The District

Well we finally made our first visit to DC. Soon after arriving to see the Cherry Blossom Festival we decided that our time in the city would be better spent as a reconnaissance mission. The Festival was packed as was the city. Many factors contributed to this we think: Weekend, Spring Break, and the first Beautiful Weather in awhile. So we made our way from the Smithsonian Metro Station through the Mall and walked through the main part of the Cherry Blossom Festival allowing Zoe to take a few steps as well.




We then headed up Pennsylvania Ave toward the White House where as to be expected there was a huge crowd. We took a picture from afar and a few for other tourists and then moved on.

We made our way next to the Washington Monument where Zoe played and pushed her stroller. We got a few good pics of us as well.

We then headed down the hill and finally saw a grouping of Cherry Blossoms that we wanted to check out....as did everyone else. Chris and I were shocked that people were pulling branches down and taking blossoms home.

(Zoe and I with our wind swept hair)


(Zoe trying to wear my sunglasses)

(Chris trying to show Zoe the kites that everyone seemed to be flying)

After a few shots of the Cherry Blossoms (the whole reason we had come in the first place) we decided to head home. We made our way to the metro station that we had arrived at and quickly decided to keep walking. There was a line just to get into the station. We walked about 4 or 5 blocks to the next one and happily walked right in and waited for our train. We got a seat but as you can see below Zoe didn't care she was already fast asleep and stayed so the entire 30 minute ride back to our car. Chris and I are excited to go again but during the debrief it was decided that a weekday is a must!!!

(Zoe asleep in her stroller in the Metro Station waiting for our train to go back home)

Mommy and Daddy night out!

We have found a FANTASTIC babysitter that Zoe adores. This allowed Chris and I to go out, just the two of us, for the first time in a LONG time (without my mom being here). There was a Junior League fundraiser that to be honest we were both feeling so-so about. WE ARE SO GLAD WE WENT!!!!! Chris and I had a blast. We saw tons of friends, had great food and wine and won some silent auction items to boot.

The best news though was that upon arriving home we found Zoe laying on her new friend and she was all smiles when she saw us (if I have ever left her in a daycare like setting before she would lose use once I came to pick her up and hold on to me tighter than ever before almost to say don't ever leave me here again) She seemed to have a great time though even blowing Molly kisses when she left. Looks like date nights will be in our future for sure!!! We meant to take a picture to prove our sans child evening but alas we had too much fun and forgot....we looked pretty good all dressed up though if I do say so myself =)

Fresh Air

Well we have been getting little glimpses of great weather again which we are so grateful for. Zoe and I took a walk on Friday and Chris met us halfway through. It ended up being a 3 hour long event which was great. We stopped for ice cream at Kilwins, windowed shopped on Main Street and let Zoe walk on the Parade Field on the Academy. The pictures below are of Chris lifting her up (1 -2- 3 Weeeeeee). Notice the bow in her hair....with both hands occupied holding Chris' hands she couldn't take it out and alas no hair in her face!!!

Once we got home Zoe decided to show off her walking skills. She is defintely walking now but only on her terms. Here is a video showing off her multitasking ability...sort of....drinking water while walking from the kitchen....

(VIDEO TO COME)

Sick of it!

I am just sick of Zoe being sick!!!! I know it is all part of being a kid but the poor thing seems to catch something about once a month and we end up staying home for a few days. I am sure this helps her to recover but it drives me batty!!!! Zoe came down with a runny nose and congestion on Saturday and we have avoided going to playgroups and story times all week because of it. Her mood hasn't been the greatest either so I have been avoiding going anywhere really. Hopefully spring and summer will find us all healthy for awhile and out and about more!

13 and counting

Saturday we walked over to the Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium to watch the Navy Men's Lacrosse Game. Chris and I had never seen a lacrosse game before. It was interesting to try and figure everything out. Zoe slept for most of it. Navy lost to Colgate but still a good time.

(Zoe asleep in her stroller in the stands....she is cuddling with her Navy Goat)

(Our view of the game)

Later in the evening when we were back at home Zoe took a stab at walking. First she took 9 steps (previously we were only up to 4) then she did 13. Of course as soon as we had the video camera out she chose not to stand up at all. Happy Sunday!

Day at the Park

Zoe and I ventured to the park on Wednesday since the weather was semi-cooperating. It was a beautiful view and Zoe seemed to have fun. Hopefully there will be many more days like this to come.

(The gorgeous view from the swing set)

(Zoe enjoyed the pebbles that were on the ground around the jungle gym and swings)

(Zoe made it into the tunnel but never wanted to crawl all the way through)

Thursday we had story time at the library which is always a favorite of Zoe's and of mine. Here are a few shots of her playing with the musical instruments towards the end of the session.

(Picking out the perfect instrument to dance with)

(Watching the other kids play with the beach balls at the end of story time)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Catch Up

Well it has been awhile since I updated our blog so this post will be a long one. We have been keeping super busy for the past week(s). We have been so busy having fun that we had to hire a maid.....

(I will definitely try to encourage this behavior for years to come)

We went to a concert...ok it was at Pottery Barn Kids but Zoe seemed to like it

(Zoe holding and shaking her rhythm egg while the performer sang Splish Splash)

(You will not see Zoe in this picture as she refused to leave my arms or lap...but the other kids had fun dancing around)

Over the weekend we headed to the Chesapeake Children's Museum. Now I use the term Museum loosely as both Chris and I felt it was more of a playpen that you paid to get into. If our expectations had not been higher perhaps this would have been ok but after about 30 minutes we were out of there. Zoe seemed to enjoy the time we spent.....and what little we allowed her to play with (the place was a little dirty and chaos does not begin to describe)

(Zoe playing with the kitchen and table area. She mostly liked getting in and out of the little chairs)

(Notice the smile on Chris' face? We were getting ready to leave)

(Zoe reaching for the camera)

After the "museum" we headed to the mall to use our Gap coupon....woohoo for 30% off.

(I can grab my toes...future gymnast?)

Highlight of the shopping trip for Zoe was pushing her own stroller from Nordstrom to the elevator. We got a lot of comments and Chris and I were both impressed that she made it the whole way.

On Monday Zoe decided she not only wanted to be our maid but also our personal chef. Here she is demonstrating her knowledge of kitchen essentials

Last night we let Zoe feed herself pasta. She seemed to enjoy it. A bath followed shortly after dinner.

(Hey this stuff is pretty good...if only I could get some more in my mouth)

This morning Zoe continued her attempts at walking on her own. If only this was a real vacuum!!!

Well I hope everyone else is keeping busy and having fun....I will try to post more often in the future.