On Sunday, Connor and I went to the National Gallery of Art to participate in their Artful Conversations class. This is the first year Connor can attend the class (ages 8 - 11), and is the follow-on class to Stories in Art, which Connor and Helen have participated in for several years, thanks to my friend Helen asking us to join her there.
Neither Helen nor Connor are huge fans of art museums, unless they are destroying them. But they do love these programs, and I love attending with them. Stories in Art is very popular, and the first two sessions of the day fill up basically upon the museum's opening. Artful Conversations is less popular, and I thought that if we showed up right before it started, we'd be able to get in. I was wrong. We arrived at noon, having not eaten lunch, and were told the noon groups were full. We could come back for the 2:00 program.
I told Connor we could find a place to eat lunch and then walk around the museum a bit, or we could head home for lunch and come back at 2:00. He opted to go home.
As we were exiting the museum, he explained "I think three hours of being in an art museum would just be too much for me, Mom. What do you think?"
Me: "Well, Connor, I would actually very much enjoy walking around for two hours and then sitting her for another hour for your program, but it's fine to go home."
Connor: "Maybe we should go look at a few paintings together, then. I think I would like that."
Me: "I would, too."
And then we wandered into the gallery on our left, which happened to house several of Monet's painting. Connor instantly remembered they were painted in France, reminded me he had tried to recreate one of them, and then we guessed about what time of day each was painted.
It was a nice half hour - and then we went home, had lunch, and returned for the program.
Thanks for the lovely afternoon, Connor. It's a keeper in my book.
Mom
Showing posts with label Fun Stuff in DC with Kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fun Stuff in DC with Kids. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Cherry Blossoms - 2014
It wouldn't be spring in DC if we didn't head down to the tidal basin for a picnic. Last year, we biked down to the tidal basin for the first time as a family of 4 (Ed and I did this plenty of time in our pre-kid days). I remember Helen waving to everyone whose attention she could get as she sat perched atop the trailer bike. Connor, on the other hand, was working pretty hard as it was the longest bike ride he'd ever taken.
Because Arlington is higher up than DC, the route to the tidal basin is largely downhill. So last year, we took the metro home, to avoid all the hills. This year, we went for it - and CONNOR MADE IT! Up all the hills! He would cheer or let out a little whoop when he got to the top. At one point, two adults nearly made him fall as they stopped riding, mid-hill, with no warning. But Connor was able to weave around them and pedal all the way up.
Bravo, Connor! Next year, hopefully we'll get Helen on her own bike, rather than on the back of Ed's!
Welcome, Spring!
Elaine
Because Arlington is higher up than DC, the route to the tidal basin is largely downhill. So last year, we took the metro home, to avoid all the hills. This year, we went for it - and CONNOR MADE IT! Up all the hills! He would cheer or let out a little whoop when he got to the top. At one point, two adults nearly made him fall as they stopped riding, mid-hill, with no warning. But Connor was able to weave around them and pedal all the way up.
Bravo, Connor! Next year, hopefully we'll get Helen on her own bike, rather than on the back of Ed's!
Welcome, Spring!
Elaine
Monday, April 8, 2013
Cherry Blossom Bike Ride
Yesterday, we started what I hope will become an annual tradition - we rode bikes down to the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms and have a picnic. The mostly downhill ride is about 6.2 miles long - by far Connor's longest bike ride. He was tired by the time we stopped for breakfast, but he didn't complain at all, which made the ride pretty fun (although it was on the chilly side, to be sure).
Ed rode lead with Helen on the trailer bike, followed by Connor, and me taking the rear. I wish I were a talented enough rider to snap photos and ride at the same time, because I could share a photo of Helen waving to onlookers as if she was in a parade. Maybe next year, she'll help more with the pedaling!
The blossoms are a few weeks late at this point, but we did catch some in bloom. We also had the benefit of several roads being closed for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, which made crossing streets a lot easier than it otherwise would have been.
Bravo, Connor! Same time next year, I hope.
Elaine
Ed rode lead with Helen on the trailer bike, followed by Connor, and me taking the rear. I wish I were a talented enough rider to snap photos and ride at the same time, because I could share a photo of Helen waving to onlookers as if she was in a parade. Maybe next year, she'll help more with the pedaling!
