brave

This afternoon, the girl scout troop went to the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School, which is advertised as "the largest aerial forest adventure park in North America"--basically a giant complex of ropes course type activities and zip lines put together into trails up in the treetops.

 What fun the girlie had! This was a challenge for every girl. I saw just about every troop member push herself to a place she thought she could not succeed and then push on past fear. Our girlie had one element that she fell on (caught by the safety harness) twice trying to cross, and when given the choice of going back or trying again, she chose to try again. Tears turned to smiles as the third time she made it across.

What a confidence building experience this was for the girls. I was so proud to see them each so brave.

every day is mother's day...

...but it sure is nice to be treated like a queen on that one Sunday in May! We had a full Mother's day weekend, and I felt blessed to be a mom from start to finish. There are many hats I wear every week...wife, mom, chauffeur, housekeeper, chef...I even get to "play" Veterinarian a few days a week! But my role as mom is one of the most challenging yet the most consistently rewarding role I have. Raising and loving these two munchkins is something I thank God for everyday!

The boy had his preschool "graduation" and ending program on Friday evening. We have been so blessed to have this wonderful preschool for both of our kids to attend...after many years there is a bit of bittersweet to see it coming to an end as the youngest finishes. Boy, is he ready and excited for Kindergarten in the fall!

thats his self portrait with the blue shirt!

Saturday, the girlie had her very first piano recital. She started taking lessons just in February and has made such good progress! She played very well and barely showed her nervousness. Here she is playing, and with her wonderful sweet teacher, Mrs. Wise.

Then Sunday! Mother's day started with a wonderful breakfast of bacon, cinnamon rolls, and omelets (did I mention bacon?).  Energy food....for we headed out for our first family biking adventure since the boy's training wheels came off and I got my new bike! Getting a bike after about 20 years without one has been a surprising (to me) delight! I am so happy with my bike and it has been great fun to get out with the kids and hubby. On Sunday we drove over the Bay Bridge to bike part of the Kent Island Cross Island trail, going about 4 miles in all. It was a windy day and there were kite-surfers at Terrapin Park, where the trail starts. Hubby's comment was "cheaper than water-skiing....no gas required!". Hmmm....yeah, I think he would enjoy it.

my new bike...cute AND sporty!

new bike rack too...4 bikes!

We wrapped up the day with hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill with my in-laws, and they treated us to old family movies from when hubby was just a baby- age 0 to 3, perhaps. Sweet fun. The whole day just felt right...relaxing, fun, surrounded by my family. The kind of day a mother loves. This mother, anyway.

end of April...oops, early May!...update

 Despite not being present here on the blog much lately, there have been a few fun events going on in our lives, things like:
...the second grade musical performance at the girlie's school (she is a butterfly, in case you were wondering):

...a field trip with her class (and Daddy as a chaperone!) to the Baltimore Museum of Industry and Fort McHenry:

 ...a boy who is trying to learn to ride his bike without training wheels (we're not there yet...):

 ...a "reading nook" which has come together in our upstairs area that is half library/ half craft room. Its not quite finished yet, so I promise you more details later. So far I have a crib mattress, four throw pillows and a quilt I made that is backed in "minky" faux-fur that is oh-so-snuggly!

 ...a few trips to the park and various playgrounds:

 ...and the park with the 4-H animals; love those spring lambs!

 And finally, just tonight, I dropped the girlie off for her first weekend Girl Scout Encampment! She was so excited, and I can't wait to hear about all the fun when we pick her up on Sunday!

 So, that's life in a nutshell around here. How are things in your neck of the woods?

spring beauty!

Today is the 9th of April. 2 weeks ago we had enough snow to make a snowman. And today we were in shorts, with temperatures in the 80's! Crazy mid-Atlantic spring weather. But great to be outside in today!

To celebrate spring (summer?) being here, the boy and I went off adventuring to the U.S. National Arboretum, which is on the outskirts of D.C. but inside the beltway, a wonderful oasis of green and beauty as you head into the city. It's cherry blossom time, and last year we had a wonderful time exploring around the tidal basin. This year, however, I was more in the mood for the natural side of things, so the Arboretum was perfect. Last time I was there, I had the double stroller along! That tells you how long its been...4 years, I think!

Anyway, the pictures really do speak for themselves. It was a gorgeous day. We had a wonderful hike. And I had fun with my camera. Adventuring at its best!

bees were everywhere...love a healthy apiary! mmm...honey.

amazing all the camellias in bloom!

a type of clematis, related to the buttercup

fiddleheads = spring in the woods!

the old U.S. capitol columns

 Happy spring, everyone!

Easter happenings

He is risen! We have enjoyed this Easter weekend very much so far, and are looking forward to spending the afternoon with family. Last night we dyed a few eggs, using a kit from the Dollar store, which advertised, "a touch of gold"! We were quite pleased with how vibrant the colors were and the gold accents really did make them something special:

 

Then this morning we spent at our church, celebrating Jesus, that "HE IS...the resurrection and the life". We have been doing a sermon series on the statements of Jesus, so these "HE IS" statues have become a fixture in the church the past few months, each week, they have been decorated a little differently:

 And, as usual, the Easter Bunny usually arrives at our house while we are at Church, and he did not disappoint this year, bringing chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, a movie and other goodies for the kids:

We pray that you, also, are celebrating the Risen Lord, Jesus, today as you celebrate Easter with those you love!