As anyone who knows Connor knows, he LOVES trains. Still. Every mother of a boy told me that trains were a phase, and next we'd move to dinosaurs. Not so with Connor. For Christmas this year, he asked me to get him a train that goes all by itself that he could set up for people to come see, but only he and Helen would be allowed to make it go. This may be the start of a very expensive hobby.
Connor's love of trains possibly makes Christmas our most favorite season of all around here. Because there are lots and lots of incredible train displays. So when Javamom - over at Caffeine and a Prayer - told me about the Junior League of Northern Virginia's annual Enchanted Forest - which includes beautiful trees decorated by sponsors that you can bid on in a silent auction, loads of kids' entertainers, a science center room for kids, and A POLAR EXPRESS MODEL TRAIN ROOM, I jumped at the chance to go. This is going to totally kick-start our train viewing this year, and I know Connor is going to be so excited.
The event takes place at the Sheraton Reston, located at 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Va. 20194 on November 20 and 21. Javamom generously gave my family tickets, so we'll be hitting the first day of the forest and I'll be posting photos of the event here that night. Tickets are $10 per person - and we're planning on upgrading our tickets to include the cupcake decorating event with the snow princess and Georgetown Cupcakes. Tickets are sold at the door, online at www.jlnv.org/theenchantedforest or you can get them by calling 703-442-4163. You can also enter Javamom's giveaway for this event on her website.
We'll also be heading out to Brookside Gardens to see the trains and lights as we have done for the past two years, the Botanical Gardens to see their trains - as we have done for the past four years, and we'll even go to a guy's house not far from us that puts up a display. We'll hit the Norwegian trains at Union Station at least once, although this one is always difficult for kids because it's at adult height, which requires me to drag a chair from a restaurant over or figure out how to pick both Connor and Helen up. We'll head down to the ellipse to see the trains on display, where Connor once remembered the trains from the year before, completely freaking me out.
Join me at one or all of these events!
Elaine
Showing posts with label Fun Stuff in DC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fun Stuff in DC. Show all posts
Friday, November 12, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Sloth Bear Tour at the National Zoo
Over the summer, Ed and I attended one of the National Zoo's after-hours fundraisers, Zoofari. Typically, I do not support over-eating in any way, but this event is loaded with excellent food, and I love it. In fact, every year I try and recruit more friends to attend because it is really that fun.
I quite possibly owe my sanity to the National Zoo, because that's where Ed and Connor would head bright and early the Winter after Helen was born so I could snooze at home with Helen - the super sleeper. And because of that, we've been members of the zoo for several years and attend one or two fundraisers a year for the place.
Before we started attending this annual event with friends, they went without us and won a "backstage visit" with the sloth bears one year at the silent auction. They generously took us as their guests, and we had a ball. This was about a month before Helen was born. This year, while attending the event, we formed a bidding pact and first bid on a backstage tour of the panda bears, but got outbid. So one of my friends ran to the tent with the sloth bear backstage visit and placed a winning bid for our team.
After several scheduling issues, we were finally all able to make it to the zoo this past Sunday. Only the keeper failed to show. But my friend is nothing, if not persistent, so we got our promised visit. And, because the zoo folks felt bad about our tour being delayed, they threw in a backstage visit with the otters. BONUS!
We all had a blast. Note that both Helen and Connor loved feeding mealy worms to the sloth bear, even going so far as to pick up any worms that fell to the ground so they could feed them to the bear. No squeamishness here, friends.
I quite possibly owe my sanity to the National Zoo, because that's where Ed and Connor would head bright and early the Winter after Helen was born so I could snooze at home with Helen - the super sleeper. And because of that, we've been members of the zoo for several years and attend one or two fundraisers a year for the place.
Before we started attending this annual event with friends, they went without us and won a "backstage visit" with the sloth bears one year at the silent auction. They generously took us as their guests, and we had a ball. This was about a month before Helen was born. This year, while attending the event, we formed a bidding pact and first bid on a backstage tour of the panda bears, but got outbid. So one of my friends ran to the tent with the sloth bear backstage visit and placed a winning bid for our team.
After several scheduling issues, we were finally all able to make it to the zoo this past Sunday. Only the keeper failed to show. But my friend is nothing, if not persistent, so we got our promised visit. And, because the zoo folks felt bad about our tour being delayed, they threw in a backstage visit with the otters. BONUS!
We all had a blast. Note that both Helen and Connor loved feeding mealy worms to the sloth bear, even going so far as to pick up any worms that fell to the ground so they could feed them to the bear. No squeamishness here, friends.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Best Birthday Party Ever: Woodmont Gymnastics Center
Today, Helen and Connor attended the birthday party of someone we met during our nanny sharing days. It was, by far, the most rocking party ever. We were late to it (had exciting behind-the-scenes tour at the zoo before the party), so missed part of it, but will still rank it among the top parties of the year. It was the obstacle course birthday party on steroids. Or rather, done professional style.
The party was held at Woodmont gymnastics center, a place both Connor and Helen have taken gymnastics at. They started with a warm-up (which we missed), and then set up an obstacle course (which we missed), and then set up another obstacle course, which was a total hoot - balance beams, rings, tunnels, bars - the works.
Because Connor thinks sweat pants are the appropriate attire for all parties - and all non-party days as well, he was dressed perfectly. And on a related note, the day before Connor attended another birthday party, and as he was getting dressed he told me he was going to wear something really fancy so nobody would know who he was. If they asked, he was going to tell them his name was Ronnoc so he could trick them. He wore black pants and a red shirt. Ironically, it was a costume party, but I forgot that, so he really could've dressed up in an unusual outfit.
I'll definitely consider this party for Helen next year. Totally fun.
Elaine
The party was held at Woodmont gymnastics center, a place both Connor and Helen have taken gymnastics at. They started with a warm-up (which we missed), and then set up an obstacle course (which we missed), and then set up another obstacle course, which was a total hoot - balance beams, rings, tunnels, bars - the works.
Because Connor thinks sweat pants are the appropriate attire for all parties - and all non-party days as well, he was dressed perfectly. And on a related note, the day before Connor attended another birthday party, and as he was getting dressed he told me he was going to wear something really fancy so nobody would know who he was. If they asked, he was going to tell them his name was Ronnoc so he could trick them. He wore black pants and a red shirt. Ironically, it was a costume party, but I forgot that, so he really could've dressed up in an unusual outfit.
I'll definitely consider this party for Helen next year. Totally fun.
Elaine
Monday, October 25, 2010
Cheerios Asked About Nourishing Mind and Body – Here’s an Idea from My Family, What About Yours?
Since I moved to the East Coast and had children, apple-picking has become a quintessential marker that fall has indeed arrived. I’m partial to the farms that have loads of apples, but not a lot of other activities. My children are still quite young (ages 3 and 5), so the act of discovering a tree, finding an apple on it, and then retrieving it for consumption later – or even right on the spot – can still make for a nice morning. Of course, if the orchard has a cider press, I’m also happy to indulge in a little fresh-pressed cider, something my son claims is “better than candy”!
I still recall four years ago when my sister-in-law started this tradition. At the time, my older child was just over one year old, and he had 2, maybe 3 teeth. Up until that point, I did not even know it was possible to eat an apple with that few teeth. But sheer determination goes a long way.
The combination of cooler nights and a birthday party about 45 minutes from our house set the stage for this year’s trip to the orchard. Somewhat willy-nilly, we happened upon Crooked Run Orchard. After the party and our somewhat circuitous route to the farm, we were a bit tired, so we decided to check out the nearest fields. You know, the fields that everyone else who just wants to make a quick trip checks out.
Given that it was afternoon, these trees had clearly seen their fair share of visitors. But hope springs eternal because way up there, on that branch just out of reach? We could see some beauties.
To recap our ritual:
Step 1. Toss some Cheerios and other snacks in the car and head to the nearest orchard.
Step 2. Walk to field and surmise that there sure are some tasty apples available.
Step 3. Discover your 5 year old is now tall enough to reach some of the lowest apples on the trees. My son was thrilled, although truth be told, the apple wasn’t that impressive. But with apples this size, if an apple a day does indeed keep the doctor away, we should be covered since we’re eating three or four of these snacks!
Step 4. Have the parents reach as high as they can, but still come up only retrieving mid-sized apples.
Step 5. Necessity is often known as the mother of invention. If you can’t reach the apples on your own, use your dad as a ladder and go for it!
And now that you have loads of apples, go turn them into all manner of tasty treats! So far, I’ve made an apple crisp, an apple pie, and I’m still searching for the perfect cider donut recipe. Have one you care to share? Or maybe you have some additional ideas on how to get those way-up-in-the-trees apples? Or something else we ought to be incorporating into our fall routine?
Disclosure: As part of the Cheerios Blogger Circle, I was asked to write about a way my family nourishes mind and body. I was happy to join this circle because my daughter still request Cheerios for her playgroup snack. But please don’t tell my kids my secret. I love to mix in a few chocolate chips when I eat them!
