Trip to Washington DC

Ready for an adventure!

Taking a quick moment on a lazy Saturday morning to try and get a few updates done! Donald and I took Emily on her first flight over Spring Break to Washington D.C. - her choice, believe it or not. She took to flying like she's been doing it all her life! She was so calm and relaxed the entire flight and had a fabulous time. She didn't even get squirrely during takeoff, while I sat beside her gripping the armrests and squeezing my eyes closed! The Delta staff were so sweet to here and even allowed her to take a picture in the pilot's seat with his hat.  We had such fun traveling around D.C. for the day. She picked a few places that she wanted to visit, but the highlight of the entire trip for her was taking a pedicab! Sorry about the wealth of pictures, but I just couldn't decide which ones to leave out.


A quick breakfast before takeoff

Wolfie runs on Dunkin.

Looking like a seasoned traveler here

One lone picture of Mom and Dad

We made it!  They both earned their wings.

First stop - Air and Space

Rubbing the moon rock for Auntie Yam

Hot dog break - this girl's gotta eat!

Visiting Amelia Earhart for Abby

Making a new friend at the Washington Monument

Exploring the WWII memorial

It's getting a little windy out here!

Last day that these would be on display for a while.

Trying out South American Carnaval masks

One last picture before taking the train back to the airport!

Home again, home again- and modeling her new shirt

Spring Break at Serenbe

Donald and I took Emily for a trip to Serenbe for Spring Break. It's one of our favorite places to visit - so close to home, and yet an entire world away! I think this was the most fun trip we've ever taken there. We went on a hay ride and fed all of the animals in the morning. Emily and the other kids even got to gather the eggs that the Farmhouse cooked for breakfast that day! She spent some quality time chasing the goats and rabbits around their pens, climbed the fabulous tree house, did some great leaf rubbings, and even went for an ill-fated canoe ride with Donald. I (luckily) stayed on shore for that one. All in all, a wonderful "stay-cation" full of incredible food, beautiful sights, and loads of fun. Enjoy the pictures!

Excited to be cozied up in her bed at the Guest House

Wonderful new gardens patterned after their labyrinth - think I can do this at the White House?

Oreo the baby goat who thinks he's a dog

Going for a ride in the leaky boat - This was before the canoe ride and the impromptu swim.

Smores time at the bonfire

It was pure luck that I took this picture of the bonfire sparks - not real photographic skills.  Cool, though, right?

Early morning feeding the horses

Having so much fun with all of her new friends!

Hope you enjoyed the breakfast frittata!

Mr. Robert caught her a chicken.

Getting friendly with a bunny

Love this tree house!

Trampoline time

She's got mad skills!

Getting ready to head home

Happy Easter!

This Easter seemed a little more rushed than most (not sure why) and I didn't get as many pictures as I usually do.  We hosted Easter at the White House, which may be one reason why I didn't stay behind the camera too much. I was too busy rushing around doing other things!  We were sad that CiCi was too sick to join us but excited that Bobby, Liz, Amy, and Lane made the trip for Easter lunch.  Emily sticks like glue to Adam whenever he is around and it's been nice to have him here for a visit.  Hope your Easter was full of family and Reese's chocolate eggs!

Heading off to church in Palmetto

Fun with water guns - Donald showed her how to shoot people in the crotch.  Classic.

In between squirt gun escapades

Loving up on Adam before he heads back home to walk the dog

Posing with Ringo and John for Auntie Yam

Sweet picture at church.  Thanks, Yam!

Little White House

As one of our jaunts during Winter Break, Donald and I took both girls to Warm Springs to visit FDR's Little White House.  Abby is a history buff and Emily has been learning about American history in school, so they both seemed to really enjoy the trip.They both especially enjoyed visiting the original rehab center and pools where FDR went to swim.  The water really does feel amazing - so warm and silky because of the mineral content.  Since my last visit (elementary school?) they've built a really impressive museum with all types of artifacts and interactive displays about FDR's life.  Good fun for a day trip!

Introducing Betsy Ross!

Our little diva was chosen to represent Betsy Ross in the first grade's annual Salute to the Red, White, and Blue program.  All of our first graders put on a tremendous performance but, and I may be biased here, I believe that Betsy was the star of the show!  There are pictures and a video clip of her performance below.  You be the judge!

Hopewell Talent Show

Emily's piano teacher recently asked her to play Jesus Loves Me in the children's talent show at Hopewell Methodist Church.  She agreed and, although she was a bit nervous before the show, did an absolutely fabulous job!  Watching all of the other kids take their turns performing on stage gave her a healthy dose of courage - she leaned over to me and whispered that she didn't need me to come and sit at the piano with her, after all.  So proud of my glittery, feather-haired girl!

We dressed for courage in the glitziest ensemble we could manage - and apparently it worked! Otter came along to support her, as well.