tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352564722012-01-28T11:50:33.490-05:00A semi-regular catalog of our comings and goings.Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.comBlogger365125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-61773076520012593632012-01-27T14:43:00.000-05:002012-01-27T14:43:09.456-05:002012-01-27T14:43:09.456-05:00

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-43014649300950768922012-01-26T09:23:00.000-05:002012-01-26T09:23:58.180-05:002012-01-26T09:23:58.180-05:00

Isaac turned 4 last Sunday.  We took cupcakes to his class and then opened a few presents to mark the occasion.  Isaac is a wonderful little boy.  He is sensitive and funny.  He is thoughtful and smart.  He loves to laugh and do art projects.  He has a short attention span for movies and video games, but can play cards and board games endlessly.  He LOVES stuffed animals and Hot Wheels and his

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-31324697219219680082012-01-20T13:54:00.000-05:002012-01-20T13:54:57.510-05:002012-01-20T13:54:57.510-05:00

Last night we played one of the new board games the boys were given for Christmas.  They have recently begun to appreciate the fun that can be had through mediums other than electronic entertainments so we are trying to capitalize on this new found interest.  I am not completely opposed to Wii and the like, as long as they don't play constantly and still make time for books and puzzles and the

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-44038757033557189072012-01-15T14:52:00.000-05:002012-01-15T14:52:23.527-05:002012-01-15T14:52:23.527-05:00

I have 5 free minutes.  All the kids are sleeping and I will be too, very soon.  But, in the meantime, a few pictures of our sweet baby Claire.  First smile, well almost a smile anyway.  Still at the hospital and enjoying the quiet before the storm.  Me and the 3 (YOWZAH!) kids.  Going home from the hospital and wearing real clothes for the first time.  Our house is a veritable explosion of pink

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-50071080512850933102012-01-10T21:59:00.000-05:002012-01-10T21:59:15.564-05:002012-01-10T21:59:15.564-05:00

Claire EliseJanuary 9, 20127 lbs. 15 ounces and 20 3/4 inches We have been blessed by the arrival of our baby girl.  She is perfect in every way and everyone's favorite already.  She beat the doctor into the world so the delivery room was a bit chaotic, but otherwise she has been calm and happy and the only real concern we have is that her older, doting brothers will smother her with love.  

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-14475216952663116592012-01-07T08:19:00.000-05:002012-01-07T08:19:29.624-05:002012-01-07T08:19:29.624-05:00

When I was growing up, nearly every morning my mom was up making us a hot breakfast before sending us out into the world to expand our young and already well-nourished minds.  I definitely did not truly appreciate her efforts until I had kids of my own to feed and get off to school.  I'm not really a morning person so thus far I have opted, mostly, for cold cereal, which my kids love.   BUT. 

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-69080661991158221392012-01-05T10:01:00.000-05:002012-01-05T10:01:21.111-05:002012-01-05T10:01:21.111-05:00

We had some free hotel nights to use before they expired and some good friends in West Virginia we haven't seen in too long, so we took a quick road trip right after Christmas.  Our first stop was Pittsburgh.  We had just over 24 hours in Pittsburgh and we could easily have stayed for 3 times that long.  There was plenty to do, especially for kids.  Upon arrival we went directly to the Carnegie

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-38375524064817543522012-01-04T11:03:00.000-05:002012-01-04T11:03:58.846-05:002012-01-04T11:03:58.846-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas this year, just like always.  We didn't travel, which was nice and enjoyed our own traditions with our own little family.  Santa Claus and Grandparents were very generous bringing some heart's desires and some unexpected surprises. Opening new pajamas on Christmas Eve.  Posing in said 'jamas before heading to bed in anticipation of Santa. Christmas morning.  Isaac

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-37546096640967190362012-01-02T21:17:00.000-05:002012-01-02T21:17:40.487-05:002012-01-02T21:17:40.487-05:00

I like traditions.  I like making them and keeping them.  So, for New Year's 2012 we had our traditional meal of black-eyed peas, greens and cornbread.  Despite finding a recipe last year that I really liked and that the boys willingly ate, I tried some new ones this year.  A friend sent me one, for which I will be forever grateful, and the other I found at the 11th hour as I thought for the

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-42934725766245619192012-01-01T22:31:00.000-05:002012-01-01T22:31:30.228-05:002012-01-01T22:31:30.228-05:00

 We had a very low-key, kid-friendly and fun New Year's Eve celebration with some friends.  They invited us over for make your own pizzas, party hats, punch and poppers.  The kids had a blast playing with their friends and driving us all silly with their noisemakers.  We rang in the New Year around 8pm and were all in bed long before midnight.  This time next year we'll be in China and can watch

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-68201778693008751042011-12-23T22:05:00.000-05:002011-12-23T22:05:10.292-05:002011-12-23T22:05:10.292-05:00

For Christmas this year Kenny's parents gave the boys the gift of tickets to several performances at a local children's theatre.  We went to our first show, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, earlier this week.  It was just under an hour long and the boys were enthralled.  This season, the theatre is doing adaptations of some of our favorite children's books so I'm sure the response for subsequent

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-81604915982740315062011-12-22T22:52:00.002-05:002011-12-23T00:32:14.946-05:002011-12-23T00:32:14.946-05:00

After more than a year of Caleb asking, "When can we go in that big building," we finally made it inside the US Capitol.  We scheduled a staff tour through Senator Mike Lee's office after failing miserably with our own Congresswoman, Eleanor Holmes Norton.  I can't figure out why Norton's office was too busy to help us with out request, considering that she is a non-voting member of the House of

