What We've Been Up To

The boys and I traded in the mountain view for my parents' city view this week.

 Literally, they can see all of DC from their balcony in the condo.

Around the corner from the 'Tower', as Cullen calls it, is my family's auto repair shop. It is one of C's favorite places to play (he helped Uncle Tommy change the oil on a car this time around) and it turns out that Bennett is a big fan too.

My Dad, my two uncles, my mom, two aunts and all 3 of my brothers work at the shop. Today, when we pulled up, a long time employee who always says hello to the boys was standing outside and Cullen said, "Mommy, what's dats Uncles name?' So we dubbed him 'Uncle Gary' and the boys were off to find the uncles they know, like Bummy.

And Papa

One afternoon we went to Gravelly Point Park to watch the airplanes take off from National Airport.

After first being 'a wittle 'fraid' Cullen embraced it and began imitating the flight patterns.

 While Bennett showed me where they were heading.

 And then a dirt pile trumped the planes (until a certain 3 year old couldn't follow the simple direction 'don't throw dirt' and we had to leave.)

On Tuesday night, we sang Bennett Happy Birthday for the 3rd time. It was still cute.

 

And a few other notes, with no pictures:

-The beltway is terrifying when you haven't driven on it in a year. I took the boys to visit my mother in law at work on Tuesday and had to drive from Alexandria to Fairfax. I thought I would die on 495. Not only is in approximately 19 lanes wide, but people go a minimum of 104 and there are consistent exit ramps on both sides and in the middle of the highway. We passed through the Springfield Interchange and Cullen exclaimed, "Look Mommy, it is the highway racetrack!'

-Wednesday morning, I went to visit the high school where I used to teach. I was actually a little nervous pulling up. I loved everyday of my job there and I knew visiting would make me a little nostalgic for those days. I told some of my faculty friends that I would be sending my resume in if we move back to DC, but sadly the only changes to it will be Mommy, and blogger, so I hope that is enough.
To all my Ireton colleagues: it was wonderful to see you! The boys had a great time meeting you all and seeing 'the really big kids'. I was so impressed by the students' behavior and attitudes. You foster such a constructive environment for our young people and I can still feel the positive atmosphere when I walked through the doors. Promise to take me back one day!

-Tomorrow, I am off to Winston-Salem to visit friends and the old neighborhood. I am leaving the boys with my parents so I have the flexibility to see a lot of people in a short period of time. It will only be the second time I have spent the night away from Bennett. But I am so looking forward to visiting with my Winston folks and I think my parents are even more excited to have the boys all to themselves. Follow me on instagram for updates on that trip (katedaffodils).

And I think that gets us all caught up. Hope you week is going well!