I still recall four years ago when my sister-in-law started this tradition. At the time, my older child was just over one year old, and he had 2, maybe 3 teeth. Up until that point, I did not even know it was possible to eat an apple with that few teeth. But sheer determination goes a long way.
The combination of cooler nights and a birthday party about 45 minutes from our house set the stage for this year’s trip to the orchard. Somewhat willy-nilly, we happened upon Crooked Run Orchard. After the party and our somewhat circuitous route to the farm, we were a bit tired, so we decided to check out the nearest fields. You know, the fields that everyone else who just wants to make a quick trip checks out.
Given that it was afternoon, these trees had clearly seen their fair share of visitors. But hope springs eternal because way up there, on that branch just out of reach? We could see some beauties.
To recap our ritual:
Step 1. Toss some Cheerios and other snacks in the car and head to the nearest orchard.
Step 2. Walk to field and surmise that there sure are some tasty apples available.
Step 3. Discover your 5 year old is now tall enough to reach some of the lowest apples on the trees. My son was thrilled, although truth be told, the apple wasn’t that impressive. But with apples this size, if an apple a day does indeed keep the doctor away, we should be covered since we’re eating three or four of these snacks!
Step 4. Have the parents reach as high as they can, but still come up only retrieving mid-sized apples.
Step 5. Necessity is often known as the mother of invention. If you can’t reach the apples on your own, use your dad as a ladder and go for it!
And now that you have loads of apples, go turn them into all manner of tasty treats! So far, I’ve made an apple crisp, an apple pie, and I’m still searching for the perfect cider donut recipe. Have one you care to share? Or maybe you have some additional ideas on how to get those way-up-in-the-trees apples? Or something else we ought to be incorporating into our fall routine?
Disclosure: As part of the Cheerios Blogger Circle, I was asked to write about a way my family nourishes mind and body. I was happy to join this circle because my daughter still request Cheerios for her playgroup snack. But please don’t tell my kids my secret. I love to mix in a few chocolate chips when I eat them!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Potomac Crescent Waldorf School Fall Festival
Jessica, at the super-cool blog a Parent in Silver Spring, generously allowed me to write about the Potomac Crescent Waldorf School Fall Festival which will be happening on Saturday from 10 - 2. Hope to see you there!
The festival takes place at the school, which is located at 923 S 23rd Street; Arlington, VA 22202.
Check out the post wherein I discuss not only the Fall Festival, but also Waldorf education.
Elaine
The festival takes place at the school, which is located at 923 S 23rd Street; Arlington, VA 22202.
Check out the post wherein I discuss not only the Fall Festival, but also Waldorf education.
Elaine
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Time is Relative...Volunteering in the Morning
For many years, before I gave birth to Connor, I volunteered at Miriam's Kitchen. In fact, I pre-dated the awesome chef that took over the place about 10 years ago. But then I was a nursing mom, who couldn't reliably get to the kitchen on time, and so I continued making monthly donations via the Breakfast Club (now the MK Club) but didn't find myself in the kitchen, save for a few hours here and there to work on computer stuff.
Last Monday, I went back to Miriam's to volunteer. After a five year hiatus, I noticed a few things.
1. I recognize a shocking number of people. Chronic homelessness is a problem in DC, and while it was good to see some friendly faces from the past, I was also deeply saddened that these men and women continue to struggle.
2. Time is relative. Before I had kids, I used to think it took heroic efforts to get to the kitchen on time. As I was preparing to leave my house on Monday, I asked myself "was I supposed to be there at 5:30? Because arriving at 6:00 just doesn't seem early enough". I arrived at the right time, it just doesn't seem ridiculously early any more.
Elaine
Last Monday, I went back to Miriam's to volunteer. After a five year hiatus, I noticed a few things.
1. I recognize a shocking number of people. Chronic homelessness is a problem in DC, and while it was good to see some friendly faces from the past, I was also deeply saddened that these men and women continue to struggle.
2. Time is relative. Before I had kids, I used to think it took heroic efforts to get to the kitchen on time. As I was preparing to leave my house on Monday, I asked myself "was I supposed to be there at 5:30? Because arriving at 6:00 just doesn't seem early enough". I arrived at the right time, it just doesn't seem ridiculously early any more.
Elaine
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Summer 2010 - Meadowlark Gardens
Occasionally, I don't feel like lugging my D-SLR camera with me, so I bring my tiny Olympus with the button that occasionally sticks and shutter speed that is so slow I can usually catch a quick nap between the time I push the sticky button and the time a photograph is digitally recorded.
I took that camera to Boston, assuming that Ed would want to photograph all the excitement he and the kids were having. Not so, it turns out, but it was still an easier camera to transport from one spot to the next.
When I went to download the photos of my two friends that I've known the longest, Jenny (1st grade) and Lisa (2nd grade), I was reminded that my au pair had taken this camera on an outing to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens this summer. It appears that in a race of children versus geese...
geese win.
Elaine
I took that camera to Boston, assuming that Ed would want to photograph all the excitement he and the kids were having. Not so, it turns out, but it was still an easier camera to transport from one spot to the next.
When I went to download the photos of my two friends that I've known the longest, Jenny (1st grade) and Lisa (2nd grade), I was reminded that my au pair had taken this camera on an outing to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens this summer. It appears that in a race of children versus geese...
geese win.
Elaine
Sunday, September 26, 2010
From Left To Write Book Club: Room, by Emma Donoghue
So here's the deal, in the first part of the book, the reader becomes slowly aware that a 5 year old boy and his mom are trapped in a room. Their whole world is this room. And because the 5 year old doesn't know anything different, he doesn't find it particularly bothersome.
I have a love-hate relationship with the zoo. I love it, because my kids enjoy going, it gives me the opportunity to see pandas and other cool animals that I would not normally be exposed to, and in the winter, it's a true lifesaver when looking for uncrowded indoor activities, because most people don't go to the zoo and hang out at the small mammal house like we do. But I hate it because I think about that polar bear that used to live in the Topeka zoo that paced back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. The only day that amazing bear seemed even remotely happy was the annual "ice day" which was the day the zookeepers dropped an enormous chunk of ice in the polar bear's, and the polar bear got about a half day of respite from the heat of summer.
Today, we visited the zoo. While in the Great Ape House, I looked at a mother gorilla, her baby (who was really a baby the last time we saw it - sheltered in a hammock by the mother gorilla) who was now climbing all over the enclosure. The kids were totally impressed, though Helen kept pointing out that it didn't seem safe for a baby to be up so high, and she seemed visibly relieved when the mother carried the baby down to safety. I thought about how these gorillas grow up in a room, visited by humans daily. All their basic needs are met, just as the boy's basic needs were met. But I wonder, as I always do, do they realize that the world is enormous and they're missing out, or do they think the world is small, and they're experiencing everything there is? I suppose no one really knows the answer, but it does make me a little sad when I'm watching them.
Now the small mammals? I have no qualms about visiting them in the zoo. Those meerkats run around burrowing in tunnels and appear to be doing everything they desire. The naked mole rats seems equally thrilled as they industriously move wooden shavings from one part of a tube to another. Even the golden lion tamarinds seem fine, though I suspect they enjoy their days outside more than their days inside.
The other thing I thought a lot about while reading this book is the extent a mother will go to make the most of a terrible situation for her child. It really was inspiring, and it's something I see daily. It's the thing that makes me know that life is beautiful, even if there are some parts (many parts, even) that make me stop and worry. In the end, every mom I know would go to the mattresses for her child, and in Emma Donoghue's "Room", that basic story is retold vividly.
This post was inspired by Emma Donoghue's book "Room". I received a free copy of the book as a member of the "From Left to Write" book club. I was not obligated to write this post. Like all the books I've received thus far, this one will be passed on to another owner in the next few days.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Ed's Weekend With the Little People
Last weekend, I went to Boston to visit my two close friends from elementary school. I left early Thursday morning and returned Sunday afternoon. I had a ball.
I took my old camera with me, so that Ed could take lots of photos of the kids while I was away. Let me take a moment to share my favorite one with you.
Oh, you missed that, did you? Me too. Ed took NO PHOTOS the entire weekend.
He took the kids to our old CSA farm. They dug up some potatoes, got lost in a corn maze, played lots of mini golf, and Helen fed the baby pig her finger. Well, it tried to eat her finger, but Helen wasn't about to give it up. They rode the cow train at the farm for the first time ever (even Ed rode on it!). But did Ed bother to take even one photo? Nope. Not a one.
The next day, Connor and Helen talked him into a trip to Build-A-Bear where Helen purchased a pink bear (which she calls a cat) and Connor got a Jack Russell, the mommy dog to the baby dog he got last time we went there. And actually, this was pretty impressive on the kids' part because on Thursday night when I talked to the kids before bed, Connor casually mentioned that Daddy was taking them to Build-A-Bear and when Ed got on the phone, he was totally in denial about it. HA! Score one for persistence. But again, no photo for me.
