Bethany Beach

 This week we went to Bethany Beach, Delaware. It was the first time Calder and I had been to the Atlantic Ocean. We all had a great time. Calder thought the waves were really fun and didn't mind when they splashed his head (which didn't happen often). He enjoyed burying his legs in the sand about as much as jumping in the waves. We spent about 2 hours in the morning playing on the beach, stopped for lunch and then spent about 2 hours after that at the beach. It was perfect.

Because we went on a Tuesday there were lots of people there but I didn't feel like it was over crowded.

Calder was so tired that I got to sit in the back seat on the way home. There is nothing worse than a 4:30 nap. Thankfully we made it home without a nap and he slept very well that night.

Great Falls

My friend LuAnn organized a trip to Great Falls recently. It really is beautiful and we had a great time. The kids enjoyed the little hike and the indoor visitors center.

 This kayak does not move. I know it looks like they are taking a wild ride, but they aren't. I promise.

How many boys can we get in the mini kayak?

Martin Luther King, JR

 The Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial was recently finished and our good friends the Marshalls invited us to get a picnic dinner (at 5 Guys!) and visit the memorial. It was a lot of fun! The boys had a good time driving cars around while we enjoyed the views.

 You can see the Jefferson Memorial so well. I am shameful to admit I haven't been there yet. Soon. Very soon.

Thanks for inviting us guys! As always, we had a good time!

DJ Calder

 Calder loves to play the piano on my computer. If you google 'play piano online' you'll find a great keyboard that you can change the sound from piano to saxophone to organ (Calder's favorite). He doesn't normally wear noise canceling headphones but as Jason was unpacking he couldn't resist.

Columbus

 While Jason went to Oregon to visit family last week Calder and I decided we would go to Columbus! We had a great time and ended up extending our vacation due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Irene. We stayed with the Bardsleys and loved it! Thanks guys!

 Calder loved Grace and all her toys. She was incredibly patient and shared so well. I'm so glad they became friends and Calder asks regularly when we can go back.

 We went to COSI because it was basically our second home when we lived there. It's amazing that Calder doesn't really remember it but he sure had a good time.

 We made sure to do lots of fun things for Calder and for me. We went to the Park of Roses in Clintonville and we went to Sew To Speak for me. I sure missed Sew To Speak. It is by far the best fabric store I've ever been to. I got enough fabric to make a button up shirt. It is now on my list of things to sew.

 We also visited our old dog, Deebo. I can't believe I didn't take any pictures. It was fun to see him and it is obvious he loves his new house and new family. We drove by our old house and played in our old park.

Spencer was kind enough to let Anna and I have a girls night out with Amy while the kids slept. Calder woke up upset, so he snuggled in with Spencer. It's funny he didn't remember any of it in the morning.

I am so thankful we had the chance to go back and visit. It was fun to see our friends and see what has changed  and what has stayed the same.