Day 485 | Cool Guy

This guy gets cooler every day.

Day 484 | Reading Time

Chase read his first book to Robbe today. Can you imagine anything any cuter?

Day 483 | Shhh...Don't Tell

While Chase was at his second full day of school (more details below), Chris, Robbe, and I spent a lovely morning at the zoo (just don't tell Chase). We felt like part of our bodies were missing without Chase there with us but it was sure nice to let Robbe run to and fro as he pleased. He loved the quality mommy and daddy time. I think we will see his personality really shine through with all the extra attention.

Chase's first full week of school was a resounding success. He seems over the moon about all his new friends, his teachers, and all the new activities he's learning. I won't say the full days (yesterday and today) were perfect...there have been no naps, after all...but he's all smiles at the end of the day and always wants to go back. A good sign, I think!

Let's see what next week brings.

Day 482 | Lemon Blueberry Bread

Yep, it's just as delicious as it looks and sounds.

Here's the recipe.

Splurge. It's worth it.

Day 481 | Meet the Teachers

Say hello to Ms. Beatriz and Ms. Liz (oh, and the bulldog mascot)

Chase's teachers came over this afternoon for a home visit. Nicest thing ever, right? It was beyond wonderful to have the quality solo time with them and Chase was giddy to show them the house: his room, his toys, his cat.

We're feeling better and better about this new school. Think happy thoughts for a good day tomorrow. It's the first full day (8:30am-3:30pm). That means lunch and nap at school. I'm cautiously optimistic everything will go smoothly. I'll let you know.

Day 480 | The New Look of Errands

This is what our days look like now. Just me and the little guy. Our new life is going to take some getting used to. No longer can I rely on Chase to keep the conversation going. Ha!

Day 479 | First Day of PreK 3

Chase posing with his new classroom mascot: the bulldog.

This guy started school today. And not another two hour stint this time. The real deal: five days a week, full days (except Wednesday, that's an early release day). Chase was ready for it. He was practically beaming from ear to ear the whole time. There was a brief period of anxiety when we arrived in the room for drop off and it was madness. Eighteen kids + parents + siblings = madness. There wasn't any real attention for him right away and I could tell he was yearning for someone to tell him what to do or where to go. Sounds like that was short-lived, though, because he had nothing but glowing reviews when I picked him up. And based on his narrative of the day, he's already gaining independence (He ate a whole apple...not cut up! He went potty all by himself without anyone helping with his pants or anything!), which is what we hope for him to get out of this experience.

So now, how did all this come to be after the headache of a lottery process (and don't forget how optimistic I was at the beginning!)? It was pretty uneventful, actually. Chris and I have been stalking the lottery website all summer and watching our numbers go down (and up on occasion) with every week. We felt pretty confident we would finally get in to our last pick (Bridges Public Charter School) and that's exactly what happened...two days before school started. Luckily we saw the writing on the wall and had been preparing Chase appropriately (as apparent from today's outcome). 

So, in the end, everything worked out. It always does, right? I mean, would we prefer to be making the four minute walk to the closer (more desirable) school? Yeah, no doubt. Are we still skeptical that this type of intensive schooling is the right choice for our little sweet pea? Yepper. But are we feeling confident that this is a good opportunity for him to learn and develop independent of me/us? Yes yes yes! And at the end of the day that's what we want for him. 

Day 478 | Corn and Avocado Salad

I got inspired to make this amazing salad yesterday to go along with our burgers and boy was it worth the extra work. There was nothing about it I didn't love. Super refreshing and the perfect compliment to any summer cuisine.

And leftovers today were just as good (you never know when avocado is involved). Yummy!

*Note: the boys loved (loved!) digging through the corn bowl after I cut it off the cob. You would have thought it was a big bowl of m&m's based on their drive to consume. 

Day 477 | Fair Season

It's Chris's favorite time of year: fair season!

We visited the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair this morning and were reminded once again what a nice little fair it is. In just three hours we managed to check the following off our list:

• Climb-time on real tractors
• Animal barn tours (including visiting the 2,500 pound Tank the cow again)
• Tractor trolley rides
• Visit to the Wisconsin Cheese Stand 
• Tour of the 4-H exhibits
• Chase's first carnival ride (he loved it!)
• Observe the pig races
• Corndog consumption (Robbe's first experience)
• Playtime in the soybean pit

As you can tell, it was a busy fair-going experience but everyone had a blast. And we even made it home without anyone falling asleep in the car! An all around success.