So...if a Dad spends the weekend with his kids without their mother, but he doesn't photograph it, did it happen?
I took my old camera with me, so that Ed could take lots of photos of the kids while I was away. Let me take a moment to share my favorite one with you.
Oh, you missed that, did you? Me too. Ed took NO PHOTOS the entire weekend.
He took the kids to our old CSA farm. They dug up some potatoes, got lost in a corn maze, played lots of mini golf, and Helen fed the baby pig her finger. Well, it tried to eat her finger, but Helen wasn't about to give it up. They rode the cow train at the farm for the first time ever (even Ed rode on it!). But did Ed bother to take even one photo? Nope. Not a one.
The next day, Connor and Helen talked him into a trip to Build-A-Bear where Helen purchased a pink bear (which she calls a cat) and Connor got a Jack Russell, the mommy dog to the baby dog he got last time we went there. And actually, this was pretty impressive on the kids' part because on Thursday night when I talked to the kids before bed, Connor casually mentioned that Daddy was taking them to Build-A-Bear and when Ed got on the phone, he was totally in denial about it. HA! Score one for persistence. But again, no photo for me.
So...if a Dad spends the weekend with his kids without their mother, but he doesn't photograph it, did it happen?
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Following Up on the Pizza
As you know, I'm not a pizza connoisseur, but my husband from New York fancies himself one. Rule #1, New York style (thin crust) is the only acceptable style of pizza. Ever. It also has to have decent cheese, that doesn't congeal into funky blobs. (Sorry, Godfather's. You know I love your thick crust and cheese globs. I'm from Kansas, after all.)
#2 (and I agree with him here), the mushrooms and green peppers cannot come from a can. I mean, I'm all about the occasional black bean from a can, but peppers and mushrooms need to be fresh.
#3. Sauce is not sweet. Sugar should not be on the list of ingredients in the sauce. It should taste tomato-ey.
Unfortunately for him, Connor has less than high brow pizza tastes. In fact, Connor's absolute favorite pizza is that Mama Celeste pizza for one that grocery stores practically give away every few weeks, probably just so they can turn their inventory over.
However, despite their very different tastes, there is a local joint that can serve them both, without causing Ed to turn up his nose, and without causing Connor to refuse to eat it. And now you can try it at a big end-of-summer event.
Head on out to zPizza on Tuesday, September 14.But before you do, click that link and get a $5 off coupon!
Between 4:00 and 7:00, the Alexandria location (6328-C Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22306; (703) 660-8443) will be handing out free samples. While there, you can ask the director of training all those hot pizza questions you've been curious about, but didn't know who to ask. Like, oh, I don't know, what is the preferred method for getting that perfect crust - tossing or rolling?
Elaine
P.S. Here's a tip from Ed. zPizza tastes best fresh. Eat it right away rather than stashing it in your refrigerator and pretending you still live in college by serving it to yourself for breakfast the next day.
But don't take it from Ed. Go to the event and let blogger extraordinaire, Janine, let you know all about the pizza. She's the one who tipped me off about this event.
#2 (and I agree with him here), the mushrooms and green peppers cannot come from a can. I mean, I'm all about the occasional black bean from a can, but peppers and mushrooms need to be fresh.
#3. Sauce is not sweet. Sugar should not be on the list of ingredients in the sauce. It should taste tomato-ey.
Unfortunately for him, Connor has less than high brow pizza tastes. In fact, Connor's absolute favorite pizza is that Mama Celeste pizza for one that grocery stores practically give away every few weeks, probably just so they can turn their inventory over.
However, despite their very different tastes, there is a local joint that can serve them both, without causing Ed to turn up his nose, and without causing Connor to refuse to eat it. And now you can try it at a big end-of-summer event.
Head on out to zPizza on Tuesday, September 14.But before you do, click that link and get a $5 off coupon!
Between 4:00 and 7:00, the Alexandria location (6328-C Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22306; (703) 660-8443) will be handing out free samples. While there, you can ask the director of training all those hot pizza questions you've been curious about, but didn't know who to ask. Like, oh, I don't know, what is the preferred method for getting that perfect crust - tossing or rolling?
Elaine
P.S. Here's a tip from Ed. zPizza tastes best fresh. Eat it right away rather than stashing it in your refrigerator and pretending you still live in college by serving it to yourself for breakfast the next day.
But don't take it from Ed. Go to the event and let blogger extraordinaire, Janine, let you know all about the pizza. She's the one who tipped me off about this event.
Friday, September 3, 2010
A Long Ride Home Can Ruin Everything
Connor hated the car when he was a baby. In fact, he was around 14 months old when he stopped screaming in the car with virtual certainty. And that was a blessing. It completely changed my willingess to use my car. Prior to that, rather than drive to the grocery store about a mile away, I would walk if I just needed a few things and Connor was with me. We'd walk everywhere we could, in fact, or I would run my errand when Ed was around so Connor could stay with him rather than get in the car. Ed did the same thing.
When we finally attempted our first long trip to Chincoteague, we left the house around 5 in the morning, drove until Connor woke up, played at a park, and then headed to Chincoteague at naptime. We were not about to risk awake car time. And even though Connor is quite pleasant in the car these days (although Helen is exhausting with her non-stop chatter), Ed and I still think twice before we get in the car. The memories of the screaming are strong.
After our very wonderful Chincoteage trip over July 4th, this past year, we drove home. Neither Helen nor Connor were excited to be in the car. And they let us know.
By the end of the car ride, we were all in a negative frame of mind, and Ed and I were really doing our best not to let that anger show. At some point, Connor let me know that it had been a horrible vacation.
So right when we got home, we made two lists. First, we made a list of the things Connor insisted we do the next time we went to Chincoteague. All of the items on this list were put there because he either didn't get to do them and wanted to (and complained mightily about the injustice on the way home!), or he didn't get to do them as much as he wanted.
1. Get a toy.
2. Go to Mr. Whippy
3. Ride the ponies at Chincoteague Pony Center.
4. Ride the convertibles. (Little tiny cars that can be driven around Chincoteague.)
5. Golf - and not on Sunday because Connor doesn't want to play on the course with bumper baots. He wants to do a new one. Helen, however, likes the golf course with bumper boats.
Next, we made a list of all of the things we did get to do in Chincoteague. Connor had so much fun making this list, that by the end, he had remembered what an incredibly fun trip we had. It turned his whole mood around.
1. Rode the ponies at Chincoteague Pony Center.
2. We went to the beach.
3. We went to the golf course with the bumper boats.
4. We went to the Nature Center with the touch tatnk and Connor and Eamon held horseshoe crabs.
5. We went to Mr. Whippy's.
6. We rode Captain Barry's boat.
7. We rode bikes.
8. We played Trouble. (Thank you, Eamon!)
9. We ate cheese poofs (contributed by Helen).
10. We played with Helen's toys. Helen played with the cooking pot.
11. Connor rode a wave.
12. We went to the carnival.
13. We saw fireworks.
14. Mommy bought a pink hat.
15. Helen got a cupcake and Connor and Mommy got doughnuts.
16. We bured Helen and Connor in sand.
17. We went clamming with Captain Barry. Mommy found a lot. Connor, Helen, and Eamon dug them out.
18. Therese cooked periwinkles and we all ate them. We picked them with Captain Barry.
19. We went crabbing with Captain Barry and ate them for dinner.
20. We built a fort and animal hospital on the front porch.
21. We caught toads.
22. We walked to the lighthouse.
23. Connor crawled when a wave tried to wash him away.
Next time, I'm going to try and get Connor to make this list in the car rather than once we get home. It might make the drive more pleasant!
Elaine
When we finally attempted our first long trip to Chincoteague, we left the house around 5 in the morning, drove until Connor woke up, played at a park, and then headed to Chincoteague at naptime. We were not about to risk awake car time. And even though Connor is quite pleasant in the car these days (although Helen is exhausting with her non-stop chatter), Ed and I still think twice before we get in the car. The memories of the screaming are strong.
After our very wonderful Chincoteage trip over July 4th, this past year, we drove home. Neither Helen nor Connor were excited to be in the car. And they let us know.
By the end of the car ride, we were all in a negative frame of mind, and Ed and I were really doing our best not to let that anger show. At some point, Connor let me know that it had been a horrible vacation.
So right when we got home, we made two lists. First, we made a list of the things Connor insisted we do the next time we went to Chincoteague. All of the items on this list were put there because he either didn't get to do them and wanted to (and complained mightily about the injustice on the way home!), or he didn't get to do them as much as he wanted.
1. Get a toy.
2. Go to Mr. Whippy
3. Ride the ponies at Chincoteague Pony Center.
4. Ride the convertibles. (Little tiny cars that can be driven around Chincoteague.)
5. Golf - and not on Sunday because Connor doesn't want to play on the course with bumper baots. He wants to do a new one. Helen, however, likes the golf course with bumper boats.