The blossoms are a few weeks late at this point, but we did catch some in bloom. We also had the benefit of several roads being closed for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, which made crossing streets a lot easier than it otherwise would have been.
Bravo, Connor! Same time next year, I hope.
Elaine
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Let's Go Orioles, Let's Go! Take 2.
Dear Mom, Dad, and Aunt Linda,
I tried to raise my children right. Really, I did. Even though Ed objected every time I suited Helen and Connor up in Royals garb, I did it anyway - for the love of the game, I would tell myself. I sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame", changing "Root, root, root for the HOME TEAM" to "Root, root, root for the ROYALS!" every. single. time. But in the end, I have failed. While Helen will occasionally claim to be a fan of our beloved boys in blue, she's really partial to the mythical "Flower Socks", a team she made up last year. And as if that weren't bad enough, Connor has fallen hook line and sinker for the Cubs and the Orioles. I admire him for having an NL and AL team, but sheesh, couldn't he have chosen the Royals for that AL spot?
A few weeks ago, the Orioles sent me a package of O's gear, which was a huge hit. They followed it up with an invitation to watch a game from the players' wives' box, and invited the little people to attend as well. We hopped in my friend Jessica's car, filling it to the brim with her two kids and mine - and the giant Orange finger that we had received in the mail a few weeks earlier. We battled traffic while the kids did everything they could to distract Jessica from driving, with Helen "fake crying" at one point, which is a sound that is so unbearably horrible that I'm not sure I will ever get it out of my head. Jessica is nothing, if not impressive, for deciding not to just throw herself under a tire right then or throw Helen under a tire!
Before the game, we got to tour the stadium and when we were walking right out onto the field, we were instructed to "not run onto the grass" and I admit, I dearly hoped one of my children heard "run onto the grass" instead, because I totally wanted to chase them through that field. Sadly, they just stood there and posed.
Connor and Helen loved the game.
Ed enjoyed meeting the Bird.
Thank you, Orioles! We had a ball watching the game. And it was such a sweet surprise when I learned that Orioles stadium was designed by the same group that designed my beloved Kauffman stadium. I knew there was a connection to the two teams somewhere!
Sorry Mom, Dad, and Aunt Linda - but I do think we've lost the boy to another team!
Elaine
I tried to raise my children right. Really, I did. Even though Ed objected every time I suited Helen and Connor up in Royals garb, I did it anyway - for the love of the game, I would tell myself. I sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame", changing "Root, root, root for the HOME TEAM" to "Root, root, root for the ROYALS!" every. single. time. But in the end, I have failed. While Helen will occasionally claim to be a fan of our beloved boys in blue, she's really partial to the mythical "Flower Socks", a team she made up last year. And as if that weren't bad enough, Connor has fallen hook line and sinker for the Cubs and the Orioles. I admire him for having an NL and AL team, but sheesh, couldn't he have chosen the Royals for that AL spot?
A few weeks ago, the Orioles sent me a package of O's gear, which was a huge hit. They followed it up with an invitation to watch a game from the players' wives' box, and invited the little people to attend as well. We hopped in my friend Jessica's car, filling it to the brim with her two kids and mine - and the giant Orange finger that we had received in the mail a few weeks earlier. We battled traffic while the kids did everything they could to distract Jessica from driving, with Helen "fake crying" at one point, which is a sound that is so unbearably horrible that I'm not sure I will ever get it out of my head. Jessica is nothing, if not impressive, for deciding not to just throw herself under a tire right then or throw Helen under a tire!
Before the game, we got to tour the stadium and when we were walking right out onto the field, we were instructed to "not run onto the grass" and I admit, I dearly hoped one of my children heard "run onto the grass" instead, because I totally wanted to chase them through that field. Sadly, they just stood there and posed.
 |
| Note: Helen assured me before the game that she was wearing her best Orioles outfit. I couldn't figure it out either. |
Ed enjoyed meeting the Bird.
Thank you, Orioles! We had a ball watching the game. And it was such a sweet surprise when I learned that Orioles stadium was designed by the same group that designed my beloved Kauffman stadium. I knew there was a connection to the two teams somewhere!
Sorry Mom, Dad, and Aunt Linda - but I do think we've lost the boy to another team!
