Memorial Day Weekend

For Memorial Day weekend, we decided to travel down to the thriving metropolis of Orange, VA to see Montpelier (James Madison's home). Besides Montpelier, there is not a lot to see in Orange except for darling houses placed just so among rolling hills. According to the Wikipedia page, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has a home in Orange. We can't confirm this, but if it is true, we found the house that we assume is his. Seriously, I may need a country home in Orange at some point in my life.

Montpelier is awesome. Possibly my favorite of all the presidential homes that we've seen. It's pretty much a complete renovation, but the work that they had to do to return it to how it looked when Madison lived there is amazing. A detective story of sorts. It's really cool to sit in the room where the ideas behind our Constitution were born. And that's not even mentioning Dolley. I love Dolley. I'm sure we'd be friends. Just sure.

After that we went to the hotel to swim. It's been around 90 degrees with about 80% humidity, so a pool feels fantastic.

On the drive home, we were adventurous and took Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park. There were beautiful views although I'd call the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Blue Ridge Hills. Once you've seen the Rocky Mountains and the High Uintas, you're a bit spoiled.

Jefferson Memorial

On Sunday we visited the Jefferson Memorial. Paul is a Lincoln Memorial fan, but I must say that Jefferson is the most picturesque and beautiful memorial. Notice the pic with Lucy's head down...and then notice the couple in the background laughing at me as I try my darndest to get her to look at the camera. We, of course, think our kids are cute, and apparently so do Asian tourists who kept taking unauthorized pictures of them. Not bragging, just a little creeped out :).

That Place Is A Zoo

We went to the National Zoo on Saturday. It was packed. If you know Lucy, you know that the animal kingdom and how it all works, is pretty much what she talks about all day long. So she was stoked! She was particularly looking forward to seeing the Giraffes, and wouldn't you know it that the National Zoo doesn't have Giraffes!! A big let down, but you can't complain about a free zoo. We still managed to have a great day together. P.S. Don't you love Lucy hugging Subby with all her might. That's what you get when you tell her to put her arm around Sub.

And another thing...(on my soapbox here) but when you are an adult at the zoo, please don't push your way to the front of the crowds trying to see the animals! There should be a line for people over 12 to stand behind. Just a thought.

Clemyjontri Park Party

Two weekends ago, Paul's firm had a picnic for families at Clemyjontri Park in McLean. Here's an aerial view of the place:



It's the swankiest neighborhood park I've ever been to. It was designed to be a park where kids with disabilities can play. It's complete with a carousel which is all my girls need to have a rip-roarin' good time. The face painter/balloon artist was also a hit.





I swear I don't pose her this way! She's ready for Cory Adams! And Lucy, well this was the best we could do:





Not a great picture of Jelly Bean. Let's see if she can redeem herself the next week at HomeGoods:



And Lucy...well:

Arlington Cemetery

What is this 2008? Look at all these posts!

Oh Lucy! Look at the camera!

Our Sunday outing this week was to Arlington National Cemetery. I do not ever tire of going there. Such a neat and beautiful place. How do they so perfectly align all those head stones on rolling hills? Amazing. Sabrina is at the height of posing, as you can see. We also trekked up (a big feat with a stroller carrying three) the big hill to go see Arlington House (Robert E. Lee's home) at the top of the cemetery. The way down was much better!

Tooth OUT!

Dad yanked the thing, and someone couldn't have been more excited! Someone else couldn't have been more sad.

More Than a Cardboard Playhouse

Around the time I had baby Julia, Shelley sent the girls this cardboard playhouse. Grandma Shar put it together and colored it with Sabrina, and every visitor (namely: Grandma Carolyn, Aunt Jac and Lori, Noah, Eli, Chloe, Aunt Shelley, Aunt Natalie, Uncle Jeff, The Boulters) we've had here since has left their mark. It's sort of their going home memento! Sabrina and Lucy have covered the walls inside and out with stickers. It has it's own interior decor complete with a Christmas tree and a jack-o-lantern. I sorta love looking at all the signatures every day when I'm cleaning the playroom. Sadly, I don't think it will survive the move to Delaware in a few months so I took pictures.

My favorite signature? Noah's "Fredette about it." Classic.

Watch out Julesy Bean!

I can't say enough about a baby in a striped linen romper. I may make her wear it every day just for the squeezing. (I should be kidding about this, but I don't think I am!)

She Wore Us Down...

Meet Sunshine, the newest member of the family. How come no one told me that I have to clean the bowl weekly?? This fish stuff is tough business! This picture is before we poured her into her real bowl. Of course, as you can see, our number two is over the moon about this thing.

I know that this is a slippery slope. Fish today...pony tomorrow.