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-52046529372134155642011-12-20T19:00:00.001-05:002011-12-20T19:01:42.685-05:002011-12-20T19:01:42.685-05:00

On Monday we went to the LDS Temple to see the Christmas lights.  They put up over 500,000 and it is a beautiful display.  It was a perfect evening to go with temperatures in the low 50s as compared to last year when it was barely above 20 degrees.They also have a nativity scene with a recording in the background continuously telling the story of Jesus' birth from the New Testament.  The boys

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-54702849634744317322011-12-18T20:38:00.000-05:002011-12-18T20:38:45.856-05:002011-12-18T20:38:45.856-05:00

This weekend, our church congregation had our annual Christmas party.  The highlight of this party for the adults is always when the children file on stage, dressed in the characters of the nativity, and sing about the the birth of Jesus.  The highlight for the children is a visit from Santa Claus. This year, Caleb was assigned the role of Joseph.  Caleb loves to dress up...for Halloween. 

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-92122264479765233952011-12-13T10:23:00.021-05:002011-12-13T10:23:00.156-05:002011-12-13T10:23:00.156-05:00

Our gorgeous and talented friend Nancy took our pictures again this year.  I just don't know how we're going to survive overseas without her talents at our beck and call.  Isaac was looking at the camera about 50% of the time, but that is better than in year's past, so we'll take what we can get.  Here is just a sampling of her great work. 

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-29704210027837579952011-12-12T09:55:00.000-05:002011-12-12T09:55:33.842-05:002011-12-12T09:55:33.842-05:00

This weekend we took in two of Washington's annual holiday events.  First, we headed to Zoo Lights at the National Zoo, which we did last year as well, but the boys are bigger this year and, I think, had more fun.  Can you see them in this picture?  Caleb is on the left and Isaac is on the right.  They are each holding a stuffed, miniature walrus that we "won" for filling out some surveys.  Isaac

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-48298927527886704812011-12-10T09:10:00.002-05:002011-12-11T07:22:34.607-05:002011-12-11T07:22:34.607-05:00

Still looking for the perfect cause to give to this season?  Feeling extra generous this year?  Want to do something great for total strangers?  Then I've got the perfect solution. My sister-in-law, Jessica, is currently a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine.  She lives in a tiny village miles from even the closest train station and hours from the nearest city.  She, like, the rest of her village

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-29099075075493985772011-12-04T13:59:00.001-05:002011-12-04T13:59:24.018-05:002011-12-04T13:59:24.018-05:00

Need some Christmas goody inspiration?  Dana at MADE is offering up 25 days of sweets and treats you won't want to miss.  Head on over and let the holiday indulgence begin! And, if your heart is craving a little peppermint, Something Swanky has 27 practically perfect peppermint recipes that look beyond irresistible.  We'll be cooking up some of these this month for sure! So much deliciousness,

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-17980144992570035792011-12-03T18:59:00.000-05:002011-12-03T18:59:10.910-05:002011-12-03T18:59:10.910-05:00

We finally made it to Mount Vernon.  Christmastime is a great time of year to go to Mount Vernon because there is a camel, endless Christmas decorations including a miniature Mount Vernon fabricated in gingerbread and chocolate, and it is the only time of year they open the third floor of the mansion to visitors.  Of course, you can't take photos inside the main residence, so you'll just have to

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-23062478898447821252011-12-02T13:29:00.000-05:002011-12-02T13:29:46.149-05:002011-12-02T13:29:46.149-05:00

My Trader Joe's was stocked to the gills with these lovelies, but I know they won't last long on the shelves or in our house, truth be told. Eating for 2 never tasted so good!

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-20332582853788182512011-12-01T00:16:00.000-05:002011-12-02T00:16:30.480-05:002011-12-02T00:16:30.480-05:00

The boys woke up bright and early this morning ready to start the countdown to Christmas.  We have two advent calendars (same ones from last year) and every morning from today until Christmas the boys get to take turns getting us one step closer to the arrival of the man in red on each calendar. We are also continuing our tradition of unwrapping one Christmas book everyday. This year we put

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-66554062927812725802011-11-24T21:50:00.000-05:002011-11-24T21:50:22.662-05:002011-11-24T21:50:22.662-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us (at Season's Greenings at the United States Botanic Garden),     To all of you(wherever you are).

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-9048696602998304152011-11-20T17:53:00.001-05:002011-11-20T17:54:24.798-05:002011-11-20T17:54:24.798-05:00

Just behind our house is Glover Archbold Park.  This is a narrow strip of National Park that runs right through the center of DC and provides a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.  We have walked through this park on several occasions stopping to throw rocks in the stream, pick up trash left along the trail, and look for wildlife.  Usually we only see various types of birds on

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-37172094007262016312011-11-14T20:25:00.004-05:002011-11-14T20:27:03.084-05:002011-11-14T20:27:03.084-05:00

Today I am thankful for: - unexpected packages in the mail - dining al fresco in November - piles of leaves everywhere which means endless fun for the under 6 set - productive days where everything on the "to do" list gets crossed off

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35256472.post-12346306188363594602011-11-13T20:12:00.001-05:002011-11-13T20:13:27.799-05:002011-11-13T20:13:27.799-05:00

Today I am thankful for: - Mo Willems, if you are not familiar with his Pigeon books or Elephant and Piggie series, you are missing out (whether you have kids or not) -- if you do know these books then you will likely be thrilled to know that there is a new book coming out early next year in each of these series: The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? and Listen to My Trumpet! - Tums: 9 weeks to go and

Linseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11049165218693918465noreply@blogger.com2