Gore's Visit

We are always excited to see cousins. The Gores came down for a visit over Spring break, and we had a really good time. 

Easter egg hunt

Games in Grandma and Grandpa Stathis' backyard.

The ever popular swings.

Sasha sharing her piano skills.

The human pyramid was hysterical.

I don't remember what game this one was -- it looks like ring-around-the-rosies -- I'm sure it was something much more fun. 

Leesylvania State Park

We took advantage of a warm Saturday and went to explore a state park in Woodbridge.

It was so nice to get out of our heavy coats and enjoy the sun and scenery. 

The girls could have collected seashells all day. 

We had a great time breaking up our regular Saturday routines and doing something different together. 

An Ode to Noodles

We like to eat out the weekends, especially Saturday. 

It's nothing fancy. Usually Chipotle, Cafe Rio, Little Ceasers. You get the idea.

Sometimes, we make the mistake and ask the girls where they want to eat. 

They ALWAYS say Noodles. 

They could almost eat an entire bowl of the Mac and Cheese on their own.

Renaissance Festival

We had a blast. Some highlights: sword swallowing, performances, a live joust, yummy food, and lots of costumes. 

David and I went 7 years ago, before it become so popular. There were tons and tons more people there than when we first went. It was still fun. 

Ticonderoga Farms

Leah's preschool took a field trip to Ticonderoga Farms. It was so fun. 

While Leah and I were on the field trip. David and Sarah went out for breakfast.

Me and Leah 

 Her preschool class. (L-R) Alina, Leah, Mckenzie, Asher, Lucas, Luke, Tristram, and Ben)

Her class with her teacher Mrs. Kunz waiting for the hayride. 

Friends on the hayride. 

Me and patient baby Anna.

Pumpkin picking

Heading back on the hay ride. 

We had a really fun time -- even though it was pretty warm for October. 

White House Easter Egg Roll

At work, David happens to be the same height and weight as the official NetSmartzKids.org mascot, Clicky, and occasionally, he is asked to attend events dressed up in the costume during large events.  

This year, they asked him to attend the White House Easter Egg Roll, and he was able to get us tickets. We were so excited, because its nearly impossible to get them. Over 300,000 people entered the lottery to win tickets, and only 30,000 were selected. 

Before we left, we talked with the girls about Daddy being dressed up as Clicky, showed them pictures, and watched some of the Internet Safety videos on NetSmartzKids.org. 

As soon as we saw him, Sarah started to cry. She was terrified. David tried to calm her down by leaning his huge yellow head into her stroller and saying, "Sarah its Daddy." She wasn't buying it.  

Of course, we insisted on taking a family picture. She clung to me and then would try to run away only to be completely mortified when she realized she was surrounded by mascots, the Easter Bunny, Dora, a giant Owl. They were everywhere. 

As soon as David changed out of the suit, and we were far away from the mascot area, Sarah said, "I just scared a little bit of Daddy dressed as Clicky." 

Train Ride with Daddy

Train and Daddy are often spoken together in our house. The girls love dropping and picking David up from the train each day, and they often talk about how he rides the train to work. 

I had a get together in DC in February so I dropped the girls off with David to take home on the train with him. They were so excited, and Sarah still talks about it. 

They got to hang out with David at work and pick out a treat from the vending machine. 

We will have to do it again when it's not freezing cold outside. 

Cox Farms

David's work has a family event each year at Cox Farms, and it's always a great time. 

Leah insisted on doing the ropes course this year that ended with swinging on a rope swing at the end. She was uncharacteristically brave and loved it!

Horseback Riding Birthday Bash

For David's birthday we used a gift certificate for horseback riding at Marriott Ranch from our neighbor. It was nice to get out and doing something different. 

Afterwards, we enjoyed ice cream cake and presents with the girls and his parents. 

  

Train Ride

Lisa moved into her own apartment in September. 

The girls and I helped her move Friday afternoon, and then I dropped them off at David's work.

He took an earlier train home with them. It took them so long to walk, the people that ride his normal train passed him when they got close to the house. 

It's hard to know if whether they liked the ride or the Cheetos from the vending machine more. 

Dave and Liz got hitched

The couple

Cute second cousins

It was really bright. This picture makes me smile.

Family picture

Sarah

Leah

Playing on the bridge

Sarah started to get tired towards the end

Single ladies

Leaving like movie stars