Day 197 | Oh Yeah, This is DC

Seemed like a pretty easy plan for the day: a trip down to the Mall to meet our friends John and Caia and play at the Museum of the American Indian.

Then one of my least favorite parts about this city got in the way: the traffic. We've had such good luck in that department lately that I almost forgot how much I despise sitting, without moving, in the car. With two babies.

We did make it to the museum after some tense moments, several songs, and a Marshall and Thomas (the train) story. This museum is, unexpectedly, lots of fun for the kiddos. There's a great children's area with a skateboard (pictured above), a kayak (modeled next to Robbe), a teepee, an igloo, and too many additional exhibits to mention. We wish we could have been there for longer, but we'll take what we can get.

In case you think that was the only traffic congestion we got stuck in today, you'd be wrong. The trip to Caia and John's house for lunch took twice as long as it should have and the trip back home was no piece of cake, either.

Thanks for the reminder, DC.

Day 196 | A New Craft

My mom picked up a fun stamping book when she was visiting and now I've been bitten by the carve-your-own stamp bug.

I started by carving bird stamps (one of my favorite subjects at the moment) and I'm really enjoying the new challenge. It's a fairly mindless, inexpensive activity that I can do in small chunks of time (a must with my current lifestyle). 

I'll be posting future designs as I hone this new craft. You might have to wait until after the holidays, though, because I see some great gifts on the horizon. 

Day 195 | Picnic, Please

A picnic in mid-November? Yes, please! The boys and I took full advantage of this amazingly sunny and mild fall day to play a bit longer at Tree Park and eat lunch in the great outdoors (which happens very infrequently now that we have a baby eating "solids" to contend with). The challenge was worth it today, however. And I fully enjoyed the extra time in the sun.

Day 194 | Jump, Jump, Jump

Chris has been dreaming about having a Tuesday or Thursday off since we went to the trampoline park for the first time (the only days toddler time is offered). Today is Veterans Day (thank you, veterans!), so his dream finally came true. Off to Skyzone we went. We were even lucky enough to have Dr. Sean make the trip with us.

The jumping didn't disappoint, yet again. And Chris decided the wait was definitely worth it. 

Day 193 | The Fading Fall

I heard a rumor from my dad today that there's a cold spell coming. Luckily, we had already arrived at the park to take advantage of the sunshine and lovely temperature before winter starts creeping in.

No, I'm not ready for it, in case you're wondering. 

Day 192 | Tooth Time

Robbe popped his first tooth! Can you see it on the bottom? I guess someone has to start gaining teeth to make up for our niece Leila, who keeps losing hers!

He's handled this first round of teething like a champ. Fingers crossed that continues as they keep coming.

Day 191 | Say It Isn't So

We have another set of friends moving away from us...and they're moving to California, too. Why is that state swiping all our friends? Apparently the constantly perfect weather is appealing to some folks.

We're so sad to see Steve, Krissy, Cynthia, and Jeffery go but we plan on spending as much time with them as possible before they pack up and move to the other coast. We'll stay optimistic that they'll return to us someday.