Next, we made a list of all of the things we did get to do in Chincoteague. Connor had so much fun making this list, that by the end, he had remembered what an incredibly fun trip we had. It turned his whole mood around.
1. Rode the ponies at Chincoteague Pony Center.
2. We went to the beach.
3. We went to the golf course with the bumper boats.
4. We went to the Nature Center with the touch tatnk and Connor and Eamon held horseshoe crabs.
5. We went to Mr. Whippy's.
6. We rode Captain Barry's boat.
7. We rode bikes.
8. We played Trouble. (Thank you, Eamon!)
9. We ate cheese poofs (contributed by Helen).
10. We played with Helen's toys. Helen played with the cooking pot.
11. Connor rode a wave.
12. We went to the carnival.
13. We saw fireworks.
14. Mommy bought a pink hat.
15. Helen got a cupcake and Connor and Mommy got doughnuts.
16. We bured Helen and Connor in sand.
17. We went clamming with Captain Barry. Mommy found a lot. Connor, Helen, and Eamon dug them out.
18. Therese cooked periwinkles and we all ate them. We picked them with Captain Barry.
19. We went crabbing with Captain Barry and ate them for dinner.
20. We built a fort and animal hospital on the front porch.
21. We caught toads.
22. We walked to the lighthouse.
23. Connor crawled when a wave tried to wash him away.
Next time, I'm going to try and get Connor to make this list in the car rather than once we get home. It might make the drive more pleasant!
Elaine
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Cupcake Wars: Next Stop "Frosting - A Cupcakery"
We found another winner a couple of weeks ago. I had a coupon that essentially allowed me to bring home a dozen cupcakes for the price of six at Frosting, A Cupcakery in Chevy Chase, Maryland. We were the only customers in the store at the time, which really allowed us a lot of time for drooling. This store is lovely. And the person working there explained that it was the brainchild of a recently married couple. This is a fantastic idea on this couple's part. First, it's a great shop. Second, whenever they have a crappy day, they can blame it on the store, rather than each other. This is very similar to what Ed and I did. In mid-May, 2001, we got married. We purchased a house two weeks later. A house that tried to kill us. More than once. Which we were thankfully able to unload onto someone else, eventually. Anyway, all the minor problems with that house were really blessings because whenever something went wrong, we blamed the house, rather than the marriage. I can only assume that's the reason two newly married people would start a business.
I rank this place up with the big boys of Cakelove and Georgetown Cupcake. Check it out. You won't be disappointed.
Week 1: Georgetown Cupcake (Washington, DC)
Frosting, A Cupcakery (Chevy Chase, MD)
Week 3.2: Daddy Cakes (Topeka, KS)
Week 2: Bakeshop in Clarendon (Arlington, VA)
Week 3: Smallcakes (Overland Park, KS)
Week 4: Woodmor Pastry Shop (Silver Spring, MD)
Week 5: Sugarbakers
Anyway, this cupcake store smells and looks heavenly. It is straight out of a Martha Stewart catalog. Trust me. I have many years of back issues of this magazine.
Connor went for the traditional vanilla with vanilla icing, and Helen chose something chocolate, decorated with something pink! Of course! I chose ten others that were each awesome in their own way. I was hosting a dinner that night at my house, so I shared my loot, and no complaints were heard. I definitely recommend this store and hope it outlives the cupcake fad.
Helen is definitely softening on this whole rating thing. She gives the store one thumb up and one thumb down.
Connor went with his standard two thumbs up.
Week whose counting anymore?: Cakelove (Arlington, VA)
Week 1: Georgetown Cupcake (Washington, DC)
Frosting, A Cupcakery (Chevy Chase, MD)
Week 3.2: Daddy Cakes (Topeka, KS)
Week 2: Bakeshop in Clarendon (Arlington, VA)
Week 3: Smallcakes (Overland Park, KS)
Week 4: Woodmor Pastry Shop (Silver Spring, MD)
Week 5: Sugarbakers
Sunday, August 22, 2010
God Calls All to the County Fair
Almost every Friday, the kids and I hang out together. Sometimes we meet friends, and sometimes it's just the three of us. Always, we do something fun.
This weekend, the Arlington County fair is in town. Three things are true when it comes to the fair. First, it's always freakin' hot. Second, weekends are super crowded. And third, Ed has a talent for picking the winning pig in the pic races. This last thing is good to know, just in case he ever loses his day job. Long ago, when Ed and I went to the fair, we were actually offered jobs doing take-down by a friendly ride operator, but we're no longer that cool. Toting two kids around, the ride operators know I'm not interested in such a fine opportunity.
As Ed was leaving for work, he told the kids I was going to take them to the fair (allowing me to miss the long lines, since nobody tends to go on Friday morning). One of them instantly cried "I'll only go if there's bibles!". This is because when we went to the Chincoteague carnival over 4th of July, the Gideons were kind enough to send each child home with their very own New Testament.
I'm happy to report, neither Helen nor Connor were disappointed. And, the Gideons in Arlington must be fancier than the Gideons in Chincoteague, because their bibles came not just with an orange cover (like the ones in Chincoteague), but in a rainbow of colors. Connor lit up when the man holding the stack of bibles came near him, and Helen almost did a little dance. Helen chose orange. Connor chose brown.
While we were in Chincoteague, the kids would pull out their bibles and read them while they were on rides (which was actually a good strategy with how old some of the rides there are). Here, they waited to bust them out until we were home, and then they both read me several poems from them. The poems sounded strikingly like Mother Goose.
To be fair, right after I took the picture and laughed, Connor realized he was reading upside down and switched the orientation of the book.
Elaine
This weekend, the Arlington County fair is in town. Three things are true when it comes to the fair. First, it's always freakin' hot. Second, weekends are super crowded. And third, Ed has a talent for picking the winning pig in the pic races. This last thing is good to know, just in case he ever loses his day job. Long ago, when Ed and I went to the fair, we were actually offered jobs doing take-down by a friendly ride operator, but we're no longer that cool. Toting two kids around, the ride operators know I'm not interested in such a fine opportunity.
As Ed was leaving for work, he told the kids I was going to take them to the fair (allowing me to miss the long lines, since nobody tends to go on Friday morning). One of them instantly cried "I'll only go if there's bibles!". This is because when we went to the Chincoteague carnival over 4th of July, the Gideons were kind enough to send each child home with their very own New Testament.
I'm happy to report, neither Helen nor Connor were disappointed. And, the Gideons in Arlington must be fancier than the Gideons in Chincoteague, because their bibles came not just with an orange cover (like the ones in Chincoteague), but in a rainbow of colors. Connor lit up when the man holding the stack of bibles came near him, and Helen almost did a little dance. Helen chose orange. Connor chose brown.
While we were in Chincoteague, the kids would pull out their bibles and read them while they were on rides (which was actually a good strategy with how old some of the rides there are). Here, they waited to bust them out until we were home, and then they both read me several poems from them. The poems sounded strikingly like Mother Goose.
Note the direction Connor holds his bible.
To be fair, right after I took the picture and laughed, Connor realized he was reading upside down and switched the orientation of the book.
Elaine
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Bob Brown Puppets and the Maryland Youth Ballet at Wolf Trap's Theatre in the Woods
Today, the Little People and I headed out to Wolf Trap's Theatre in the Woods. We go here every year, and every year when I get there I am reminded that I totally love this place, as do the Little People. Today, Bob Brown Puppets and the Maryland Youth Ballet performed. Originally, I didn't figure I'd get my crew out the door in time to see the ballet, but I'm so glad we made almost the whole performance (we were a tad late). Helen has talked about dance, and she was very intrigued by the performance. Inspired, maybe? Connor was interested as well, though he did not express an interest in becoming a ballet dancer. Now they can add "ballet" to the types of performances they've seen this year which also include a children's opera written by Nancy Faber, a major Broadway show performed at the Kennedy Center, and our usual mix of children's theatre. It's been a busy year, and it's barely over halfway over!
I'd been reluctant to go to performances earlier in the year because of the heat, but I shouldn't have been. Despite the fact that it is a LOOOONG walk from the parking lot to the theatre (made longer for me by the fact that I kindly took them in the double stroller, rather than making at least one of them hike it on their own), the theatre is actually set in a bit of a hollow, and it's entirely shaded. Although, I have to admit that at least one person at the show didn't think the walk was that long, so don't let my recollection dissuade you. Connor, Helen, and I were the only ones wearing our ridiculous sun hats, and Connor and I took ours off pretty quickly. Helen, who never wants to wear hers, refused to take hers off. Will someone please explain what's up with that?
The theatre is open seating, and it's entirely outside, making for a beautiful setting. Unless it's raining. But they cancel shows when that happens. And after the performances, the performers actually take audience questions, which is a real treat! It's so nice when performers take an interest in making their craft more accessible!
