A Turkey Week Vacation in Duck on Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Turkey in Duck--what a great idea! We are enjoying a week on the Outer Banks, NC to celebrate the holiday. We could not ask for better weather. Even on cloudy days, the sun has peeked through and the temperatures are so kind for November. The best part is living under one roof with all of my cousins, including bunking in at night with Jack and Ella (this morning we were up with the sun, giggling and sneaking candy from the kitchen). We have spent lots of time on the beach and have also enjoyed the hot tub, the Wright Brothers Memorial, and Jockey's Ridge with its huge sand dunes.

TeePee HeeHee on Friday, November 18, 2011

It has been all about indians, corn and harvest at school. I have had a good time making corn muffins and corn rubbings. And, I am especially excited to be singing in the sanctuary (practicing Christmas songs). Here is a photo of me and a teepee I made in school today though my mom thought it was a party hat...

Season of Thankfulness on Wednesday, November 16, 2011

It has been a busy work month for my parents, so I remind them of thankfulness. And, I have much to be thankful for! Here are some photos of my November with just a few things from my thankful list.

Beach Opportunities (thank you Moppy and Pop!)

Crazy Cousins

Time with Daddy

Trippin' on Trick-or-Treatin' on Monday, October 31, 2011

I had soooo much fun trick-or-treating. Did you know that if you knock on people's doors on Halloween night, they give you candy?? At a few houses, I was able to get a piece for me, a piece for Mommy, and a piece for Daddy. I was so excited that I ran between houses and met lots of other kids along the way. I also flat-out refused to wear a jacket over my costume. All of my muscles kept me warm. What a fun night! And, it was just as much fun to come home and sort out all of the treats. My pick for the evening: Starbursts!

Happy Birthday to Dad! on Sunday, October 30, 2011

On this Halloween Eve, I am excited to report two more opportunities to wear my Halloween costume! We hosted a Halloween playdate on Thursday, and then I went to a Halloween party at buddy, Ronan's house today. Let me tell you--everyone is always happy to see Superman! In between the parties, we celebrated Daddy's birthday and welcomed Nanny and Grandpa for the weekend. Happy Birthday, Daddy! And, even a happy early birthday to Grandpa.

It's a bird... It's a plane... on Sunday, October 23, 2011

It is hard to believe that I was resisting a costume just a week ago. My plan was to be a "trick or treater". But, after a trip to Party City with their wall of costumes, I became Superman! And, I was the hit of the first of our Halloween parties--flying around, staying in character the entire night, asking all the ladies to feel my muscles, and being a good citizen. I can't wait to wear it again--in fact, I have! We have also enjoyed more beautiful fall weather, especially down in St. Mary's County (at a real farm) with special friends.

Smartphoning on Friday, October 21, 2011

My mom finally took the plunge and got a smart phone, the new iPhone 4S. So, you may start to see some cool mobile pics, enhanced today with the app Instagram. Here I am standing outside of school wearing a mask I made.

Catching Up on Friday, October 21, 2011

Gotta catch up--let me fill you in on some of my October happenings through pictures!

I spent a morning at National Harbor with Daddy. I talked about Peeps, Mike and Ikes and Hot Tamales for days! National Harbor has a whole store just for these candies. I also played on the sculpture, "The Awakening".

Went to Firehouse Open House one Saturday morning.
Very cool!

Enjoyed the October birthday celebration!
Have I mentioned before how much I love my cousins!

Went for a hike
(though did not do so much hiking on my own).

Happy Half Birthday to Me! on Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Like we need an excuse to eat cupcakes!
I owe you some pics from my weekend
(including some really cool Daddy time).
Coming soon!

Highlight of My Day on Saturday, October 8, 2011

Today was one of those days--I could not just pick one highlight. There were so many, including SUNSHINE, a quick trip into Daddy's office (where I get to write on the walls), Charlie's birthday party at the firehouse, and a fall festival at Temple Hills Regional Park out in Leesburg. Fun! Who had time for a nap? (corn cob launcher^)

(corn maze^)

Weather Change on Sunday, October 2, 2011

It seems like just a few days ago I was running around in shorts and working up a sweat on the playground. Today, we are bundled in fleece and hats! I am enjoying this change of season. We have talked about apples, pumpkins, and autumn in preschool. Leaves are beginning to cover the ground in our backyard. And, just this weekend, we started putting up Halloween decorations. I even ate a few candy corn. I do declare that fall is here!

Cool Saturday on Saturday, September 25, 2011

While it has been humid and rainy for the most of the week, we headed underground on this Saturday to get cool. We traveled to Front Royal, VA, only 60 miles away into the mountains and at the tip of Skyline Drive. Our first stop was the infamous Apple House where we ate apple and pumpkin doughnuts. This provided us the energy for our walk down into Skyline Caverns. Way cool! At first, I was unsure about the darkness and coolness, but I really liked the underground streams and odd formations. And, at times there were interesting echoes. Halfway through the tour and down into the cavern, I realized I had to go to the bathroom, so we ran the second half and made it out just in time! Also, Skyline Caverns features an awesome mirror maze. I was introduced to this back in Gatlinburg and had just as much fun in this one! After lunch in quaint downtown Front Royal, it was time for the ride home just barely keeping my eyes open.

