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.

Read more...

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

Read more...

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?

Read more...

Springtime Fantastic

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

Read more...

In Your Easter Bonnet...

... with all the frills upon it
You'll be the grandest lady
in the Easter Parade!

*Pre-reading warning: This is going to be a LOOONGGG post with LOTS of photos. I can't help it. It's Easter!

Break out the bunnies - it's Easter Time!

Because C has lots of experience with the Spring celebration, she was quite excited to get to the candy and treat part of the day. She even told AK all about it, and agreed to "help" her find some eggs when Clay came over later.

First things first. The Easter Bunny came to our house, much to C's excitement. Mommy and Daddy listen on the monitor to the realization:

C: [with normal morning grumpiness] "Mommy... I waked up. MOOOMMMYYY."
C: [obviously noticing basket on the stool next to her bed, and with renewed enthusiasm for the morning] "Mommy Look! Look Mommy Look! The Easter Bunny CAME!"

It took everything in my power not to run in there the moment I heard her wake, but it was worth it to listen to the discovery. She was so excited and amazed. And genuinely thrilled that the Easter Bunny had come to see Anna, too! And he left a basket by her crib (can you believe it?)!!

Next, we had to get all dressed up. Go to church. Come home. Have mini photo session.

Maybe we didn't have to do that last part. But how could I resist when they looked like this?

Of course, getting the perfect shot of these two beautiful girls proved to be somewhat of a challenge. Case in point:

Ah well, not looking at the camera maybe, but still beautiful.

Sweet Caroline even tried to get Anna Kate to look at the camera with her. But the lens hood (that round thing in the grass) was way more interesting than the crazy lady with the camera.

Finally, everyone had had enough. Right Anna?

"Right Mom!"

Wait - just one more. Of our big girl, looking at the flowers. As she pointed out, they were pansies: "Your favorite, Mommy!"

The Morrises arrived, and after a quick change to our egg-hunting clothes, we were on our way again.

Caroline quickly started filling her basket...

... with some breaks to see what was inside (and sample it too perhaps).

She got a little help from Dad, too...

and even shared a few treats...

Clay was off and running too. Quite the egg gatherer, that kid. And quite the heartbreaker, too:

And we can't forget Anna! Though no getting in the grass for her this year. Next year though, watch out! I have a feeling she's going to be able to hold her own.

A beautiful day and a wonderful celebration with these sweet children and our friends. Couldn't ask for a better holiday.

Read more...