Between performances, you can either hang out in the theatre, or head outside the theatre for a snack. My crew chose the latter. And lucky for us, we were joined by fellow blogger Jean and two of her three children. Connor instantly decided that her oldest child should be his friend (which he seemed willing to do, if only for the promise of a slice of watermelon we'd brought with us), and asked me if we could have a play date with him! Then the boys participated in some sort of tree inspired ritual. No sticks were put through Quinn's chest (the little guy on the ground), as far as I know. And if they were, he didn't complain about it.
The second show was Bob Brown's puppets, and rather than telling you how awesome both Helen and Connor thought they were, I think I'll just mention that we stayed around for a while and enjoyed a picnic lunch. About the time we were preparing to pack up, Bob Brown had finished cleaning up and was heading away from the theatre. Both Connor and Helen recognized him immediately and shouted while pointing directly at him "THERE'S BOB BROWN!", the same way teens do after a rock concert. I hope he knows how happy he made them. He smiled, waved, and answered a couple more questions for them, including the burning question on Connor's mind "where can we purchase dinosaur puppets?". Only, he said we'd see a stand on the way to our car, which we didn't see, so either we missed it because we took so long leaving (quite possible), or my car was parked in the wrong space (perhaps explaining my long walk?). Either of these is completely plausible, and I'm adding marionette to Connor's bday list because he patiently explained to me that he needed a puppet. A dinosaur puppet. With strings. Please?
At the conclusion of the show, Bob Brown not only answered several audience questions, but he also allowed kids to come up to the stage and touch one of his puppets, a true treat.
This summer theatre is a true DC area gem. If you haven't already gotten tickets for the remaining performances, I highly recommend doing so. In fact, we might just go attend more ourselves!
Full Disclosure: As a writer for the now defunct DCMetroMoms, I received free tickets to this show today. I was not obligated to write about the show or Theatre in the Woods. Many thanks to the kind folks at Theatre in the Woods who gave me these tickets. We had a ball!
I'd been reluctant to go to performances earlier in the year because of the heat, but I shouldn't have been. Despite the fact that it is a LOOOONG walk from the parking lot to the theatre (made longer for me by the fact that I kindly took them in the double stroller, rather than making at least one of them hike it on their own), the theatre is actually set in a bit of a hollow, and it's entirely shaded. Although, I have to admit that at least one person at the show didn't think the walk was that long, so don't let my recollection dissuade you. Connor, Helen, and I were the only ones wearing our ridiculous sun hats, and Connor and I took ours off pretty quickly. Helen, who never wants to wear hers, refused to take hers off. Will someone please explain what's up with that?
The theatre is open seating, and it's entirely outside, making for a beautiful setting. Unless it's raining. But they cancel shows when that happens. And after the performances, the performers actually take audience questions, which is a real treat! It's so nice when performers take an interest in making their craft more accessible!
Between performances, you can either hang out in the theatre, or head outside the theatre for a snack. My crew chose the latter. And lucky for us, we were joined by fellow blogger Jean and two of her three children. Connor instantly decided that her oldest child should be his friend (which he seemed willing to do, if only for the promise of a slice of watermelon we'd brought with us), and asked me if we could have a play date with him! Then the boys participated in some sort of tree inspired ritual. No sticks were put through Quinn's chest (the little guy on the ground), as far as I know. And if they were, he didn't complain about it.
The second show was Bob Brown's puppets, and rather than telling you how awesome both Helen and Connor thought they were, I think I'll just mention that we stayed around for a while and enjoyed a picnic lunch. About the time we were preparing to pack up, Bob Brown had finished cleaning up and was heading away from the theatre. Both Connor and Helen recognized him immediately and shouted while pointing directly at him "THERE'S BOB BROWN!", the same way teens do after a rock concert. I hope he knows how happy he made them. He smiled, waved, and answered a couple more questions for them, including the burning question on Connor's mind "where can we purchase dinosaur puppets?". Only, he said we'd see a stand on the way to our car, which we didn't see, so either we missed it because we took so long leaving (quite possible), or my car was parked in the wrong space (perhaps explaining my long walk?). Either of these is completely plausible, and I'm adding marionette to Connor's bday list because he patiently explained to me that he needed a puppet. A dinosaur puppet. With strings. Please?
At the conclusion of the show, Bob Brown not only answered several audience questions, but he also allowed kids to come up to the stage and touch one of his puppets, a true treat.
Full Disclosure: As a writer for the now defunct DCMetroMoms, I received free tickets to this show today. I was not obligated to write about the show or Theatre in the Woods. Many thanks to the kind folks at Theatre in the Woods who gave me these tickets. We had a ball!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
First Full-Length Musical - MARY POPPINS - = Big Hit!
I love theatre - musical theatre in particular. In fact, in a not so well thought out move in 1991, I didn't apply to many colleges because I was certain my parents would change their minds and pony up the bucks to send me to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy rather than the traditional college they thought would more appropriately prepare me for life after high school. They didn't. And so rather than being a Broadway star today, I'm working at a think tank, paying my bills. I suspect I'll feel the same way when my children come to me and let me know of their well thought out plans to change the world through song and dance.
Ed is willing to be my theatrical buddy occasionally, and has seen a fair number of musicals with me, but he's also slept through a fair number, which always makes me nuts. I like to elbow him and tell him "that's an awfully expensive nap you're taking". His general reaction to shows is that they are "about an hour too long".
Connor, however, shares my love for theatre. And we've been to a lot of productions over the past three years, including Jungle Book, as adapted by my friend April Dawn Gladu. We went to see this when I was just a few days shy of giving birth to Helen and there was almost no lap for Connor to sit in. He was totally a trooper, even though he was well under the recommended age for that show.
We're regulars over at Adventure Theatre and find ourselves at Classika quite often. But today? Today was our biggest show ever. We went to see Mary Poppins at the Kennedy Center - which will play until August 22. Connor was mesmerized. The moment we walked into the Hall of Nations, he was completely impressed. He knew right away we were in a special place. We've been to the Kennedy Center before for their Millenium Stage, but it's been a while, and it was crowded, and I think he just didn't take in how enormous the place was back then. This time, though, he was impressed.
Walking into the theatre sealed the deal for him. The lights, the hugeness of it all, even the soft chairs that could fold a little dude like him up for good...everything was great. And from the moment the lights went down, he sat on my lap loving it, mouth wide open, asking the occasional "how did they do that?".
Ed is willing to be my theatrical buddy occasionally, and has seen a fair number of musicals with me, but he's also slept through a fair number, which always makes me nuts. I like to elbow him and tell him "that's an awfully expensive nap you're taking". His general reaction to shows is that they are "about an hour too long".
Connor, however, shares my love for theatre. And we've been to a lot of productions over the past three years, including Jungle Book, as adapted by my friend April Dawn Gladu. We went to see this when I was just a few days shy of giving birth to Helen and there was almost no lap for Connor to sit in. He was totally a trooper, even though he was well under the recommended age for that show.
We're regulars over at Adventure Theatre and find ourselves at Classika quite often. But today? Today was our biggest show ever. We went to see Mary Poppins at the Kennedy Center - which will play until August 22. Connor was mesmerized. The moment we walked into the Hall of Nations, he was completely impressed. He knew right away we were in a special place. We've been to the Kennedy Center before for their Millenium Stage, but it's been a while, and it was crowded, and I think he just didn't take in how enormous the place was back then. This time, though, he was impressed.
Walking into the theatre sealed the deal for him. The lights, the hugeness of it all, even the soft chairs that could fold a little dude like him up for good...everything was great. And from the moment the lights went down, he sat on my lap loving it, mouth wide open, asking the occasional "how did they do that?".
He had no trouble following all of the songs, he thought having kids in the show was very cool. And Mary? She might be the best babysitter ever. He did, however, point out to me that statues can't actually dance like they did on stage. He knew that was just pretend. Connor told me at the break that he wanted to be my theatre buddy. He told me he loved theatre just like me. And though I'm not sure the show is recommended for children age 4, he definitely got it and sat through it absorbed until about 20 minutes remained in the show (at which point he asked when it would end).
Bert is played by the Gavin Lee, the actor who originated the part in London. And, unlike other traveling shows, the touring company stays true to the London version and pulls out all the stops. Bert even dances on the ceiling. Talk about seeing a four-year-old's eyes pop out! Connor has never seen the movie, so I can't compare how magical the stage performance is to the movie, but I can note that the stage performance impressed him.
Mary Poppins, played by Carolyn Sheen, flies up the stairs several times and then flies through the theatre during the closing number. This, too, was just incredible to Connor.
Connor loved seeing the sets turn, and he almost couldn't comprehend how pieces of the set were flying in and out. We got to go on a backstage tour after the show. WOW! Connor was most impressed with the "pit" on the tour, and was very impressed when I told him Aunt Linda used to play her flute in "the pit". He also deemed the costumes very cool.
