lake Geneva with Great-Auntie Mary Beth, Grandma, and Uncle Brian. Lucy was quite adventurous in the water and Flora was scared of the waves. Nickolas just had fun.

Brewer's Game

2011-08-09T12:33:00.008-04:00

Nickolas went to see the Cubbies get swept by the Brew Crew.

Nickolas thought he'd help Uncle Brian's friend from Chicago's WGN with their broadcast.

And then just flat-out took over for the nice Producer.

But ultimately opted to watch the game from the Club Level.

Milwaukee County Zoo with Uncle Brian

2011-08-09T12:33:00.006-04:00

Train ride

Water Hockey

2011-08-09T12:32:00.009-04:00

Nickolas's summertime dream-come-true - water hockey. And, he found two suckers (Grandma and Grandpa) to play with him. It's a refreshing game made by the geniuses at Slip-n-Slide that sprays water on each side of the rink that allows for an inflatable puck and the player to glide and slide and score. Lucy called it "swimming". Nickolas called it HOCKEY.

Mud Pies

2011-08-09T12:32:00.008-04:00

Meanwhile, during water hockey, Lucy took the liberty to water flowers. She then got real quiet, then real busy, and voila - MUD PIES!

Roadtrip

2011-08-08T22:23:00.006-04:00

We had a successful roadtrip from Virginia to Wisconsin. We covered over 800 miles including a few scenic routes in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Grandma Julie flew out the night before we left and made a fun trip with two different hotel stops, a few beaches, and a national historic landmark.

Pit stop at Taco Bell for lunch

Cumberland, Maryland A Preserve America Community

Good morning from Ohio. Everyone wanted to sleep with Grandma.

Fallingwater, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Pennsylvania.

An evening and a morning at the beach - Indiana Dunes National Park.

We're here!

Balloon Tennis

2011-07-12T09:26:00.003-04:00

Full credit goes to Nickolas - he had the brilliant idea to use his hockey/soccer net as a tennis net! We've all been having fun playing balloon tennis on the "court" and Nickolas is getting very good.

Flora's First Haircut

2011-07-12T09:21:00.002-04:00

Flora had been developing a patchy hair pattern in the back, which turned into a mullet. Grandma Julie straightened it out nicely to a very sweet bob.

Middle Sister Wine

2011-07-12T09:18:00.001-04:00

This one is for Great-Auntie Terri, an avid reader of the blog.

Catch-up

2011-07-09T22:22:00.004-04:00

We had a girls day at Hillwood.

Attack dogs?

Mommy had a booboo that got fixed, so Nickolas and Lucy made a "Welome Home Mom" sign after the hospital visit. Cousin Julie was an angel to help Grandma Julie.

Dog days of summer with popsicles.

Future news reporter? Sportscaster? Singer? Comedian?

From Nickolas the photog.

Flora's Sitting Up!

2011-07-09T22:09:00.004-04:00

With her coaches.

And now using the highchair. She's loving baby food, cereal and yogurt these days. Still won't take a bottle, of course.

Flora's Baptism

2011-06-29T06:06:00.011-04:00

Flora had a beautiful baptism at Annunciation Catholic Church in Washington DC. Sue and Wayne are her Godparents (as well as Lucy's) and we had a lovely day celebrating. Flora wore the same dress Lucy wore made from the material of their Great-Grandmother Felicia's wedding dress circa 1947.

Dollbaby Flora and cousin Julie.

The festivities with food and cake and cousins.

Boat Ride on the Potomac

2011-06-29T06:06:00.007-04:00

We took a water taxi ride roundtrip from Old Town Alexandria, VA up the Potomac to Georgetown in DC.

First Day/Last Day

2011-06-15T22:29:00.003-04:00

My, what a difference a school year makes! Both Nickolas and Lucy thrived and loved every day of preschool this past year. We hope all of their friends have a happy and safe summer. We look forward to the fall when Nickolas enters Pre-K four days a week and Lucy enters the 2s class two days a week. THANK YOU Miss Jeanine, Miss Hula, Miss Joanne, and Miss Karen!

Back in September on their first day...

And, now we have Flora! She's looking forward to the 2012-2013 school year.

And, every morning, our shoes somehow end up on the wrong feet.

More Pictures from Nickolas

2011-06-05T21:12:00.001-04:00

Bathrobes

2011-06-05T21:09:00.002-04:00

Then Nickolas got a hold of the camera.

More Tennis Followed by Picnic

2011-06-05T20:52:00.003-04:00

Volley drill

Poppy, who will be a big sister, getting practice with Flora.

Audrey, Flora, Poppy.

The original goofy gang: Nickolas, Tyger, and Findley.

Trying to remember it's not a hockey stick.

McD's picnic with fresh fruit.

Feeding tennis coach french fries through the fence.

Watching the following lesson.

Dancing and Throwing

2011-06-05T20:43:00.002-04:00

Wee Flora at 6 Months

2011-05-31T22:10:00.006-04:00

Our wee Flora is indeed wee. At her 6 month check-up, she weighed 13 pounds 6 ounces, which puts her in the 10th percentile. She's 25 inches with those wee legs stretched out. Not to compare but more for reference, Lucy was 16 pounds 7 ounces at 6 months and Nickolas was 14 pounds 13 ounces.

Welcoming Summer

2011-05-30T21:30:00.003-04:00

with popsicles.