Elaine
Friday, April 13, 2012
White House Egg Roll 2012
My friend Kim scored White House Egg Roll tickets this year, and kindly took the little people and me. Because last time we attended the Egg Roll, we missed the actual egg roll event, I was determined to go there this time. Thankfully, Helen and Connor obliged when I told them I wanted a photograph of them doing the egg roll.
By the time our turn came, Connor was super amped up. Helen? Well, Helen was in one of her slower moods, so even though Connor completed the egg roll with about 3 whacks of his spoon to his egg, Helen set a more leisurely pace.
Eventually, Helen did finish. And, the girl has so much moxie that as Connor gloated about coming in first, Helen respond "yeah, I think I was second".
There were tons of characters walking around the lawn, and this is mostly lost on my crowd. However, the Cat in the Hat showed up and that was awesome!
The President and Mrs. Obama also showed up.
We crafted, we drank water, we ate apples and clementines. Finally, our time was up, so we exited. But not without grabbing the white house lawn photo first!
The event was loads of fun. Connor and Helen were thrilled with the M&Ms that they got with their wooden eggs, and I was reminded that even though 2 hours is not enough time to do all of the activities, we couldn't have made it 5 more minutes if we had wanted to.
Thank you, Kim! We had a ball!!
Elaine
By the time our turn came, Connor was super amped up. Helen? Well, Helen was in one of her slower moods, so even though Connor completed the egg roll with about 3 whacks of his spoon to his egg, Helen set a more leisurely pace.
 |
| Connor - preparing to dominate the egg roll. |
 |
| One hit places him ahead of the pack. Helen? I have no idea what she's doing back there. |
 |
| And with two hits Connor is almost across the line! Helen? I have no idea what's taking her so long. |
 |
| Connor? Finished. Helen: Are you serious that I have to get this stupid egg all the way to the next line? |
Eventually, Helen did finish. And, the girl has so much moxie that as Connor gloated about coming in first, Helen respond "yeah, I think I was second".
There were tons of characters walking around the lawn, and this is mostly lost on my crowd. However, the Cat in the Hat showed up and that was awesome!
The President and Mrs. Obama also showed up.
 |
| Michelle Obama - You Rock! |
 |
| Don't mind us, we're just having fun on the White House lawn. No need to look our way! |
 |
| And in case you wondering why my kids were dressed in sweats (I certainly was!), it turned out to be a good thing when it came time for the obstacle course. |
 |
| And when a real football player tells you to knock something down, that is more fun than you could imagine. Really. Just ask Connor. |
We crafted, we drank water, we ate apples and clementines. Finally, our time was up, so we exited. But not without grabbing the white house lawn photo first!
The event was loads of fun. Connor and Helen were thrilled with the M&Ms that they got with their wooden eggs, and I was reminded that even though 2 hours is not enough time to do all of the activities, we couldn't have made it 5 more minutes if we had wanted to.
Thank you, Kim! We had a ball!!
Elaine
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Friday, November 11, 2011
NaBloPoMo Advice Column - Day 11 - Help Your Neighbor
I'm writing 30 thoughts in 30 days for NaBloPoMo. In no particular order, I'm
giving you my worldview.
It's almost irrestibale not to pass along a piece of advice Connor gave me in the car today "don't join the military". His reasoning was sound, for sure, but since it's Veteran's Day, I'll take inspiration from my children and instead, today's piece of advice is to help your neighbor.
Helen and Connor love to tackle a mulch pile, so our neighbor came over to borrow a wheelbarrow last night, they wanted to know the purpose. And wow were they delighted to wake up this morning to see two piles of mulch still sitting across the street in the driveway.
Immediately after getting home from a playdate at the Botanical Gardens, they went to our shed and retrieved their shovels and wheelbarrows. They trounced across the street and let our neighbor know that they were ready to help. He smiled and told them he could use all they help they were ready to give.
They've been having a ball over there - and I must say, I do think they're more help than hindrance at this point.
Building a worldview:
Day 1: Surround Yourself With Brilliant People (though my friend Susan makes a good point that clever is pretty good, too).
Day 2: Whatever, it works.
Day 3: Surround Yourself With Beauty
Day 4: When You Go Through Something New - Drag Someone With You
Day 5: No sweatpants.
Day 6: Embrace the Crazy
Day 7: Listen to Your Friends or Fight Old Fogey-dom. Get out there. Keep experiencing fun, new things.
