Mt. Vernon

On the Friday after Keaton's birthday, we decided to take a family trip to Mt. Vernon. I honestly can't believe this is the first time we've visited. What a fun adventure! The weather was lovely, and we enjoyed exploring the grounds of George Washington's home. 

Here's all the kids with George and Martha and their two grandchildren, Nelly and Washy.

The grounds at Mt. Vernon are breathtaking overlooking the Potomac River. We couldn't resist taking a few family shots.

Colorful crew!

Cousins and best buddies!

Jenny and Scott

One of the things I love about Mt. Vernon is that it is a real working farm. The kids loved visiting all the farm animals.

Mary and Mark trying to get the sheep to eat some hay.

Unfortunately, he was not interested. He was obviously well fed, and had plenty of hay in his trough.

There were over forty new spring lambs. So cute!

The kids had a blast running around the grounds outside the mansion.

Grammy and Papa taking a rest. Don't let loose of that camera trigger, Grammy!

Always the entertainer!

Being silly with the big "C!"

Caroline is the best big sis!

 It was quite surreal to think that just 250 years ago, this beautiful farm was owned by our first president. We were able to see the bed he died in and even his original dentures! One of my favorite things was the original painting that is now printed on the dollar bill. I really cannot say enough good things about the museum, the mansion, and education center. We barely scratched the surface of all there was to do, and I left with such a greater appreciation of George Washington, his character, and how much his vision and his humility really shaped the country we live in today.  We are already planning our return visit!!

Keaton's 7th Birthday DAY

April 30th was one fun-filled day for KRay! 

He woke up to a few presents before school. He was so excited about the wrapped presents on the table (which he assumed were Legos), that he walked right by his brand new bike with out even noticing it! HELLLLOO? He had been asking for a new bike for awhile since he had sadly outgrown his once prized (now embarrassed by)_ Lightning McQueen bike and helmet. 

Once we pointed it out, he was thrilled. The new bike has 20in wheels, a very "big boy", character-free color scheme and a kick stand! I was worried he'd have trouble getting used to it, but he was off and riding in no time!  

He assumed correctly about the presents on the table - Legos! 

 He had Lucky Charms for breakfast (his favorite!). 

Mark, Sailor, and I brought M&M cookies to his Mr. Krueger's class in the afternoon before school was out (sorry no pictures)!

After school, Grammy and Papa arrived from SC, and the Heaths came over to play for a couple of hours before we headed out to Chuck-E-Cheese for dinner. 

pizza!!

Mark and I worked hard on this Ninjago Kai cake. You do not want to know how much Red dye 40 is in that icing. I was seriously afraid my kids may start glowing afterwards....

I guess Chucky does the thumbs up in VA - no shakas here!

Gaming with Papa

even Sailor loves CEC!!

While we were at CEC, Aunt Jenny, Caroline, Matthew, and Mary Elizabeth arrived from Charlotte! Just in time for cake!

MEL and Caroline!

When we returned home from CEC, there were more presents to open! 

of course, more Legos!!

He also received several really cool books, some walkie talkies, a new game, and Star Wars Lego case! So many great gifts!

 Best present ever? The promise of a Friday off from school, and a whole weekend with cousins! 

Let the real fun begin...

 

Six Months Old!

Was that the fastest half a year of everyone else's life too? 

Not too much to report on the Sailor June front. She's not really doing many NEW things, just doing the same old things BETTER! 

Still loving her exersaucer, especially when the boys put on music for her to bounce around to... so cute!

Still so tiny! 5th percentile for height/weight. Doctor asked, "Do you have little people in your family?" She's has asked me to come back next month for height/weight check, but she not too worried since Sailor is nailing all her milestones. She's just petite!

If you can't tell, this is my most FAVORITE age to photograph1 You put her somewhere, and she just sits there and smiles!

One of my favorite developments this month is that she reaches out for me! She also seems to be getting the idea that crying in the car really does not help us get there any faster. She's calmed a little bit, and tolerates short trips, at least.

 She's laughing more and more, and my boys are learning the absolute additive quality of baby laughter. They will pretty much make complete fools of themselves to hear her giggle!  

 On a sadder note (or more inconvenient note I should say), she's over the "nap on the go" phase. If she's not home for her nap, she's just generally a ball of drama for most of the evening. Obviously, its impossible to stick to this all the time, but I've found our day just goes much more smoothly if Sailor can be at home for naptime, which is still 2 - 3 times a day.

 She was baptized on May 3rd, her six month birthday. Her Grammy, Papa, Aunt Jenny and cousins. as well as our good friends, the Heaths were there to watch! She fussed a little when the pastor first took her (he was trying to cradle her, and she was like, "Stop holding me like a baby!" but when that water hit her head, she was silenced. She knew something was up,  and she needed to behave. 

 We celebrated after church with a fantastic brunch at The Secret Garden Cafe in Occoquan... and many pictures, of course! 

Happy first 6 months, baby girl!