Nickolas Playing Tennis

2011-05-30T21:17:00.002-04:00

Nickolas has been taking tennis lessons through the county with his two friends Findley and Tyger on Thursdays. He has two really nice coaches and Nickolas is eager to play.

Next Agassi?

Number 1 fan.

First Flip

2011-05-17T22:39:00.004-04:00

While Nickolas and Lucy were in preschool, Flora enjoyed the quiet and took a nice long nap. When I went to get her once she woke up, I discovered she had flipped over! She wasn't quite sure what to do - perhaps we need to have her work on her head strength.

Nickolas rolled over about the same time, but from tummy to back, since he always preferred sleeping on his tummy.

http://weechitlin.blogspot.com/2007/08/rollover.html

Some of the best toys...

2011-05-14T20:50:00.003-04:00

...are made out of cardboard! Nickolas has been using his single Megablock pieces as hockey players for some time. This lid came from a box and made the perfect ice rink. We then thought to actually draw a rink on the box.

With the Zamboni. We went a step further and drew a #8 and #19 for Nickolas's two favorite players on two of the blocks.

School Pictures

2011-05-13T13:22:00.004-04:00

It's sad the think the school year is just about over. The last week is next week and we've loved the teachers and classmates so much. The kids have had an incredible experience at preschool. Luckily, for four weeks until mid-June, Nickolas and Lucy will be in "summer camp" at the preschool Tuesday-Thursday with their same teachers and some new and old classmates/campers. It should be lots of fun and we're happy we don't have to say "goodbye" just yet. We are, luckily, going to be attending next school year as Lucy enters the 2-year old class two days a week and Nickolas enters Pre-K four days a week.

Lucy brought mommy's necklace to school that day - we didn't think she'd insist on wearing it for the picture! Lovely outfit is from Uncle David in Kentucky.

Lucy and her classmates (Alessia, Remy, Colby, Lucy, Roman -aka RoRo, and Paul)

Nickolas, ever the charmer.

With all of his buddies and his loving teachers.

Spring in the Backyard

2011-05-13T13:16:00.002-04:00

The kids have been thoroughly enjoying the back yard this Spring before it gets too hot and full of mosquitoes. It would be lovely if it could stay 75 and sunny like it's been the past week. They've been getting dirty, eating dinner outside, and constantly playing each evening.

Hunting for Eggs

2011-05-08T22:46:00.003-04:00

We had a joyous Easter season with THREE egg hunts, bunny ears, party dresses, friends, family, candy, chocolate bunnies bigger than Nickolas, and lovely weather.

Playing

2011-05-08T22:41:00.003-04:00

Some of Nickolas's Favorite Things

2011-05-08T22:35:00.003-04:00

Every now and then, it's funny to turn on the camera and view what little hands may have captured with it. Below are shots Nickolas took of some of his favorite things.

"Lucy"

"Toy Garbage Truck"

"Shelf of Books"

"Baby"

from mom: "Boy With Baby Wearing Pants Backwards"

Swinging

2011-05-08T22:12:00.004-04:00

Flora, being the peanut she is, still fits in the swing. However, she never grew fond of her fancy robotic one, and of course, prefers the "old fashioned" one instead. Meanwhile, Lucy has had much fun sitting in the fancy one using her heal to switch to various settings (see video).

Doll Face

2011-05-08T21:51:00.004-04:00

National Arboretum

2011-05-08T21:28:00.002-04:00

Grandma Julie came to town for Easter vacation while the kids had off from preschool. We did all sorts of fun activities and Grandma enjoyed the spring-like weather (compared to the weather in Wisconsin). One stop was at the National Arboretum run by the Agriculture Department in NE Washington. They have an amazing Bonsai tree and Azalea collection. Also on the grounds are a series of columns that originally fronted the Capitol building prior to an extension. It makes for a great picture spot.

For some reason, we were not happy in the bonsai garden.

Sisters

2011-05-08T21:24:00.001-04:00

Flora's First Cereal

2011-04-14T23:04:00.002-04:00

So far, not a fan. Flora spits it all over herself, so we're sparing her clothes in the mean time.

Saturday Morning Cartoons

2011-04-14T23:02:00.001-04:00

From mommy and daddy's bed on a cold and rainy Saturday morning.

Our Porcelain Skinned Lucy

2011-04-12T22:11:00.002-04:00

Party Girl

2011-04-03T21:15:00.002-04:00

Lucy went to her classmate Alessia's 2nd birthday party at Gymborie. Six of the eight children in her class celebrated and played.

Birthday girl

Lucy and Remi

With Paul

Eating cake

GO KENTUCKY

2011-03-31T22:30:00.004-04:00

Good luck to UK in the FINAL FOUR this weekend!

Gymnastics

2011-03-31T21:30:00.003-04:00

Lucy insisted on bring a purse today to gymnastics.

Poor Nickolas has been a little under the weather. He stayed home from school but ventured out to sit and watch Lucy's gymnastics class (which he had not seen before). He was so good watching all of the activities even though it likely looked like a lot of fun. It was technically Lucy's last class so she received a ribbon today for her participation. Nickolas sat with her as she awaited her ribbon (and kept her from running off). With big brother there, Lucy was particularly adventurous in her activity doing summersaults and jumps that she hadn't done as aggressively before.

Lucy receiving her ribbon from Miss Kim, her instructor.

On the podium - Ta DA!

Stamp of approval -- Lucy loves receiving the stamp on her foot after each class as she departs (also helps avoid meltdown with having to leave the fun).