Day 8: Don't Let Anyone Sell You Short
Day 9: Take a Lesson From Your Child
Day 10: Consume the best chocolate you can
It's almost irrestibale not to pass along a piece of advice Connor gave me in the car today "don't join the military". His reasoning was sound, for sure, but since it's Veteran's Day, I'll take inspiration from my children and instead, today's piece of advice is to help your neighbor.
Helen and Connor love to tackle a mulch pile, so our neighbor came over to borrow a wheelbarrow last night, they wanted to know the purpose. And wow were they delighted to wake up this morning to see two piles of mulch still sitting across the street in the driveway.
Immediately after getting home from a playdate at the Botanical Gardens, they went to our shed and retrieved their shovels and wheelbarrows. They trounced across the street and let our neighbor know that they were ready to help. He smiled and told them he could use all they help they were ready to give.
They've been having a ball over there - and I must say, I do think they're more help than hindrance at this point.
Building a worldview:
Day 1: Surround Yourself With Brilliant People (though my friend Susan makes a good point that clever is pretty good, too).
Day 2: Whatever, it works.
Day 3: Surround Yourself With Beauty
Day 4: When You Go Through Something New - Drag Someone With You
Day 5: No sweatpants.
Day 6: Embrace the Crazy
Day 7: Listen to Your Friends or Fight Old Fogey-dom. Get out there. Keep experiencing fun, new things.
Day 8: Don't Let Anyone Sell You Short
Day 9: Take a Lesson From Your Child
Day 10: Consume the best chocolate you can
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Cherry Blossoms!
A few weeks ago, at the peak of the cherry blossoms, Grandpa Dick came for a visit. It was a little cold the evening we went, but the trees were beautiful, and the company was grand.
I attended an evening photography class the week before Grandpa Dick's visit, so I was trying my hardest to shoot without all the auto settings on. It's harder than I remember. And, as seen in the photo above, I clearly forgot the rule of "don't take pictures in dappled light". Sigh.
The hardest part of the evening, was walking along the tidal basin. I had half my attention on the trees, and the other half was in constant worry mode because I was *certain* thatHelen one of my children, would end up plopping in what looked like very cold water.
I don't actually have any photos of them walking precariously close to the edge of the rather full sidewalks, because I was terrified that if I took my camera out, they'd start focusing on my rather than where they were walking, and that would be the end of them.
Luckily, no children ended up getting wet on our adventure.
I love this time of year in DC. We don't typically get very much Spring, but what we get is truly delightful.
Elaine
I attended an evening photography class the week before Grandpa Dick's visit, so I was trying my hardest to shoot without all the auto settings on. It's harder than I remember. And, as seen in the photo above, I clearly forgot the rule of "don't take pictures in dappled light". Sigh.
The hardest part of the evening, was walking along the tidal basin. I had half my attention on the trees, and the other half was in constant worry mode because I was *certain* that
I don't actually have any photos of them walking precariously close to the edge of the rather full sidewalks, because I was terrified that if I took my camera out, they'd start focusing on my rather than where they were walking, and that would be the end of them.
Luckily, no children ended up getting wet on our adventure.
I love this time of year in DC. We don't typically get very much Spring, but what we get is truly delightful.
Elaine
Monday, January 17, 2011
Taking Advantage of a 3-Day Weekend - And More Cupcakes!
As I sit reflecting on the events of the few days, it's not hard to realize why I'm exhausted.
Helen and I kicked off our weekend on Friday at Bittersweet Bakery in Alexandria, VA to check out some more cupcakes in the area. I had an expired coupon good for a dozen cupcakes, which I hadn't used on time because when I went to the store the last time (on the day the coupon expired) they were literally locking their doors 30 minutes early and had NO CUPCAKES. I tapped on the glass and the guy locking up told me they had nothing for me, but said if I came back anytime before January 15, they'd honor the coupon.
So...on January 14 (apparently procrastinating is my theme with this bakery), I presented my coupon only to have them tell me it was expired. Yes, I realized that. So they told me they'd give me six - which wasn't actually a deal since I had paid half-price for a dozen to get the coupon. So I told them, no, I want a dozen. And then I explained my story, and eventually the line was long enough that they gave me my cupcakes. Helen was excited to go to the bakery because we've been going to the coffee shop on Friday mornings during the time between when we drop Connor off at his class and when Helen's class begins. She adores the coffee shop, but was very excited to do "that thumbs up thumbs down thing again". (The method by which we rate cupcakes in this house. And let me assure you, though it's been since August that we played this game, there have been many, many cupcakes consumed since then.)
