10/4/2008

We went to the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum to see the new Sant Ocean Hall. The little girls probably liked running around on the mall more than walking around looking at dead animals.

Molly asked if this was where Mr. Bush lives.

Instead of driving into D.C., we parked at the Metro station in Vienna and rode in on the train. Definitely much easier than trying to find parking near the National Mall.

10/3/2008

Even though her feet can barely reach the peddles, Emma Lou is convinced she can ride the bike all by herself.

9/23/2008

I believe Molly was the mommy and Emma was her baby.

9/21/2008

I made Dea a delicious German Chocolate cake for her birthday. Don't tell her, but between the cake and the frosting I used 3/4 lb of butter.

9/20/2008

Dea was kind enough to allow me to go hiking with Goober. We decided to hike to the top of Mt. Rogers, the highest point in Virginia at 5729'. It was different than any hike I have done in the Appalachians; the majority of the hike was wide open and the only time we were surrounded by trees was when we reached the summit. It reminds me of photos I have seen of the Scottish Highlands.
One of the coolest parts of the hike were all of the wild ponies. This is a baby (left) and its mother.

You can see the top of Mt.Rogers through this gap.

There was a herd of a dozen ponies in this clearing. You're not supposed to feed them, but you could tell that rule is ignored by the way some of them will walk up and nuzzle your hand.

This is the view south. The really tall mountains in the background are in North Carolina.

9/16/2008

You couldn't tell from looking at her, but this was Dea's last day at 36 years old.

9/6/2008

Mad's creativity knows no bounds.

8/24/2008

Pebbles Flintstone

Hiding from the big, bad wolf.

7/25/2008

According to little girl logic, Jack's scratching post is a bathtub.

7/19/2008

7/16/2008

Emma is ready for water play day at school.

July 12, 2008

We borrowed an inflatable pool, and the girls had a great time playing in the water. We also discovered it is an excellent way to tire them out enough to take a nap without protesting.

We celebrated Emma Lou's 2nd birthday on the Fourth of July. I made her a beautiful, tasty carrot cake.