Memorial Day 2014

Elise and the kids traveled to Howell, Michigan to spend Memorial Day weekend with Mimi Pauline (Bryant stayed behind to catch up on some house projects).  Just before departing, we learned that Henry had been selected as the "superstar of the week" at school, which meant he got to keep the class mascot—Mr. Wise the Owl—for the long weekend.  Fortunately, Mr. Wise did not require an extra seat on the plane.  Once in Howell, Henry, Vivian and Mr. Wise enjoyed a weekend full of activities, including a trip to the Howell Nature Center (where they got to see a real life snowy owl) and a visit to the Detroit Zoo.  The water play area at the Howell Nature Center was an especially big hit (see the photos below).  Back at Mimi Pauline's house, the kids enjoyed riding around in Mimi's green gator, petting the neighbors' horses and catching up with the resident Labradors.  Below are some photos from the long weekend—be sure to keep an eye out for Mr. Wise!

 

  

  

 

  

Signs of Spring

 

 

After one of the longest, coldest winters in recent memory, spring finally sprung in May.  We knew summer was just around the corner when the irises in the front yard burst into color (see above).  We opened the windows and enjoyed the humidity-free weather before the full force of DC summer descended upon us.  Below are some photos of the kids enjoying another rite of spring: the annual Spring Fling at St. Mary's school in Old Town Alexandria.