A Quintessential Washington Weekend

This past weekend, Washington was a hub of springtime activity (although the weather was still hanging onto a few of its winter chills). We had the Cherry Blossom Festival, the Kite Festival, a trip to the Natural History Museum, and Opening Day at the National's new ballpark.
But, first, we took Rory for her first metro ride (at least we think it was her first), bright and early Saturday morning.
The metro ride allowed us to avoid the traffic that was caused by those beautiful blooms.
The kites were flying high on the Mall, especially a big one that was shaped like a shark!
We ended our excursion by grabbing a bite to eat at the Smithsonium, although Rory needed a little silly enticement from Daddy to eat her pizza.

Everything you can do ...

"Everything you can do, Pippin, I can do better."
"I can crawl into a tunnel faster than you."

"No you can't"

"Yes, I can can."

"Watch me strut."

"See me turn and smile!"

"Daddy! Stop, you're ruining my song!"

Spring Swings: Then and Now

What a difference a year makes! This is Rory, at 19 months, swinging high on a swing. She's got some hair, her face is starting to look more toddler-like and less baby-like, and she is swinging those feet like she actually knows what she is doing.



This is Rory, one year ago, enjoying the swing in her cute Spring outfit. Now, clearly, it was a little warmer at this time last year.

Frogs!

On her days off (from her professional life), Mommy often takes Rory to museums. This week, it was an exhibit on frogs.
Later, Rory enjoyed some play time outside of the museum with her friends Renny and Ingrid.

Blackberry Farm, Easter

Rory poses (very model-like) in her Easter dress in the parlor of the Blackberry Farm mainhouse.
Rory enjoyed brunch, but she had a field day with the Parker House rolls that were served with our (delicious) meal.
Okay, Rory has clearly learned how to pose for the camera.
After brunch, we gathered outside in front of the Easter Egg tree to commence the Blackberry Farm Easter Egg Hunt...
... although, not before Mommy got her mug shot taken in front of the Easter Egg tree.
Rory grabbed Mommy's hand and took off in search of hidden eggs. (Although, in truth, she was more interested in watching the other kids run around.)

Rory and Mommy searched far and wide for the perfect egg, and then ...

... Rory shared it with one of her new friends!
In reward for her generosity, Rory was given a private session with the lamb (no, not the same lamb that Daddy would eat for lunch).
The family poses for a shot with the Smoky Mountains in the background.

Later, at the Knoxville airport, the family enjoyed the rocking chairs as we awaited our flights.

And Rory enjoyed a kiss from her Pops. Thanks Pops for celebrating your 60th birthday with us!

Blackberry Farm, New Hobbies

On Saturday, Blackberry Farm was a place for trying new hobbies. For example, Roberta and I spent the day learning how to fly fish...
... yes, we eventually "suited up" and stalked the trout in the stream. However, we never looked as cool as Pops did!
Even Rory paid attention to our instructor's tips on how to reel the fish into our nets.
However, Rory was much more interested in taking lessons from her Aunt Sydney. First, she learned tennis.
Then, she learned how to dribble, and how to look cool while doing it.
(Unfortunately, Rory set her sites on a ball that was just a little too big for her.)
Perhaps the driving lesson was a little too advanced for Rory. (Oh my god, Rory is already 14 years away from getting her learning permit!)
(Yes, that's more like it.) Sydney schooled Rory in the finer art of Easter Egg dyeing.

Blackberry Farm, Day One

Nonna and Pops invited their kids and grandkid to join them "on the farm" in Tennessee. Blackberry Farm was an oasis in the Smoky Mountains.
Rory, as you can see, was a big fan of this little vacation, which was planned in celebration of the 60th birthday of Rory's Pops.
Blackberry Farm allowed Rory and her Daddy to spend plenty of time hiking the woods and the pastures.
Rory, as you can see, was a big fan of the hiking (well, "running through the woods" might be a better description).
Blackberry Farm also afforded the family plenty of time to relax (Sydney enjoys cell service with an uncommon view).
Rory, as you can see, was a big fan of the relaxing with Mommy ...
... and Nonna. Actually, Rory developed quite a "Nonna Crush" with all the time they spent together on the farm ...
... although, would you expect anything less when you have a grandmother as cool and funny as this?
The ladies pose for a shot from the grand piano!

Our Irish Lassie

Our little Irish Lassie was resplendent in her cute green outfit as she played with the trains ("choo choo") at Barnes & Noble.
Later, she donned St. Patty's Day t-shirt and danced a jig in the kitchen when she heard what was on the dinner menu ...
... corned beef and cabbage! Her mommy has learned to slowcook a mean Irish feast!

First Fitted Shoes

On the Ides of March, Rory was fitted for her first pair of Stride Rite shoes.
And, wouldn't you know it, as soon as she had her feet strapped in those little rockets ...
...she launched herself afresh into the world (well, okay, the mall).