January Hike

Willy organized a family hike on Presidents Day. Holy Cow it was cold. It started out fun and jolly, then the trail wouldn't end, then we finally made it back to our cars and went to Krispy Creme. All in all an exhilarating event.

Special kudos to Marcia for being such a sport, at 10 months pregnant.

February's family hike got rained out, and I don't regret it one bit. I think we somehow forgot to leave the home in March... but look out April.

The Warriors

I almost forgot to mention what we did last Wednesday, because I didn't take any pictures. The kids and I waited 3 and a half hours in line (Willy came for the last 1h) for free tickets to see the Terra Cotta Warriors at the National Geographic Museum. We were all going crazy near the end. The plan was for Luke to nap while Buggy and I played quietly, only Luke wasn't agreeable so we went with plan B. Isabella handled the change in plans with surprising maturity - she simply demanded the undivided attention of our neighbours. Which left me free to juggle Luke. Ha! No, I'm that ill mannered. Needless to say it was a little awkward until I pulled out the DVD player. When we finally got inside, Isabella had to go to the bathroom. Really! I love my girl, she keeps life so enchanting.

Overall our family enjoyed viewing the warriors and learning a little about the First Emperor of China. Willy was super enthusiastic about attending. He was the impetus behind the whole adventure. I wish I had done some reading in advance so I could appreciate the exhibit more. But that's easily remedied with a little post-museum study. It was worth the wait. This was our second try for the free Wednesday tickets. And after surviving this I'm convinced I can tackle anything with two babies in tow.
I've attached images of the postcards I bought. [HintHint: I collect postcards]

Wild Turkey Chase

After Stake Conference we went to Theodore Roosevelt Island for a family walk. It was great. Well, 'actually' it was sort of ugly and smelly out there on the Potomac. However points in favour of this adventure are:

• Not getting very lost trying to navigate Rosslyn and the Memorial Pkwy.
• Real live Cranes standing in the mud
• The fountains being still turned off, and everyone staying dry
• No viable poison ivy to accidentally stumble upon
• The wild turkey rumour (we didn't see any turkey. a joke on us maybe?)
• Plenty of Rocks to throw in the water, or collect
• A really excellent boardwalk, perfect for racing on

Right about now you're asking yourself: What happened to that beautiful girl and all her golden hair? This week she was attacked with a pair of scissors. And I'll probably do it again, until she gets wise and insists on having a professional take care of her beauty needs. Luke fared a little better, with some intervention from dad.

Willy started referring to Luke as Gandolf. And I admit he's pretty cute, in a wizened old man sort of way... only I don't think Gandolf held his staff with his pinky lengthened so daintily. No, by the way he was barking at all the dogs today I think he was channeling Cesar.


And a parting shot.