Saturday, I took the kids swimming while Ed primed and put much of a first coat of paint in our bedroom. No photos from this event, because I was the only adult and I'm not so irresponsible as to leave my kids to fend for themselves in a crowded pool when one of them cannot actually swim yet (though she thinks she can - which actually increases the danger factor a bit).
Sunday, we went ice skating. Nobody was excited about this except Connor. But, Ed had told him we'd go, so we went. And you know what? We had a blast. The ice skating rink at Pentagon Row was a ball. Connor and Helen cruised around with buckets in front of them, along with some assists from parents. My friend Laurie had recommended this place earlier. She was totally right. They had teeny-tiny skates for rent and the skates had double blades, making them A LOT easier for kids to control. I wouldn't have minded a pair for myself, actually, but instead I just borrowed a helmet and crossed my fingers.
I helped Helen, knowing my back would pay. She prefers to go fast!
By the end, Connor could actually skate just loosely holding one of my hands.
Helen and I kicked off our weekend on Friday at Bittersweet Bakery in Alexandria, VA to check out some more cupcakes in the area. I had an expired coupon good for a dozen cupcakes, which I hadn't used on time because when I went to the store the last time (on the day the coupon expired) they were literally locking their doors 30 minutes early and had NO CUPCAKES. I tapped on the glass and the guy locking up told me they had nothing for me, but said if I came back anytime before January 15, they'd honor the coupon.
So...on January 14 (apparently procrastinating is my theme with this bakery), I presented my coupon only to have them tell me it was expired. Yes, I realized that. So they told me they'd give me six - which wasn't actually a deal since I had paid half-price for a dozen to get the coupon. So I told them, no, I want a dozen. And then I explained my story, and eventually the line was long enough that they gave me my cupcakes. Helen was excited to go to the bakery because we've been going to the coffee shop on Friday mornings during the time between when we drop Connor off at his class and when Helen's class begins. She adores the coffee shop, but was very excited to do "that thumbs up thumbs down thing again". (The method by which we rate cupcakes in this house. And let me assure you, though it's been since August that we played this game, there have been many, many cupcakes consumed since then.)
Saturday, I took the kids swimming while Ed primed and put much of a first coat of paint in our bedroom. No photos from this event, because I was the only adult and I'm not so irresponsible as to leave my kids to fend for themselves in a crowded pool when one of them cannot actually swim yet (though she thinks she can - which actually increases the danger factor a bit).
Sunday, we went ice skating. Nobody was excited about this except Connor. But, Ed had told him we'd go, so we went. And you know what? We had a blast. The ice skating rink at Pentagon Row was a ball. Connor and Helen cruised around with buckets in front of them, along with some assists from parents. My friend Laurie had recommended this place earlier. She was totally right. They had teeny-tiny skates for rent and the skates had double blades, making them A LOT easier for kids to control. I wouldn't have minded a pair for myself, actually, but instead I just borrowed a helmet and crossed my fingers.
I helped Helen, knowing my back would pay. She prefers to go fast!
By the end, Connor could actually skate just loosely holding one of my hands.
Even Helen could get around a bit on her own, though she kept getting stuck in the slightest of bumps on the ice.
Monday was our big ski day. We headed out to Ski Liberty to use up part of a gift certificate that Ed's parents gave us for Christmas. On the way, my back started hurting. I figured this was payback for Sunday, and didn't think much of it. I had no idea that in a couple of hours, I would be completely useless to Ed as he herded Connor and Helen both down the mountain - even using the chair lift or "swing" as Helen called it! I spent my time being completely incapacitated by some bizarre, yet relatively quick, illness. I'm blaming Dunkin' Donuts and some sort of cross contamination, but I have no proof of this. It was an ugly way to end the weekend, but now I appear nearly completely recovered, about 10 hours after the initial attack.
Off to bed to get ready for the work week. I'll be sleeping in a now beautiful bedroom, thanks to Ed and his sweet paint job. I was mostly moral support in the effort, painting a few edges where needed. I consider it warm-up for the bathroom redo!
Elaine
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