Spring Comes Early

We were spared a harsh winter this year, and Spring has arrived early. We took advantage of the cherry blossoms' early bloom to walk the tidal basin.

Aven thought the blooms were pretty cool ...

... and Rory was inspired to practice her frisbee skills.

Why is the Mommy looking so relaxed? Doesn't she have a diaper that she could be changing?

No! Because Aven is a big girl now! She is (almost) potty trained, even if that means that we take the portable potty to wherever we roam.

Rory is a very supportive big sister, even fanning Aven while she does her dirty work.

But don't feel too sorry this sporty sister. Rory has started her Spring soccer league, joining a team with several of her other girl friends.

Boundary Road is Famous

Many of you may already know that Rory and Aven's Aunt Jenny is part of the management team that has launched a new restaurant in D.C., Boundary Road. Recently, the restaurant got a very favorable review by the Washington Post's premier food critic. The most exciting milestone for Jenny's restaurant, however, was a recent visit that President Barak Obama and the First Lady made to her establishment. You can check out the pictures at the Obama's blog, and it won't be difficult to spot Jenny's hand serving Our President and, in another shot, waiting patiently on his party!

Aven's "Big Kid" Bed

Aven is fast approaching many big milestones as she transitions to being a "big kid" in her own eyes. She will be moving to a new pre-K program in the Fall, she is days away from potty training (and wearing "big kid" underwear), and she recently made the move to a "big kid" bed!
Here is Aven trying out her new bed, which is part of a new furniture set that we got for her room.
Rory showcases the other half of Aven's new room.
This is the face of our newest big kid.

Camping in Cabins

Daddy may have finally found a way to entice the entire family (especially Mommy) to enjoy the great outdoors, especially when we are camping during the winter. Throw in cabins, a roaring fire, and some good friends!
We just got back from a camping trip in the foothills of Maryland with the DeCourcey family.

The girls had a blast playing with each other both indoors and out.

Aven, our little foodie, was especially entranced by the s'mores.

Renny was a pretty big fan as well.

Is that wine in the background?

Rory takes after her Mommy in their shared love for the warmth and comfort of a soft bed with blanks and sleeping bags.

Both evenings, we were able to successfully entice the youngest three kids to sleep, while Rory and Renny enjoyed a movie and ...

... the parents could enjoy some adult conversation and a good meal together.

A Cure for the Winter Blues

Of course, if we could spend the entire winter season in Disney World, we would. Unfortunately, we must find other ways to confront our winter blues. Fortunately, we have enjoyed a wonderful array of such diversions.

Rory had a blast at our first "school dance", although I use the term "dance" loosely. She spent most of the time playing tag with a gaggle of girls and boys.
Aven followed in her sister's footsteps by attending Disney on Ice with her daycare class. She sat next to her best friend Brigid, who is Maeve's younger sister.
But the sweetest treat of February was a visit from Nonna and Sydney. Mommy sure appreciates having someone else dance with her crazy kids!
Sydney taught Rory the finer points of the French tea service at Le Pain Quotidian.
And Aven felt she needed to consult her Aunt Sydney with everything she ordered from the menu. "Should I add add a serving of organic riz au lait to my rustic tartine?"