Summer Lovin

 Sarah Fletcher Photography

    The summer has flown by. John is finishing up his final day of his 10 week summer associate-ship.  He has had a great summer at the firm, working on interesting projects, playing softball, developing mentor relationships, and probably his favorite- going out to fancy lunches EVERY SINGLE DAY! I think he may have actually gotten a little sick of all the eating out, but that doesn’t make me any less jealous. 

Although we never made it to the zoo, the kids and I did lots of fun day trips. We visited multiple cool parks (our favorite was Clemyjontri in Mclean, VA), rode the train at Tyson’s corner, enjoyed picnics outside, spent a day in Harpers Ferry, splashed in the water at the pool, attended a fun summer music class, and kept ourselves busy! We also enjoyed lots of time with friends, cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents.

The Fourth in Harper's Ferry

Sarah Fletcher Photography

Hunter meets Aunt Jules for the first time

Riding the train at Tyson's

Cousin Time

Jammin' out at music class

Spray park with friends

Carousel at Clemyjontri Park

John and I have really taken advantage of a live-in babysitter. We will probably miss this most of all as we get back to our busy lives in Charlottesville. With Grammy and Beans around we have been able to run together in the late evening as we train for our September Ragnar race. ME—running. Crazy, I know. But actually, I have loved spending the time being and chatting with my hubs. With a babysitter around, we even managed a few dates. One of my favorites was when we got dressed up and went to a fancy dinner at the home of the managing partner of John’s firm. Our car was valetted, we were served champaign and fancy appetizers by waiters, rubbed elbows with the rich and successful, and visited with a lot of interesting people. It's great to get out and fraternize with people over the age of 2 every now and then! 

After our races- 5K for me, 10K for John

Our fav babysitter, Grammy, getting her cuddles in

We are so spoiled with both sets of grandparents around!

This date night was WITH the kiddos

To celebrate John finishing up for the summer, we are looking forward to a week long trip to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. John grew up spending a month there with his family every summer and is very excited to share the tradition with our own kiddos. 

 Here's litte man, now 6 months!!! Time is going by way too fast. 

 Sure do love this guy!

Ready for the Summer

The last day we spent in Charlottesville was Mother’s Day. My hubs and kiddies served me breakfast in bed, cuddled, and “shared” my breakast, hah.

I got a Helen Ficalora charm with my little Hunter boy’s initial. Another great present I enjoyed was that my parents and Shayne spent the night so that they could help us clean up and pack up so we could get the heck out. It was so nice to have some extra hands. It’s unbelievable how much extra time everything takes with 2 kiddos! It sure is a good thing they are so dang cute!

We have really made ourselves at home in Harding Manor in Bethesda this summer. During our first week here, we decided to potty train Addie girl (sorry Hardings!). We felt like she was screaming that she was ready and I knew I would need some help with 2 of them around. We did the one day approach and it really clicked with her. She has been very successful which has made everyone happy! Now, 3 weeks later she’s getting the poo part down pact and even wakes up dry from naps and bedtime. (Hooray!!!!)

look at that cute little bottom!

There isn’t as much play room for the kids here, but John’s commute has been so nice, and we have loved getting to spend more time with him. It’s also been fun to see more of Beans and Grammy. Addie got to spend a day with Grammy at school and had a ball!

John’s also really been enjoying living so close to the water again. He’s been able to enjoy a few kayak excursions with some buddies and Dave.

John’s been enjoying his work at Winston Strawn so far. Not only are they keeping him busy in the office, and feeding him delicious lunches, but they are also filling up his social calendar with great evening activities like cooking class, softball games, billiards night, casino night, and a Nat’s game.

The kiddos and I try to keep ourselves busy during the day with fun summer outings to the pool, library, park or friends. We would really like to take advantage of all the fun things this area has to offer. So far we’ve enjoyed some nice walks around the neighborhood and an outdoor festival. We hope to make it to the zoo, children’s museum, and a few other kid friendly DC outings while we are here. 

Imagination Bethesda Street Festival

 First swim of the summer!

Walk to downtown Bethesda with Dad

Growing boy:

morning hair

First time in the bumbo

First solid food

Hanging out with big sis