This was such a great choice for our first full-length musical together. Ed stayed home with Helen, and they also had a whale of a day. It's nice to spend time independently with the little people every now and again. At 2, Helen never would've made it through the performance, though I do look forward to my first full-length musical with her as well.
Elaine
Full disclosure: I was given these tickets, along with a parrot head umbrella like Mary's, a book about theatre with some very cool pictures of Julie Taymor sketches, a special program with beautiful photos from the show, a CD of the show's music, and a coffee mug that Connor is claiming as his, to be saved until he's old enough to drink coffee. I was not obligated to write about the show. The opinions expressed above are my own. My heartfelt thanks to Disney. Their gift facilitated a very special memory for me and hopefully Connor. My only regret? I've opened my umbrella several times and have yet to fly. But I'll keep trying!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Changing Allegiances at the Ballpark
Among other problems, one of the major ailments affecting many folks growing up in Kansas and probably the western half of Missouri is the designation of being a lifelong fan of the Kansas City Royals. To bear this cross is harder than most folks can imagine. It might not happen so much these days, because the team has failed to field a quality product for so many consecutive years with two exceptions (the strike-shortened season of 1994 when they headed into the strike with something like a 14 game winning streak and 2003 when they flirted with the post-season pretty late in the season).
But I came of age when George Brett was chasing .400, when the Royals got a lucky call and went on to win the World Series, when - as another fan and I reminisced at Nationals Stadium last night - you had to get in line early to get a $4 General Admission ticket because they would definitely sell out.
So I root for the Royals. In good weather and in bad weather. I just can't break the habit. I'm happy to have the Nats around as my NL team, but my heart lives in the AL (although admittedly, these days I watch very few games and couldn't tell you the names of the starting line-up). Last night, I got to root for the Royals from sweet seats that a friend gave me. Here are two tips I will give to baseball fans in the area. (1) Games start at 7:05, not 7:35. This handy fact is printed on the tickets, if you bother to look. I chose not to look, but instead hallucinated about a conversation I had with Ed where he told me the game started at 7:35. For those wondering, he was in his seat for the opening pitch. (2) The Nationals have not decided to start playing at RFK again, and the subway stop for the current Nationals Stadium is Navy Yard, not Potomac. (But should you take my circuitous route to the ballpark, your kids can ride on the subway for oh, I don't know, an extra half hour.) We had so much time together as we traveled to the game that we were able to go over that we were all Royals fans. Connor diplomatically decided that since Daddy liked the Nationals, he would be most happy if the Royals won, but it would be OK if the Nationals won. By the end of the game, he changed his tune. But I'll leave you in suspense guessing as to what it might be.
As you might guess, the night started off a bit behind schedule. When I arrived at the (correct) subway stop with the kids, rain was coming down harder than I have seen in a long time and the wind was blowing so much that even in the subway system, there were few dry spots. Moms with two kids and one cat in a stroller look pathetic though, so we secured one of those coveted dry spots without having to throw too many elbows. And believe me, nobody wants to throw elbows with Helen. She can really put the hurt on your knee!
Predictably, the storm disappeared as quickly as it came on and my crew then headed to the seats, where Ed was waiting for us. It was 8:30. Naturally, Ed wondered where we had been, and I had to explain we had two long delays for transfers, plus, when did they move the stadium? Sheesh. But, the game was only halfway done and had been halted by a rain delay (thank you, higher power, for sending that storm our way - without it, I might've missed the whole game!). We settled into our seats with plenty of time to wait for the Royals comeback.
Since I received the tickets free, I figured the kids could have whatever they wanted from the concession stand. Oh, who am I kidding? I would've given them whatever they wanted even if I'd paid an arm and a leg for the tickets because I appreciate those rare moments when both kids sit quietly observing their surroundings, be it the on-field play or the popcorn.
Connor isn't particularly fond of loud noises (though he does put up with Helen quite well) so he sought refuge from the noise by clamping his hands over his ears when his hands weren't occupied diving into the popcorn container. Helen though? She LOVED the ballpark. I'm not sure she even knew there was a game being played in front of her until Ed tried to inform her of the basics in the 8th inning. She fit right in, soaking up the entire environment. Her first question:
"Mommy, why did you just say dammit?"
"Because I'm a Royals fan."
"Oh, me too."
Next, a drink salesman came by singing:
"Ice cold beer, soda, lemonade"
Helen gleefully shouted "LEMONADE!" only the stadium was so loud (not actually loud for a baseball stadium, but loud compared to Helen's constant talking) that only the guy in front of us heard Helen's request, rather than the salesman. I'm sure Helen is still offended by the slight. I'm telling you though, if you have a child who talks nonstop, go immediately to the baseball game. They can talk their heads off and you will not even notice it that much.
Helen's next request to Ed was ice cream. This ice cream was a genius purchase, because she was so darn cute the camera guy came by and put her on TV, though apparently just the local channel since my parents didn't see her on their recorded version of the KC feed.
She ate her ice cream and waved.
Then she did a little jig.
Our old seats at RFK were frequented by the scoreboard camera so much that I don't think there was a game Connor attended where he didn't also appear on that scoreboard those first two years of his life. It's only fair that Helen sought TV fame when Connor went in search of french fries with Ed. As awesome as Ed is with the kids, he knew when he saw that enormous ice cream beginning to melt all over Helen that he better deliver her to me pronto before attempting additional snack procurement.
As the game continued, Helen decided she better start getting things ready for tomorrow. After all, it was a day game. She diligently wiped off all of the chairs in the row in front of us and a few in the row in front of that. She even enticed Connor to join her, despite the fact that he was enjoying the game from Ed's lap.
The 9th inning approached, and the Royals made a legitimate run at a comeback, ultimately falling short by one run. Ed kindly took the kids one aisle away so I could hope without distraction. I didn't ask him if he did this so the kids wouldn't be subject to the cursing that could possibly fly out of my mouth when the inevitable happened, and the Royals didn't win.
As we headed to the parking lot (yes, the free tickets came with a very good parking spot as well) I asked the kids how they felt about the Nationals winning. Helen was totally mad about it. That's why I love Helen. And for the record in sports, being completely irrational and stubborn is completely appropriate. It's why I'm still a Royals fan. Connor announced he didn't care who won and who lost. He was a Red Sox fan. I can't decide if that's better or worse than when he was a Yankees fan.
Elaine
But I came of age when George Brett was chasing .400, when the Royals got a lucky call and went on to win the World Series, when - as another fan and I reminisced at Nationals Stadium last night - you had to get in line early to get a $4 General Admission ticket because they would definitely sell out.
So I root for the Royals. In good weather and in bad weather. I just can't break the habit. I'm happy to have the Nats around as my NL team, but my heart lives in the AL (although admittedly, these days I watch very few games and couldn't tell you the names of the starting line-up). Last night, I got to root for the Royals from sweet seats that a friend gave me. Here are two tips I will give to baseball fans in the area. (1) Games start at 7:05, not 7:35. This handy fact is printed on the tickets, if you bother to look. I chose not to look, but instead hallucinated about a conversation I had with Ed where he told me the game started at 7:35. For those wondering, he was in his seat for the opening pitch. (2) The Nationals have not decided to start playing at RFK again, and the subway stop for the current Nationals Stadium is Navy Yard, not Potomac. (But should you take my circuitous route to the ballpark, your kids can ride on the subway for oh, I don't know, an extra half hour.) We had so much time together as we traveled to the game that we were able to go over that we were all Royals fans. Connor diplomatically decided that since Daddy liked the Nationals, he would be most happy if the Royals won, but it would be OK if the Nationals won. By the end of the game, he changed his tune. But I'll leave you in suspense guessing as to what it might be.
As you might guess, the night started off a bit behind schedule. When I arrived at the (correct) subway stop with the kids, rain was coming down harder than I have seen in a long time and the wind was blowing so much that even in the subway system, there were few dry spots. Moms with two kids and one cat in a stroller look pathetic though, so we secured one of those coveted dry spots without having to throw too many elbows. And believe me, nobody wants to throw elbows with Helen. She can really put the hurt on your knee!
Predictably, the storm disappeared as quickly as it came on and my crew then headed to the seats, where Ed was waiting for us. It was 8:30. Naturally, Ed wondered where we had been, and I had to explain we had two long delays for transfers, plus, when did they move the stadium? Sheesh. But, the game was only halfway done and had been halted by a rain delay (thank you, higher power, for sending that storm our way - without it, I might've missed the whole game!). We settled into our seats with plenty of time to wait for the Royals comeback.
Since I received the tickets free, I figured the kids could have whatever they wanted from the concession stand. Oh, who am I kidding? I would've given them whatever they wanted even if I'd paid an arm and a leg for the tickets because I appreciate those rare moments when both kids sit quietly observing their surroundings, be it the on-field play or the popcorn.
Connor isn't particularly fond of loud noises (though he does put up with Helen quite well) so he sought refuge from the noise by clamping his hands over his ears when his hands weren't occupied diving into the popcorn container. Helen though? She LOVED the ballpark. I'm not sure she even knew there was a game being played in front of her until Ed tried to inform her of the basics in the 8th inning. She fit right in, soaking up the entire environment. Her first question:
"Mommy, why did you just say dammit?"
