Daily Walk. A Discovery of a Hidden Playground in Our New Neighborhood.

Uprooting.

Okay, we are only uprooting and moving 7 miles away.

But I am really, really going to miss this little house. I have loved it so. (Despite it's horrendously sized and designed Kitchen).

It has been so good to us these past 19 months.

We are moving tomorrow.

And I am sad.

This photo was taken on my last Daily Walk with the girls. We had a massive windstorm that blew over many, many trees and branches in our Neighborhood last week. A very large tree was knocked down blocking the path to one of our favorite spots at the Creek.

Changes.

Changes.

Now onward!

Time to finish packing up all our things. Wish me Luck...I'm crossing my fingers that my husband and I are not going to have to pull an all-nighter.

Next time I write, it will be from our new Home.

Hugs.

National Arboretum.

I've been wanting to visit the National Arboretum for at least two years. 

On Friday, we finally made it.

Our Family has been a "One-Car Family" for about 4 months now (which has been a relatively easy transition). But, it means that trips with the girls have only been happening on the Weekends. 

With the weather turning nicer, I decided it was time to venture past our neighborhood

I dropped off Papa Bear at work and bit the bullet and drove into D.C.. I am notorious for getting flustered and lost, while driving in D.C..

So, I wasn't surprised when it took an extra 40 minutes for me to find the place.

It's HUGE.

We had a nice time despite the mile walk to and from the parking lot. And, the baby missing her morning nap, and the 3 year-old pooping in her underwear and the overly-tired baby screaming during most of the walk back.

It was fun, I promise. 

The Capital Columns were beautiful and both girls had a blast exploring them.

We were only able to explore a very tiny part of the grounds.

There is a large Herb Garden that I can't wait to see. But, I think I'll either go by myself or wait until the girls are a little older.

There is A LOT of walking (unless you can figure out the Tram Schedule).

The United States National Arboretum is a wonderful local resource. They have numerous workshops and an amazing Plant Sale (that actually started on Friday). There are tons of Bonsai Trees and Azaleas. And, even a Full Moon Hike.

It's a photographer's Dream.

Here a few of my favorites...

A Magical Discovery. The Gratitude Month.

 

 

I hate mosquitoes. Unfortunately, they love me. And, unfortunately, we live in a swampy area.

I have tried numerous bug-sprays and have made my own. Some help a bit. But, I haven't found the Magic Bullet, yet. That means I can't enjoy our Back-yard as much as I would like to (especially during the Summer).

Halloween Day marked the last time I got bit. Now, we can spend more time in our Back-yard. Now, we can explore our Neighborhood more and go for a Daily Walk.

Two Sundays, I made this Magical Discovery.

Less than a block from our house is an ENTIRE PARK with trails and a Creek. How did I not know this existed?

I can't tell you how thrilled I am! Feeling much Gratitude about our Discovery!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Top Two Mood Boosters This Winter

I am one of those people.

I just want to hibernate when the hours grow short.

I get lethargic and I get sad.

Dark by 5 pm?

Not fun.

I've started doing two things differently and everyday I done them I've notice a big boost in my Mood. And, you know the saying..."When Mama's not happy, nobody is happy." I'm trying really hard not to be a Grumpy Mama this Winter.

Here are my two, simple Mood Boosters...

1. Sitting under a Sunlamp when I eat Breakfast for 20 minutes.

2. A Daily Walk in Nature for at least 15 minutes.


Both are pretty obvious, but sometimes I just forget the obvious.

I am seriously feeling much happier and have more patience with Nye on days, when I make myself do these things. Sometimes it takes a while (when I am busy tending everyone's needs) to get a full 20 minutes under the Sunlamp. But, on days the Sun ISN'T shining, I really notice a boost after having been under the Sunlamp.

Nye is often very cranky when she wakes up for her Nap. It usually takes her a 1/2 hour to perk up. I've started putting her in the Ergo and taking the girls for a Daily Walk, after we wake up from Nap-time. With Nye on my back and Bright Eyes in the stroller, we watch the Sun go down and say hello to all the neighborhood kitties. Way better than letting her zone out to Curious George for a 1/2 hours.

It's amazing how a few simple changes can make your Family Life, so much more enjoyable!

 

  

Halloween Night.

We got off on a bad foot.

Everyone was cranky. It was raining. We were running late, due to late naps. Our 2 1/2 year old wanted to eat all the Snickers, we got for the few Trick-or-Treaters that came by. We almost scrapped the drive into Old Town. Did I mention everyone was cranky?

 Parking was a pain. Papa Bear and I bickered most of the 7 minutes it took to drive to Lee Street. And then we bickered some more for the 10 minutes it took to park.

But, somehow...we ended up having a great time.

The rain stopped.

Nye kept her Costume on and didn't demand Milky.

The Baby was content, despite it literally being her "Witching Hour." She sleepily took in all the sights.

And, boy were there some sights.

 

 

 

 

 

Lee Street is one of the oldest streets in Old Town. Barricades are put up, so hundreds of folks can walk down the street with their Super-Heroes and Bumblebees.

Most of the houses are crazy decked out with Halloween Spirit. Plus, if you are nosey like me...it's a chance to peek into other people's houses. You know the multi-million dollar ones built in the 1700's. Everybody is out and everybody is smiling.

This year there were even drummers!

 

Here is a photo of Papa Bear and Nye-Nye sadly looking out into the rain, hoping some Trick-or-Treaters would stop by (they did...but only about 5 or 6 groups).

 

 

 

A cranky Black Widow Spider sporting what every Spider needs...a Puppy pacifier.

 

 

Giving Daddy her candy trash. Thankfully, because we were only there between 8-9 pm, many houses had already run out of candy. Her stash is very, very small...so I won't have to listen to weeks of whining for candy.

 

Chocolate. It beings me to my knees. She is my daughter. Need I say more?

 

 

Hope you had a Magical Halloween!

Gravelly Point. A Two-Year Old's Paradise.

 

 

 

Loud Airplanes flying RIGHT OVER your head. A massive, flat field to run around. Boats sailing past. Families picnicking and playing ball. Seriously, what's not too love?

 

Especially if you are two-years old.

 

"Gravelly Point Park" is located next to National Airport's Runway. If you stand in a certain point, the planes fly directly above you and make the most exhilarating sound. It's hard to resist putting your hands over your ears, it's so loud.

 

It's a FREE, FUN family activity. We always see the most diverse array of people - all united in the pure Joy of this spectacular sight. Today, we even saw an Amish family.

 

Our family has only been a few times and every time I ask myself why we haven't been more.

 

Even the baby seem to enjoy herself.