Metro Riding on Sunday, September 18, 2011

I wanted to ride the Metro this weekend, so that is just what we did! On Saturday, we rode to the Building Museum for the Build It! event. I got to stack bricks, hammer, explore roofing materials, and create sculptures out of plumbing pipes (cool stuff that would have made great pictures if my mom had not forgotten the camera...). Not sure what I enjoyed more--the Metro ride or the museum. On Sunday, I woke and asked to go back to the Building Museum, but we compromised on another Metro ride to Dupont Circle for coffee, a walk around, and unbeknownst to us, a great farmer's market. I met some fun folks around the fountain, drawn in by my charm and cars. I made a date with one 20-something 'lady' in particular and asked if she would like to meet again next weekend. True to form, I fell asleep on that Metro ride home.

Candy, Class, Crayons, and Corks on Monday, September 12, 2011

Today I had my first official day of school. I trotted off to my classroom and positioned myself in the car corner with a nod of the head and quick wave good bye. My report back to my mom was minimal, though I was happy and excited by the day. I did get a little perplexed when we got home and headed up our stairs to the house. I am supposed to use my right hand on the railings at school, which Mrs. Mac stamped today. And, we always use our right hand to guide us in lining up along the hallway. (I think Mrs. Mac, my teacher, will have a lot of rules.) However, our railing at home is on my leftside... I tried to walk up backwards to hold the rail with my right hand but thought better of that. I also showed my mom how to "smell, look, and listen." This is another of Mrs. Mac's rules. But, perhaps I have it wrong. Yes, it is "stop, look, and listen then smell." So, it was a good day, and I look forward to my Monday, Wednesday, and Friday school mornings. To top off this eventful day, we participated in a fun program this evening, Crayons and Corks, at a local restaurant. With my pal, Elise, we painted picture frames, sang songs, and played, while our parents did a wine tasting. Pretty cool idea, eh?!

It was a busy day that followed a super weekend--we enjoyed watching Kylie cheer at her second varsity football game of the season. She was awesome! We also got to help Moppy and Pop celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary and have some beach time (one more trip to Candy Kitchen, one more dip in the ocean). Wow!

First Day of School But Just a Visit on Friday, September 9, 2011

Between raindrops this morning, I am off to visit my new classroom. My teachers, Mrs. Mac and Ms. June, sent me the cool apple name tag. Quite excited! Looking forward to seeing some old friends and making new ones. School officially starts next Monday.

End of Summer Hang Out on Sunday, September 4, 2011

Labor Day weekend--a great time for just hanging out! Especially with fun cousins. I was so excited to have Kylie stay for two days. With Kylie we went shopping (okay, so that was really just Kylie and my mom), and we went to the Air Force Memorial--one of my favorite places to take guests for great views of the city, followed by a stop at favorite Arlington/Ballston hangout, Buzz Bakery with its cool fountain. Next, it was triple the fun when Ella and Keelyn (along with their parents) came over this afternoon. After they left, I told my parents, "I like when it is loud with my cousins." Thanks, girls, for indulging me and playing cars, especially crashing them.

Take a Guess! on Friday, September 2, 2011

Here is a challenge for you. A free ice cream cone with sprinkles to the person who can guess what this is--my latest creation.

Hurricane Survival on Sunday, August 28, 2011

The key to hurricane survival is to hang out with really cool people!

Irene Begone on Sunday, August 28, 2011

The rain started yesterday morning and continued through the day, a nice, gentle rain with some wind. It started to pick up just as I was going to bed. I slept through the heaviest wind and pounding rain as did most of my family. We are happily hosting evacuees, Moppy and Pop and have had a great weekend. We awoke today to a bit more rain but it has cleared out leaving behind only fallen branches, leaves, and lots of fun puddles. Luckily, we never lost our power (though about 14,000 homes in Arlington are powerless). And, Irene has now left us with a beautiful Sunday afternoon. So long, Irene!

Almost a Beach Weekend on Friday, August 26, 2011

We had plans for one last beach getaway with Daddy included! Wednesday night we arrived and awoke Thursday to a lovely day, sunny and full of promise. It was a great day--running on the beach, getting buried in the sand, and jumping the waves (and no beach day is complete without ice cream and treats from Candy Kitchen). But, our beach fun was short-lived as we evacuated at the end of the day with Hurricane Irene setting her path. Evacuation turned fun as we left with Moppy and Pop and their car full of food--all headed to our house. We awoke to another beautiful day (is there really a hurricane coming?) and went to the Air and Space Museum out at Dulles. I had a great time running through the hangar filled with planes, rockets, jets and more, and what a bonus to run into buddy, Tyler, there with his grandmother. Together we headed up to the control tower and together we successfully guided in all of the planes, grounding them in preparation for the hurricane. Hopefully, we will get one more fun day out and about with Moppy and Pop before hunkering down to the await the storm.