Holy Hotness, Day 2

In our continued quest to escape the sweaty heat at home, the Connors family* took a short trip to Annapolis to check out some water and boats. And to spend some time in the Air Conditioned car.

This is what we've resorted to.

It was a pretty easy way to spend an afternoon. There was plenty of water to investigate, with Daddy keeping a constant hand on his biggest little girl.

Though she really couldn't be bothered with posing, I was able to catch a quick glance my way.

Note aforementioned constant hand in the background. Such a good dad.

Mostly, eyes were kept firmly on the action on the water.

So fashionable, too.

Apparently, there was also deep conversation about the boats. It may have had something to do with wondering where the striped and polka-dotted boats were. Both of which C decided should be there.

Good dad=good listener. He's got it down.

Can I reach into this picture and stop time?

There may not have been music, but that did not stop our little butterfly from gettin' groovy...

Still, this is my favorite picture of the day. It captures everything that makes Caroline, well, Caroline. Gorgeous, spunky, sweet, and absolutely her own person, from the dancing arms to the absolutely unnecessary (from a medical standpoint at least) Hello Kitty Band-Aid on her knee.

If we could all dance down a boardwalk with such little reserve...

We've promised a boat-ride for our next adventure. Whoa. Keep eyes peeled for a post on that trip, hopefully coming soon.

*Yes, Anna Kate was there, too. She just slept through 90% of the adventure, soundly in her stroller with a sunshade that I didn't dare remove, even for a minute to take a picture.

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Holy Hotness, Day 1

Warning - LONG POST ahead!

Saturday was spent at this amazing park in an effort to escape the near record-setting heat in the DC area.

Wait. Going outside to escape the heat?

Yes! In their infinite wisdom, our management company decided that we wouldn't need A/C until the 10-day forecast didn't include lows below 50. Never mind the highs in the 90s.

All that to say, It.was.hot. 

But a blessing in a sweaty disguise... we loved this place! In addition to 3 separate playgrounds, it has a miniature train (more on that below), a dog park (not necessary for us, but cool) and picnic area.

We went with friends and building mates Sharon and Anthony, and their little boys Anthony and Sean, who are almost the exact ages of our girls.

Two Anthonys, Two Seans. One big and one little of each. Have to pay close attention here.

Anna Kate spent most of the trip hanging out in her ride:

She is this happy 99% of the time. Seriously.

As for the big kids (yes, at 2 1/2, they are the big kids), there was some sliding on a gigantic twisty slide....

Careful Caroline and mini-Olympian Anthony. Note that he was
wearing his scooter helmet for at least the first hour of the visit.
In 90 degree weather. He is awesome and so hilarious.

a miniature train ride around the park with the dads....

These photos don't really capture C's terror, or Anthony's
excitement, but trust me, the emotions were there.

some waving to the trains...

"hi train!"

and serious bug investigation.

Who knew ants were so fascinating? And please check out the
scrape on Anthony's knee. He is one tough little man.

Caroline, as usual, took time to smell the flowers. In this little girl's world, dandelions are the best. They are everywhere.

Be still my heart!

Anthony, however, was more interested in what in the world was going on with that camera.

The eyes on this child... amazing!

Of course, there was plenty of silliness...

 
Sometime around now, C started singing the rocks song:

"Rocks, rocks, I love to play in rocks"

Finally, there were snacks, then all parties headed home for naps (which, um, did not work out in the case of the Connors' children).

And though not taken at the park, we got a few bonus shots of AK at home. Just chilling (though absolutely not literally) out:

Yummy

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Because I Can't Help Myself

and because she is just so darn cute...

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Thoughts from a Little Girl, Part 3

Yesterday evening, while Sean was off dining at 2941 (for work; rough life), the Connors girls were left to fend for themselves.

And fend we did! Had fun, too. After a dinner of scrambled eggs and apples (CEC's request), and what CEC dubbed "carrot sauce" for AK, everyone was bathed and jammied and ready for stories.

CEC was the designated book-gatherer and picked out some of her favorites, including well-known Pat the Bunny.

OUR story started when Paul puts his finger through mummy's ring, and then asks, "Now you put your finger through mummy's ring" (fashioned from a hole in the page).

C obliged and then her mommy took it a step further, which resulted in the following:

Mommy [taking off my engagement ring and holding it up for her]: Can you put your finger through your mommy's ring?
CEC [putting her finger through]: Yes!
CEC [suddenly grabbing mommy's finger as the ring is slipped back on]: *Gasp! "Mommy! Look at your princess ring!!!!"
Mommy: "Yes! Daddy gave that princess ring to mommy."
CEC [looking dreamily]: "I wish I was grown up so I could wear a princess ring, too!"

Oh sweet girl. I hope someday someone as great as your daddy gives you a princess ring too. And makes you feel like a princess every day.

Just don't make it too soon.

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Yes, These are the Eyes...

that knock her mommy out. Not sure where they come from, but oh my. They can do a number on you.

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Enough with that Camera, Lady!

At home on a recent evening, I noticed how nice the light was coming in through our sliding glass doors. We don't get many good-light evenings in our east-facing apartment, and I was excited to experiment a little bit with my camera.

Of course, I had a gorgeous subject right at my disposal. Right?

Maybe not. As a friend has often wisely pointed out, nothing can ever be perfect. Or not as we planned perfection anyway.

The following paraphrases the conversation between me and Caroline as I tried to take her picture. Liberties may have been taken with the exact dialogue, but you get the gist:

Hey Caroline!

"Hi Mommy"

Oh no. The camera again?
Can't you see I'm having a snack and trying to unwind?

Come on, Caroline. Show me your pretty smile. I bet you can't laugh!

I'm not smiling mommy [but I look pretty anyway]

Can you look at the camera?

No way

Please? Can't I take your picture?

Put the camera down!

Caroline!

Okay Mommy. But I'm trying to watch Ni Hao, Kai Lan.

Ah yes, important stuff. Just one smile?

Okay. I will show you my fish face and my wild hair, but that's it.

So maybe I didn't get anything we'll frame for the wall. Still worth it for the record of my smart, sweet, spunky child and her bursting-at-the-seams personality.

How could you not love everything about this kid?

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The Best Baby Outfit Ever

When Anna Kate was born, good friends of our family sent her a very stylish, extremely groovy sweater dress outfit. Complete with leggings, socks, and the coolest hat you can imagine.

I couldn't wait until she was big enough to wear it. And it did not disappoint.

Of course, it can't hurt that she's so gorgeous. Of course.

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Springtime Fantastic

Just another beautiful day in our favorite park....

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