Henry's 3rd Birthday

This year’s birthday party was all about trains. Together with some friends from daycare, Henry celebrated turning three at Cabin John Regional Park in Maryland, which has a miniature train that runs through the park. A series of freakishly strong thunderstorms almost derailed (sorry) the celebration after the party room flooded, the train stalled and a large tree fell across the entrance to the park. However, we relocated to a nearby picnic area and the engineer was able to get the train running for at least short distances. In fact, the park officials felt so bad about the party room, they offered us unlimited private rides on the train, which of course the kids loved. So, in the end, it all turned out for the best. As you can see from the pictures below, everyone had a great time.

Recently, Henry has enjoyed performing little “puppet shows” for us in the living room. This involves him climbing on top of a chest and making up songs -- sometimes with lyrics, sometimes without. In light of his budding theatrical interest, we got him some dress-up clothes for his birthday. In the future, if he decides to do a puppet show about pirates, firemen, explorers or magicians, he will have the costumes he needs. Mimi Pauline also sent him some books, which Henry enjoys “reading” out loud to his parents and sister. He insists that we sit very still and be quiet while he reads. We wonder if he does the same for his teachers at school. Mimi Joanne and Paw Paw Bill gave him an art easeland some dry erase markers. We were shocked when he picked up a marker and drew an “H”. Apparently he has been doing more than just yoga and soccer at school.

Below are some additional photos from the party:

Summer Days, Poolside

After Vivian’s christening, we had a fairly low key summer (and an extended break from blogging). We decided to join a local swim club, Little Hunting Park, and spent many weekends hanging out at the pool. After last winter’s swim classes (in a freezing cold rec center), Henry was pretty comfortable in the water. With the help of a floatie and some encouragement from his parents, he was jumping into the water and paddling around with a minimum of support. To the annoyance of the older kids, he also enjoyed calling out “polo” at random times and wreaking havoc with their game of Marco Polo. After a few more lessons and another season at the pool, he should be swimming on his own. Vivian also enjoyed bobbing around in her baby float and splashing in the kiddie pool. Something tells us she’s not going to have any problems with the water.

We bought a grill for the house this spring and have been experimenting with cooking out over the summer. In addition to steaks and burgers, we’ve been learning to grill lamb chops, chorizo and brats. Bryant found a recipe for brats soaked in beer that we have tried several times with friends and neighbors. Delicious!

We also attempted a little gardening this summer, with mixed results. We planted some tomato plants in the backyard, and they produced 3-4 good-sized beefsteak tomatoes before fizzling out in July. We also planted a strawberry plant for Henry, which fared better in the heat but only produced very tiny berries (and we had to beat the squirrels and caterpillars to them). Our flower boxes on the front porch were a success, but only after we first sacrificed a flat of petunias. Hydrangeas and impatiens either fare better in the summer heat or they require less maintenance. In any case, they were still going strong at the end of September.

Henry stayed active at school this summer: he was enrolled in classes for gymnastics, soccer and, believe it or not, preschool yoga (more calisthenics than yoga, but Henry’s dog pose and “om” chant are pretty funny). He transitioned to the preschool classroom this spring and spent the summer learning about dinosaurs. By August, he was able to tell the difference between a T-Rex (Barney?) and a triceratops (Baby Bop?).

Vivian also stayed active this summer. So much so that her teachers took to calling her “wildcat.” She continued crawling and exploring, and by early September, was standing on her own. We think her first steps are probably only a month or so away. She now has four teeth and a full head of hair, and has begun tormenting her brother (and letting us know when he is tormenting her). She will be a full blown toddler before long.

Elise and Bryant were busy too. It’s been a challenge having both of us work full time. By the end of the work week, we’re usually completely wiped out. Fortunately, we have the weekends to recover (a bit). Elise’s new job at Georgetown University has been rewarding but also presented many new challenges. In addition, she was recently appointed head of the Family Medicine Department at Providence Hospital, which has brought its own responsibilities…and more work. At the SEC, Bryant has been working around the clock on various rulemaking projects required by the new financial reform legislation. All in all, it was a very busy summer on the work front. As we approached the end of the year and looked forward to the future, we both wonder how long we can maintain the current pace. But for now, we’re hanging in there.