we're goin to the zoo

Today we enjoyed meeting up with some of Laura's college friends for a morning at the zoo (one of whom is hopping on plane to move back to Seattle tomorrow....sniff). It was fun to watch our little ones play with each other, and see animals! Andrew was funny this morning when we told him we were going to the zoo - he said he didn't want to go because he didn't want to see bears. One of his favorite books for the last year has been "We're going a bear hunt", which has spurred many hours of imaginary play running from bears. But alas, by the end of our day at the zoo, he wanted to see the bears - which ironically were at the other end/bottom of the zoo...so next time we will see bears.

Laura, Kathryn, Erika and our kids

Caden and Andrew mooo at the cow

We had one scary moment - Caden wondered off when were weren't looking (Dave thought I was watching, he thought I was watching, and we were looking after our friends child for a moment), and suddenly he was NOWHERE to be seen. I had several minutes of sheer panic as we ran around in opposite directions looking for him, but Dave found him several hundred feet away just walking around (a small group of adults had gathered figuring he belonged to someone). He wasn't the least bit bothered - I was a mess. Needless to say, he was strapped back into the stroller.

Caden on a mission

funny sick dude

A few sweet moments to record - Andrew just called me into his room (30 minutes after we'd put him to bed) to tell me that "he wikes sprinkle donuts and pwain donuts". I laughed (ummm, we haven't had donuts in a few weeks) while he explained that he had plain donuts and sprinkle donuts at Zoe's house. After I kissed him on his head and told him he needed to go to sleep, he giggled and said "i woooove your kisses".
Earlier tonight as we were eating pizza (papa john's), Andrew said: "They put pwain on top of my pizza? I wike plain pizza."
I wove these moments.

Time with old/new friends

Our little crew

Yesterday we (me and the kids) journeyed down to southern Maryland to spend time with a dear seminary friend and her kids while her husband attended a leadership conference here in DC with Dave. It was so wonderful to catch up, and watch the kids we dreamt of in seminary have fun playing together - esp since they're so close in age. The only bummer - we we arrived home I discovered that Andrew was running a fever...so now I'm just praying that all the hand holding and hugging didn't get her kids sick. sigh.

Holly and Laura

Andrew lovin

Happy St. Patty's day!

Our boys have been lovin the Irish music. Here they are breakin it down. I'm not sure how to rotate the image, so I'm sorry if it's sideways!

boys will be boys

So lately my boys have been really into these plastic reptiles, which to me are the mark of ultimate boyhood. They somehow manage to creep me out a bit, but lately we've had a few funny moments with them. Several weeks ago Dave asked if he could have a turn decorating the dining room table since we'd finally finished (and given away) the valentines day decor/candy. This is what I found:



And here, Andrew is grilling a lizard for dinner (after triumphantly rescuing me from his attack):

Thanks Mom!

So I hosted our CBS (community Bible study) social last Tuesday night, and finally used the chafing dish my mom gave me for Christmas a few years ago. We did chocolate fondue, which was such an easy way to host a group of women. Something for me in the midst of this busy season to remember for future gatherings. I made the chocolate and provided strawberries, and everyone else brought other things for dipping - sooo easy, so yummy, and so fun. Mom, since the square vases were also from you, I thought you'd enjoy a picture of your gifts in action :).

Let's go fly a kite!

The weather here in DC this time of year can be very wacky (as Andrew would say). The arrival of 60 and 70 degree weather this past weekend after our biggest snow fall of the year was wonderful...and wierd! I forget how wonderful it is to get outside and play! Dave's day off on Monday was one of my favorites. We took Caden out for a date to Le Pain Quotedien in Spring Valley for breakfast (Andrew enjoyed Mom's morning out...Caden had a fever) - which was so fun because we rarely get time alone with just him. After naps my hubby decided we needed to take full advantage of the beautiful windy day. So we picked up Grandpa Jerry, hit the local toy store to purchase a cheap kite (spiderman!), and went to the elementary school field to let our boys have their first kite experience. It was quite a hit! The park afterwards was the perfect end to the day.

March Snow

We enjoyed a beautiful March snow last week. I was hoping for one last good snow before the arrival of Spring so we could get out with the boys and go sledding. It was especially nice that it fell on a Monday so dad could be home to enjoy the fun! Here are a few pics.

The things they say!

So here are a few of the things Andrew has said recently that I don't want to forget:

Last week as he was getting sick it was "Mama, I have a headache in my throat".

Today as we were leaving a store he announced that he wanted to count these small rounders, and then he proceeded to count in Spanish. WOW, I guess he's learning while playing "school" with dad (one of his favorite imaginary play activities right now).

One of my favorite conversations to date occurred between him and our friend Jen (whom Andrew ADORES) this past November. Let me paint the scene - they were both sitting at our kitchen table, Andrew had his knees in his booster seat, but the upper half of his body was sprawled across the table so his face, cupped by his hands, were only a few inches from her face. Here is how the conversation went:

Andrew (in a proud voice) - "I do gymaaastics."

Jen follows with sweet words of affirmation, trying not to laugh.

Andrew - "So, how was your day?"

Jen, feeling like she should tell him how hard it was, settles on a simple, "it was fine, how was yours" ;).

Precious.


Caden isn't saying a ton these days (dada, mama, doggy, up, some animal sounds, a few other words and lots of babble), but I did notice that he seemed to be babbling along to the music today :). He also gives the BEST kisses, which completely melt me.

So Why a blog??

I never imagined that I would be one to keep and maintain a blog, but as our little ones are growing SO quickly, I thought this would be a wonderful way to document these precious times and share them with our wonderful friends and family who live far away.
The title is something our three year is currently saying all the time - "Mama, I want to smell how it tastes". One example of the many hilarious things that he's said recently, which I don't want to forget!
More to come soon!