"Because I'm a Royals fan."
"Oh, me too."
Next, a drink salesman came by singing:
"Ice cold beer, soda, lemonade"
Helen gleefully shouted "LEMONADE!" only the stadium was so loud (not actually loud for a baseball stadium, but loud compared to Helen's constant talking) that only the guy in front of us heard Helen's request, rather than the salesman. I'm sure Helen is still offended by the slight. I'm telling you though, if you have a child who talks nonstop, go immediately to the baseball game. They can talk their heads off and you will not even notice it that much.
Helen's next request to Ed was ice cream. This ice cream was a genius purchase, because she was so darn cute the camera guy came by and put her on TV, though apparently just the local channel since my parents didn't see her on their recorded version of the KC feed.
She ate her ice cream and waved.
Then she did a little jig.
Our old seats at RFK were frequented by the scoreboard camera so much that I don't think there was a game Connor attended where he didn't also appear on that scoreboard those first two years of his life. It's only fair that Helen sought TV fame when Connor went in search of french fries with Ed. As awesome as Ed is with the kids, he knew when he saw that enormous ice cream beginning to melt all over Helen that he better deliver her to me pronto before attempting additional snack procurement.
As the game continued, Helen decided she better start getting things ready for tomorrow. After all, it was a day game. She diligently wiped off all of the chairs in the row in front of us and a few in the row in front of that. She even enticed Connor to join her, despite the fact that he was enjoying the game from Ed's lap.
The 9th inning approached, and the Royals made a legitimate run at a comeback, ultimately falling short by one run. Ed kindly took the kids one aisle away so I could hope without distraction. I didn't ask him if he did this so the kids wouldn't be subject to the cursing that could possibly fly out of my mouth when the inevitable happened, and the Royals didn't win.
As we headed to the parking lot (yes, the free tickets came with a very good parking spot as well) I asked the kids how they felt about the Nationals winning. Helen was totally mad about it. That's why I love Helen. And for the record in sports, being completely irrational and stubborn is completely appropriate. It's why I'm still a Royals fan. Connor announced he didn't care who won and who lost. He was a Red Sox fan. I can't decide if that's better or worse than when he was a Yankees fan.
Elaine
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Cupcake Battle: Week 2; Bakeshop in Clarendon
Last Friday was a little bit sad. It was the last time Connor would attend his beloved Oak Tree Kindergarten for the year, and next year when he starts up again, the "Tall Oaks" in the class will have moved onto 1st grade. Parents were invited to attend a picnic, and Mr. K - the world's most awesome Kindergarten teacher ever - gifted the students with a marigold seed that he had sprouted a few weeks earlier. Each of the children excitedly accepted their gift. The class gifted Mr. K with a wringer and a butter churn for the classroom. Mrs. G. - the world's most awesome Kindergarten assistant teacher - received a gift card for some craft supplies. She has plans to open at Etsy shop this summer, which I am very excited about.
After having pretty big lunches at the picnic, I decided we'd start our weekly cupcake challenge on the way home. Helen and Connor are ecstatic that they have basically been promised a cupcake every Friday for the entire summer. Naturally, we picked the place closest to us, the Bakeshop.
Here's the thing about the Bakeshop. We've been in here before. We went for Family Date Night #3. At that time, the owner told us that the slim selection was a function of him not figuring out the street traffic just yet. He told us he had just sold his last vanilla-vanilla cupcake, which at the time, was my family's flavor of choice. OK - It was Connor's flavor of choice, and since Helen adores all things Connor, she would follow suit and choose the same cupcake he chose when faced with a decision. Which meant that disappointment in one child resulted in magnified disappointment in the second child.
When we went in the shop on Friday - at opening time! - we were greeted with the same slim selection. This was disappointing. Thankfully, in the spirit of playing along with the Cupcake Battle, Connor had already announced he was going to taste different flavors of cupcakes, and he was going to taste them two weeks in a row to see if he really liked or disliked something, or if he had made up his mind too quickly. Seriously. The dude wants to be fair in his judging.
We ended up getting two specially frosted chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting and chocolate sprinkles on them. I don't know what this flavor is officially called other than "this is seriously the only thing you have at your counter?" and then the owner saying "I can frost up something different if you want".
Both Connor and Helen gobbled their cupcakes down. I had intended this trip to be a take-out adventure, but clearly that was a terrible idea because who gives a kid a cupcake and then asks them to hold onto it for the next ten minutes. So, Connor and Helen cracked into the goods on the spot. Only, I saw the parking lady coming by, and I hadn't budgeted enough time for the meter, so I looked up at the salesperson and the owner and said "I'll be right back. They'll be fine." and I left Connor and Helen teetering somewhat precariously on tall barstools. Tall barstools that Helen only tried to tip over twice. And the second time, I really think she was seeing if her first experience almost falling off could be replicated or it happened for no good reason, because that's how Helen rolls. She replicated the near fall perfectly. I ran out of the shop, crossed the street, dropped in my quarter, and lunged back into the shop before the counter guy knew what hit him. The owner sat outside the whole time chatting it up with someone who looked like she wanted to be his Lady Friend.
When asked to rate the cupcakes, Helen gave them two thumbs down and Connor gave them two thumbs up. I give them 3.5 stars. The buttercream they use is almost identical to the one I make, which makes it less impressive than something that tastes different. Though it is a damn good buttercream. Selection was pretty boring, although this will probably change when they have their official "grand opening". We'll give them another try then. They get bonus points for not calling social services when I bolted from the shop to feed the meter.
Elaine
After having pretty big lunches at the picnic, I decided we'd start our weekly cupcake challenge on the way home. Helen and Connor are ecstatic that they have basically been promised a cupcake every Friday for the entire summer. Naturally, we picked the place closest to us, the Bakeshop.
Here's the thing about the Bakeshop. We've been in here before. We went for Family Date Night #3. At that time, the owner told us that the slim selection was a function of him not figuring out the street traffic just yet. He told us he had just sold his last vanilla-vanilla cupcake, which at the time, was my family's flavor of choice. OK - It was Connor's flavor of choice, and since Helen adores all things Connor, she would follow suit and choose the same cupcake he chose when faced with a decision. Which meant that disappointment in one child resulted in magnified disappointment in the second child.
When we went in the shop on Friday - at opening time! - we were greeted with the same slim selection. This was disappointing. Thankfully, in the spirit of playing along with the Cupcake Battle, Connor had already announced he was going to taste different flavors of cupcakes, and he was going to taste them two weeks in a row to see if he really liked or disliked something, or if he had made up his mind too quickly. Seriously. The dude wants to be fair in his judging.
We ended up getting two specially frosted chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting and chocolate sprinkles on them. I don't know what this flavor is officially called other than "this is seriously the only thing you have at your counter?" and then the owner saying "I can frost up something different if you want".
Both Connor and Helen gobbled their cupcakes down. I had intended this trip to be a take-out adventure, but clearly that was a terrible idea because who gives a kid a cupcake and then asks them to hold onto it for the next ten minutes. So, Connor and Helen cracked into the goods on the spot. Only, I saw the parking lady coming by, and I hadn't budgeted enough time for the meter, so I looked up at the salesperson and the owner and said "I'll be right back. They'll be fine." and I left Connor and Helen teetering somewhat precariously on tall barstools. Tall barstools that Helen only tried to tip over twice. And the second time, I really think she was seeing if her first experience almost falling off could be replicated or it happened for no good reason, because that's how Helen rolls. She replicated the near fall perfectly. I ran out of the shop, crossed the street, dropped in my quarter, and lunged back into the shop before the counter guy knew what hit him. The owner sat outside the whole time chatting it up with someone who looked like she wanted to be his Lady Friend.
When asked to rate the cupcakes, Helen gave them two thumbs down and Connor gave them two thumbs up. I give them 3.5 stars. The buttercream they use is almost identical to the one I make, which makes it less impressive than something that tastes different. Though it is a damn good buttercream. Selection was pretty boring, although this will probably change when they have their official "grand opening". We'll give them another try then. They get bonus points for not calling social services when I bolted from the shop to feed the meter.
Elaine
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Cupcake Wars 2010 - Bring It!
Before I went on maternity leave with Connor, there was a store that served cake located between my office and the National Geographic building. I used to make a habit of heading over to Nat Geo to check out the latest exhibit, and then stop on my way back to the office for an incredibly large, delicious slice of cake. The slice was large enough that it would typically last a few days. That's what I call an investment.
Before I started my love affair with the cake place, I used to go to the art exhibits without stopping on my way back, and then I heard a story on NPR and the storyteller used to cheer himself up by thinking "may I feel like I feel when I'm about to eat cake" and I stopped and thought about it, and that's exactly the feeling I want to walk around with.