Day 476 | This Guy

Chase starts school on Monday! I'm springing it on you just like they sprung it on me yesterday. We feel really good about his new school (more details Monday) and he's crazy excited.

Because of all that, today was our last official day of solo mommy, Chase, Robbe time. Sniffle, sniffle. 

The three of us had breakfast at our favorite restaurant to celebrate and we've got lots more fun in store for the "last weekend of summer celebration". There's going to be a big hole in my day without the sweetest, funniest, low key-iest three year old around. 

Day 475 | Jumping Beans

Robbe was feeling (and acting) like himself again after a 13 hour sleep so I made the executive decision to take advantage of two healthy babies and go to the trampoline park. Slightly crazy? Probably, but it was definitely the right choice.

We had a great time. Mostly Robbe, actually. That kid loved the wobbly feeling of walking on the trampolines and even "jumped" into the foam pit all by himself.  

Day 474 | Round Three

Forget about winter bringing all kinds of illness to our family. Apparently the last few weeks of summer are what we need to look out for.

Round three of babies with fevers struck this morning. Robbe was sick in WI, Chase was miserable this past weekend. And now Robbe is fighting a high fever once again. Luckily there are really no other symptoms but, man, sick babies are no fun. 

And look, almost exactly one year ago we were dealing with the same thing. Bizarre, right? Hopefully this is the last of the Great Summer Fever Season around here. Think happy thoughts. 

Day 473 | House Painting

I put the boys to work painting the house. That seems ok for a 1.5 year old and 3.5 year old, right?

Full disclosure: they were painting with water and their hands, in case that's not apparent. It did keep them busy for a good chunk of time. 

Day 472 | Music Madness

The new coffee shop in Takoma just started hosting a "Rise and Rhyme" series for little ones...right in our backyard! I am beyond excited to have another walkable activity for the boys and me.

After our first class today, I'm not exactly sold on becoming regular attendees. The atmosphere was madness (even though there is a baby sleeping on his dad's lap in the top-left photo) and the performer/teacher had no hope of keeping attention above all the parents who were more interested in sipping coffee and chatting (who, don't get me wrong, I wish was me...just not at a kids music class). There was no parent involvement and that makes it's hard to help your kids get the most out of this type of class.

I will say, Robbe seemed to really enjoy himself and Chase warmed up to the class and was singing and dancing by the end, too. I think we'll give another performer a chance in a week or two before making any snap judgements.

Day 471 | Thanks, Jason

Uncle Jason was sweet enough to upload a Thomas the Train image for Chase to look at on the clock in our minivan. I'm not a huge fan, to be completely honest (I mean I already have to drive a minivan and now I have to look at a cartoon train while I'm driving...come on), but Chase loves it so I'll take one for the team.

That was the scenario until this weekend when Chris jokingly selected the other image Jason uploaded to the minivan: a family portrait, of his family. Chris thought Chase would revolt and demand Thomas back. Nope, he likes the new photo. Isn't that lucky? Now I get to stare at Jason, Erica, and the girls whenever we're enroute somewhere. Don't get me wrong, I love those guys, but again I don't really need them to be looking at me every time I'm driving. 

Maybe I'll try to change it when he's not with me (because he's been outspoken about not changing it when he is in the car), we'll see. 

Day 470 | Ice Cream

Maybe it was just today's heat (the car said 101 when we loaded up) or the fact that ice cream has been far too absent in my life lately, but the ice cream at Moorenko's Ice Cream (in Silver Spring) was about the best I've had. We all shared chocolate chip, strawberries and cream, and cherry chocolate chip. Let's just say, delicious. And, if none of those flavors trip your trigger, every one we sampled (there are unlimited samples!) was equally as scrumptious.

Highly recommended!

Day 469 | Haircut Day

Have you heard? It's national haircut day...at least around our house. I cut all three of my favorite boys' hair tonight, two (Chris's and Robbe's) for the first time. Big day!

It was sad to see sweet Robbe's baby hair fall away but it was time. Let's just say we moved past "cute and shaggy" a few weeks ago. He handled his first haircut (ever, not just by me) really well. I think it helped that Chase got his done first and Robbe does anything Chase does right now. When we asked him if he wanted to get his hair cut, he pulled on his locks and nodded yes. That boy was ready.

And I have to say, all three turned out pretty well. Maybe I've missed my calling. Even my first attempt at Chris's hair (who has got his hair cut by others, in case you're wondering), looks shockingly like the paid for version. Woohoo!

