Mount Vernon

In late September we finally made the trip to one of the local tourist spots we hadn't yet visited --Mount Vernon. We had a fabulous time on our visit and will definitely be heading back.

North greeting George Washington and his family. We learned a lot about the Washingtons on our visit and had an amazing time exploring a place so rich with our nations history.

On the estate was an autumn market that we explored -- complete with entertainers such as sword swallowers and musicians.

North loved visiting the farm

...and walking down to the water front!

The estate was beautiful and we enjoyed the opportunity to tour the rooms (no photos allowed inside the house)

Probably our favorite part of the visit were the massive quantities of wide open spaces though. While we love the fact that we are walking distance to restaurants, and stores, and the metro we sometimes forget how nice it can be to get away from people every now and then. It was great to spend a day out 'in the country' with so much room to run around.

Overdue photos

We've had a great autumn! Lots of adventures-- only a few of which we thought to document with our cameras.

Here are a few photos from September that I wanted to share:

an all too brief quick snuggle with our very, very missed pup

a quick drum lesson from daddy at Jon's

North joined a 4 and under soccer league!

Practicing his soccer skills at home with daddy

And we had some visitors! Like Nana and Grandad who made it out for a weekend!

and our pal Jimmy!

Fun times!

Mohawk!

As you have likely noticed in the pictures, a few weeks ago North got his very first mohawk. He LOVES it, as do we. I recently tried to put some gel in it but he wasn't having it. Nonetheless I got a few cute pictures.

The Water Mine!

We had heard a lot about a local water park that both the McGranahans had visited while in town and that my mom took North to during their visit--after good reviews, I needed to check it out with my little guy. He and I recently had a swim date for a day of sunshine and fun at the Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole -- I think we made approximately 100 laps of the lazy river and really enjoyed our time playing in the pools---of course though, North's very favorite feature of the park ended up being the foot showers (for use when entering the pool deck). I didn't get many photos since we were in the water all day but I did think to snap a few from our deck chairs.

He loved being able to swim all on his own with the help of the park supplied life vest.

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs!

A little over a week ago, North, Alan, and I headed to a minor league baseball game to watch the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs play the Lancaster Barn Stormers. We all three had an absolutely incredible time at the game. We will definitely be heading back to the Blue Crabs Stadium again soon.

North loved sitting in our seats and watching the game

He also really loved the kids play-land

Especially the bounce house

He declared "Pinch" the blue crab mascot to be his best friend

He also loved playing in the giant sandbox and watching the bumper boats

While walking around the stadium, outfielder Adam Godwin ran over and gave North a high-five -- North loved it and we decided Adam is North's favorite "teamer" (North's word for a ballplayer)!

Shortly after the high-five, Adam was at bat during an extra-inning and scored the winning point--North was real excited to see him run to home base and win the game!

After the game, the stadium had a fireworks display -- good times.

Grandma and Grandpa come to visit!

A couple of weeks ago Grandma and Grandpa come to town for a visit--we, of course, had a great time with them. North loved getting to stay home from daycare and spend time with them while Alan and I were at work and Alan and I loved the opportunity to go on a date while we had babysitters in town! While they were here, we explored downtown DC, including grabbing chili-dogs at Ben's Chili Bowl, took a day trip to Baltimore, and I even got special permission to take them on a tour at work. We all had lots of fun while they were here. Below are some photos from their visit.

Exploring the Smithsonian Natural History Museum (one of N's favorites)

Ben's Chili-Bear

Catching up with our favorite pup

Playing with the exhibits at the Maryland Science Center

Watching a bat demonstration!

Considering a role as Hamlet

Saying hi to the dinosaurs!

Admiring the fish at the National Aquarium