I went on maternity leave, and the store closed. Apparently I was the only person who thought this business venture was a great idea.
I've long been a fan of Cakelove. After all, I used to frequent them on my way to the pottery studio on Thursday afternoon. Sense a theme here? In the past couple of years, the number of stores selling cupcakes in the DC area has exploded. And that is, of course, good and bad. Good, because I love cake. Bad, because I'm very good at recalling that NPR story and convincing myself to stop in and get myself a treat.
And I'm indoctrinating my kids into the cake loving club. We went to Cakelove on our first family date night. And then on our third family date night, we went to Bakeshop. While we were at Zoofari, I attempted to score a couple of cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake, but by the time we waddled over to the dessert area, the cupcakes were long gone. This was no surprise as we'd seen lots of people walking around with several.
A few months ago, my friend turned 40, and the treat at her party were cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake (I took two home for Helen and Connor), I've been there with friends after Mom's Night Out, and a coworker sent me home with a couple of these delicacies a few weeks ago when my boss quit her job. So let's just say, I have a bit of experience with these doodads. The number of times I've been disappointed? Zero.
But last Sunday, after we returned from camping, I went to an event for DCMetroMoms contributors and guess who was there? The founders and owners of Georgetown Cupcake and their mom. How cool is that? They have a TV show on TLC which starts in a few weeks, and I'm hoping very badly that it actually gives tips on how to make these goodies, rather than just showing funny times in the shop. These women are so nice, they sent me home with FOUR cupcakes. One, I ate on the car ride home. One, I split with Ed, but two were decorated exclusively for Connor and Helen and do you know how I know Helen is related to me? She looked at her cupcake and gasped "Oh my gosh! It is beautiful!"
Though I can't claim they're the pickiest of connoisseurs, I can report that they hope I score some more of these delicious nuggets in the future!
And so I bring you...Cupcake Wars 2010. The kids and I will be rating cupcake places all summer long. I'm going to use a 5 star system, and I'm giving our first unknowing entrant 4.5 stars. Why? Mostly, because the cupcakes are delicious (and as you can see, I've tried MANY of them), but also because they donated to the zoo (yay!), they're funny in person, and they're super nice. I can't give them 5 stars because then there would be no room if I find something better. I particularly loved the hint of cream cheese in their buttercream icing.
I think we'll visit a different cupcake store every other Friday, although we might need to go every Friday because there are that many stores in the area. At the end of the summer, Connor, Helen, and I will rank the shops.
Full Disclosure: As noted in the post, Georgetown Cupcake gave me not one, not two, not three, but FOUR of their cupcakes. And, they offered to give me a lot more but I am a newbie on the DCMM blog and I had met only 1 person before the event. I didn't take Georgetown Cupcake up on their offer because I didn't want to become known as the woman who took home a dozen cupcakes. Although I sort of regret that choice now, because those cupcakes were good.
Before I started my love affair with the cake place, I used to go to the art exhibits without stopping on my way back, and then I heard a story on NPR and the storyteller used to cheer himself up by thinking "may I feel like I feel when I'm about to eat cake" and I stopped and thought about it, and that's exactly the feeling I want to walk around with.
I went on maternity leave, and the store closed. Apparently I was the only person who thought this business venture was a great idea.
I've long been a fan of Cakelove. After all, I used to frequent them on my way to the pottery studio on Thursday afternoon. Sense a theme here? In the past couple of years, the number of stores selling cupcakes in the DC area has exploded. And that is, of course, good and bad. Good, because I love cake. Bad, because I'm very good at recalling that NPR story and convincing myself to stop in and get myself a treat.
And I'm indoctrinating my kids into the cake loving club. We went to Cakelove on our first family date night. And then on our third family date night, we went to Bakeshop. While we were at Zoofari, I attempted to score a couple of cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake, but by the time we waddled over to the dessert area, the cupcakes were long gone. This was no surprise as we'd seen lots of people walking around with several.
A few months ago, my friend turned 40, and the treat at her party were cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake (I took two home for Helen and Connor), I've been there with friends after Mom's Night Out, and a coworker sent me home with a couple of these delicacies a few weeks ago when my boss quit her job. So let's just say, I have a bit of experience with these doodads. The number of times I've been disappointed? Zero.
But last Sunday, after we returned from camping, I went to an event for DCMetroMoms contributors and guess who was there? The founders and owners of Georgetown Cupcake and their mom. How cool is that? They have a TV show on TLC which starts in a few weeks, and I'm hoping very badly that it actually gives tips on how to make these goodies, rather than just showing funny times in the shop. These women are so nice, they sent me home with FOUR cupcakes. One, I ate on the car ride home. One, I split with Ed, but two were decorated exclusively for Connor and Helen and do you know how I know Helen is related to me? She looked at her cupcake and gasped "Oh my gosh! It is beautiful!"
Though I can't claim they're the pickiest of connoisseurs, I can report that they hope I score some more of these delicious nuggets in the future!
And so I bring you...Cupcake Wars 2010. The kids and I will be rating cupcake places all summer long. I'm going to use a 5 star system, and I'm giving our first unknowing entrant 4.5 stars. Why? Mostly, because the cupcakes are delicious (and as you can see, I've tried MANY of them), but also because they donated to the zoo (yay!), they're funny in person, and they're super nice. I can't give them 5 stars because then there would be no room if I find something better. I particularly loved the hint of cream cheese in their buttercream icing.
I think we'll visit a different cupcake store every other Friday, although we might need to go every Friday because there are that many stores in the area. At the end of the summer, Connor, Helen, and I will rank the shops.
Full Disclosure: As noted in the post, Georgetown Cupcake gave me not one, not two, not three, but FOUR of their cupcakes. And, they offered to give me a lot more but I am a newbie on the DCMM blog and I had met only 1 person before the event. I didn't take Georgetown Cupcake up on their offer because I didn't want to become known as the woman who took home a dozen cupcakes. Although I sort of regret that choice now, because those cupcakes were good.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Monkey Bars
The day before I turned 37, I swear Connor grew up. The monkey bars at the park near our home were the final obstacles for the little dude, and those have now been checked off.
At least I still have one baby, I suppose.
Elaine
At least I still have one baby, I suppose.
Elaine
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Oh yes we did...Build-A-Bear Take Two!
When my parents were in town last weekend, I knew Connor would want to go back to Build-A-Bear. After all, any time I mention family date night, he automatically begins asking to go back to Build-A-Bear. And Helen is happy to chime in right along with him.
Ed and I, however, have deemed that we must go to different places for family date night, and though I have yet to upload the photos, the second family date night was at a paint-your-own pottery studio and the third was a quick trip to a local cupcake shop.
Lucky for Connor, my parents were willing to take the adventure. We arrived at the mall, and Connor was a man with a mission.
Helen was cruising along herself, but she paused to take a quick peek at the jewelry counter.
Ed says a quick prayer as he approaches the store. See how relaxed my parents look though? That's the look of a rookie. They've been to Build-A-Bear with my neices, but clearly that was a loooong time ago.
This is totally going to surprise you, but Helen decided to make a cat.
And she dressed it in pink. Seriously. I can't make this stuff up.
She also scored hair/ear bows, shoes, and a baby carrier. I don't think she took the baby carrier off for the remainder of my parent's visit.
Connor had is eye on the prize from the moment we entered. He wanted the dog carrier that he had been denied the last time we went. He chose dog bed over carrier on that adventure. He is now the proud owner of another dog and puppy, a shiny, new silver dog bowl, and a tool belt. I have no idea why a dog needs a tool belt, but Connor was fairly insistent. He has already planned what he wants to get next time. Grandma Lynn?
The best thing about the dog carrier? It has wheels!
Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa!
Ed and I, however, have deemed that we must go to different places for family date night, and though I have yet to upload the photos, the second family date night was at a paint-your-own pottery studio and the third was a quick trip to a local cupcake shop.
Lucky for Connor, my parents were willing to take the adventure. We arrived at the mall, and Connor was a man with a mission.
Helen was cruising along herself, but she paused to take a quick peek at the jewelry counter.
Ed says a quick prayer as he approaches the store. See how relaxed my parents look though? That's the look of a rookie. They've been to Build-A-Bear with my neices, but clearly that was a loooong time ago.
This is totally going to surprise you, but Helen decided to make a cat.
And she dressed it in pink. Seriously. I can't make this stuff up.
She also scored hair/ear bows, shoes, and a baby carrier. I don't think she took the baby carrier off for the remainder of my parent's visit.
Connor had is eye on the prize from the moment we entered. He wanted the dog carrier that he had been denied the last time we went. He chose dog bed over carrier on that adventure. He is now the proud owner of another dog and puppy, a shiny, new silver dog bowl, and a tool belt. I have no idea why a dog needs a tool belt, but Connor was fairly insistent. He has already planned what he wants to get next time. Grandma Lynn?
The best thing about the dog carrier? It has wheels!
Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa!
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