Day 468 | Making Me Glad

Chris went grocery shopping and came home with these (in addition to the appropriate items on the list). I have never bought gladiolus before or paid much attention to them at all. But these flowers are no joke. 

Thanks, sweetie, for the little burst of sunshine you brought into our house. 

Day 467 | Saying Goodbye (Again)

Have I mentioned that one of my least favorite things about this city is having to say goodbye? I'm sure I have. DC's transient nature means a lot of folks live here for a bit of time and then end up moving back to where they came from or close to family.

I had my official goodbye lunch with my good friend, Caia. She closes on her house tomorrow. Sniffle, sniffle. 

Day 466 | From Yesterday

This photo was just too perfect not to post...a day late. The dentist photo needed its own dedicated space so I'll use this super cute one of Chase and his new favorite ball drop contraption today.

A friend suggested we check out the Discovery Comminications (as in the Discovery Channel) building in Silver Spring and boy was it a hit. You can tell by the excitement in Chase's face, right? We watched those balls wind, spin, drop, and jump through the exhibit for 20 minutes. That's equal to two months in the life of a three year old. I have to say, I was pretty entertained myself. The $0.50 paid for the visit (meter money) was totally worth it. 

Day 465 | Dentist

Chase's second-ever trip to the dentist was a complete success...in terms of his dental hygiene. The visit as a whole, in terms of office administration, left something to be desired (they were very short staffed).

We walked out with a smiling, sparkly-teethed little guy, though. That's the important thing. 

Day 464 | A Takoma Sunday Morning

Man, we rocked this morning. Read on for our schedule of events and I think you'll agree:

1. Walk to our favorite breakfast place to meet friends for some delicious egg sandwiches. 

2. Enjoy a lovely shaded park with said friends while chasing around Chris's new parachute toy (that is not a typo). 

3. Patronize a local store (shop local!) for the long-sought-after solution to our drippy shower head problem. 

4. Enjoy oodles of samples of fruits and one veggie at the farmers market. And we brought some goodies home, too, don't worry. 

5. Wrap up the morning with a walk home before the peak of heat hits. 

See, it couldn't get much better. 

Day 463 | Des Moines Reunion

It was a lovely morning for an *almost complete reunion of our Des Moines friends. The group started as just four of us (me, Chris, Jennie, and Nick...and Shelley was just a few months delayed) and now look how we've blossomed into a whole big crew!

*We missed you Brad!

Day 462 | Boys of Summer

Do you see the little one in the background?

Day 461 | Back to Whole Foods

After quite a hiatus (about nine months!), we made it back to a Whole Foods Half Pint Kids Club class today. Why yes, we will make super delicious-looking berry tarts and will enjoy eating every bite!

And now we wait for the rain to come in and give us a break from the crazy DC heat. I'm ready. 

Day 460 | The Mall

Every time we venture down to The Mall for a morning outing it turns into the best decision ever. Today was no exception. 

It turns out the cure to overcoming a rocky start to the morning is holding various insects, watching a turantula eat her weekly meal, learning about animal skeletons, and running up and down a well-placed ramp at the National History Museum. Oh, and a lovely picnic in a shady spot overlooking the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial to wrap up the outing. 

I need to get up the motivation to trek down there more often...even if it is the height of tourist season. 

Day 459 | Walking in the Rain

What happens when you've been cooped up for too many days because of the heat but it's raining post-bedtime? A walk in the rain, of course.

It's actually quite lovely, you know, to have nowhere to be and no reason to stay dry. Just me and my thoughts enjoying the city I call home. 

Special note: I think this is the first complete selfie (that is, of just me, no one else). Don't hate me for it. I promise it won't become a pattern. 

Day 458 | Monday

A great Sunday followed by a pretty good Monday. The boys and I had a lovely low-key morning with an errand checked off the list and some beautifully shaded playground time. A cheaper than expected plumber visit (but still too expensive, obviously) with a quick and easy fix was equally as exciting.

Now dinner is ready to go in the oven and the boys are enjoying a well-coordinated nap time. No complaints here. 

Day 457 | Sunday

Just a typical Sunday around here. Delicious pancakes, a trip to an indoor pool (I'm over applying sunscreen!), good naps, some late afternoon sliding, and sushi to round off the day. If only every day could be Sunday.

Day 456 | Pasta

We had friends over tonight for a yummy pasta dinner. A tried and true recipe for Creamy Fettuccine with Corn and Arugula.

So nice to catch up with some lovely people after a few weeks away.