Max's 2nd Birthday

The birthday boy opening some gifts from Mom & Dad

The Cake!

After an exciting evening of presents, cake and pure sugar-high induced joy, we put our toddler to bed. The next morning, our usually first-to-rise son wasn't making a peep and when we opened the door, this was the scene we uncovered. He had climbed out of his new big boy bed sometime in the night to play with his new toys. He was curled up under his play table clutching a couple of matchbox cars and his blanket. Cutest. Thing. Ever. 

Skating at the Smithsonian

It was time for some girl's only fun up in the city. We went up with our friends Arinn and Anna and left the little ones at home. What a great time we had skating at the ice rink at the Smithsonian's sculpture garden!

Yesterday we drove up to the city for some culture. We planned to take the kids to the Museum of American History to show them something about Thanksgiving but much to our disappointment, the museum is closed for renovations. Instead, we spent quite a bit of time outside in the gorgeous Fall air...specifically at the outdoor sculpture garden where the kids could run around in the the leaves and check out the art. Above, notice Mardi ascending a pyramid of cement blocks that are totally OFF LIMITS to little climbers (unbenounced to us.) I endured a severe finger shaking from Mr. Policeman...but was happy for this amazing shot of her! The most exciting part of our day came around 1:30pm when we were trying to leave. After waiting in a long line of traffic at the intersection of Constitution Ave and 14th Street (facing the Washington Monument) we were treated to the sight of Barack Obama's motorcade on its way to the White House for his first meeting with the President. A moment that's hard to describe in words, it made me feel proud, anticipatory and lucky to witness (with my own eyes) this simple yet symbolic moment in history.

Where the Wild Things Are

I'm surprised we got the two of them to sit still long enough to take this shot. Our neighborhood was infested with goblins and witches and the like at the moment the clock struck 5:30pm. Mardi and Max went wild with excitement as soon as the kids came out for treating. Mardi decided to change her costume at the last minute from a Pink Power Ranger to a Ballerina Princess Fairy. She said her PR costume would "scare too many people."

I couldn't resist posting this unforgettable clip of Max and his first "real" Halloween costume. It took me most of the day to convince him not to be afraid of it so that he could wear it trick or treating. It was a big hit and fortunately served another purpose: it was sooo cold on Halloween night and his thick lion's mane kept him toasty warm!

We're Back!

Charlie has been staying with us for a few days while mom and dad are away at a wedding. We sure are having fun with him!

My dad came down for the afternoon last week. He and his friend Tom, went for a long 'joyride' because, as my dad put it, he wanted to "lay eyes on me." Here are three generations of boys in my family!

It's A Princess World

Mardi loves to play dress-up. There are the queen dresses and princess gowns; purses and shoes and tiaras and even a few superhero capes for Max! Dress up is what we spend most of playtime doing. I wanted to post some pictures of playdates from this past week with some very special friends.

What dress up session isn't complete without an episode of Bella Dancerella??!! Mardi & Max and their friends Anna & Jane enjoy the wonder that is.

Playtime was super-charged on Thursday with a surprise visit from our Beaufort friends Rosa and her mom Lara.

Tim & Sara's wedding

The handsome couple!

We had a great time at our friend Tim Miller's wedding in Richmond this weekend. His bride Sara was beautiful and Paul and I enjoyed getting to visit with their friends & family - some who we knew and others we met for the very first time. Their vows were especially touching: