In celebration of the beginning of Fall, I bought a spaghetti squash. (Although with the heat and humidity we had today, it did not feel like Fall in the least.) Then I realized that it was very unlikely that my children would eat it, and I would be left to consume an entire squash.
There is all kinds of "advice" out there about feeding your children a variety of foods when they're younger so they won't be picky later on. Well, that's a nice theory but it didn't do any good with my kids. They both ate whatever I put in front of them early on, but now they can both be pretty picky. Very picky. Particularly Elsa right now. Amelia just has an aversion to green things. So I cooked the squash and was going to make some pasta. But then I decided I would attempt to use the spaghetti squash in place of spaghetti noodles and add some pasta sauce and meatballs and see what would happen.
And they ate it.
And Amelia asked for seconds. HA!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
National Book Festival
The 2009 National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress, will be held this Saturday, September 26, on the National Mall between 7th and 14th streets from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The festival is free!
For more information, click here.
Scores of authors, illustrators and poets will be making presentations on the National Mall throughout the day in Children, Teens & Children, Fiction, Mysteries & Thrillers, History & Biography, and Poetry & Prose pavilions.
Explore the world of learning in the PBS KIDS Raising Readers pavilion. See “Elmo” and his Sesame Street friends in a live stage show; sing-along with PBS KIDS’ SteveSongs or join us for story time.
Take your picture with the cast of Super Why, “Martha” from Martha Speaks, “Leona” or “Cleo” from Between the Lions, “Duck” from WordWorld or other PBS KIDS favorites like “Curious George” and “Clifford the Big Red Dog.”
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Pumpkin goodness.
In honor of the first day of Fall (and my mom's birthday!) we made pumpkin cookies today. Hooray for Fall!
Chocolate-Glazed Pumpkin Cookies
Makes 3 1/2 dozen.
2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 can (15 ounces) pure pumpkin puree
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin-pie spice, and salt; set aside.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg; beat until smooth. With mixer on low speed, alternately add flour mixture in two parts and pumpkin puree in one, beginning and ending with flour mixture; mix just until combined (do not overmix).
3. Drop dough by heaping tablespoons onto two baking sheets, about 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake until puffed and edges are golden, 15 to 20 minutes, rotating sheets once during baking. Immediately transfer cookies to wire racks, and cool completely.
4. When cookies have cooled, set them (still on rack) over a baking sheet or waxed paper. Place chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of simmering water; stir until almost melted. Remove from heat; stir until completely melted. Pour chocolate into a resealable plastic bag. Snip off a corner with scissors or a knife to make an 1/8-inch hole; pipe chocolate over cookies. Refrigerate until chocolate is firm, about 20 minutes.
Chocolate-Glazed Pumpkin Cookies
Makes 3 1/2 dozen.
2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 can (15 ounces) pure pumpkin puree
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin-pie spice, and salt; set aside.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg; beat until smooth. With mixer on low speed, alternately add flour mixture in two parts and pumpkin puree in one, beginning and ending with flour mixture; mix just until combined (do not overmix).
3. Drop dough by heaping tablespoons onto two baking sheets, about 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake until puffed and edges are golden, 15 to 20 minutes, rotating sheets once during baking. Immediately transfer cookies to wire racks, and cool completely.
4. When cookies have cooled, set them (still on rack) over a baking sheet or waxed paper. Place chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of simmering water; stir until almost melted. Remove from heat; stir until completely melted. Pour chocolate into a resealable plastic bag. Snip off a corner with scissors or a knife to make an 1/8-inch hole; pipe chocolate over cookies. Refrigerate until chocolate is firm, about 20 minutes.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Three years ago.
My sister was going through her old cell phone pictures and came across these photos of an ill-fated trip to Trader Joes three years ago. Ben was in Singapore for the same reason that he is in Turkey right now. Amelia was Elsa's age. My sister and a friend were in town keeping me company while Ben was away. Our light turned green and we just started turning left when an SUV coming from the left ran the red light and hit us. He was talking on his cell phone. Our car spun and crashed into another SUV. A little Subaru against two SUVs is not a fair fight. Calling 911 is not fun. Not being able to reach Ben was not fun. Losing our favorite red Subaru was not fun. But we were so lucky that nobody suffered any major injuries.
Luckily this intersection no longer exists.
You can see the SUV that hit us way up ahead. And the poor guy who we smashed into had a wife at home who was ready to go into labor at any moment.
We caused a serious traffic jam. And we got to stand in the rain for 2 hours while everything was cleared up. I remember a nice man who handed us some granola bars out his window as he passed by.
p.s. Don't talk on your cell phone while driving.
Luckily this intersection no longer exists.
You can see the SUV that hit us way up ahead. And the poor guy who we smashed into had a wife at home who was ready to go into labor at any moment.
We caused a serious traffic jam. And we got to stand in the rain for 2 hours while everything was cleared up. I remember a nice man who handed us some granola bars out his window as he passed by.
p.s. Don't talk on your cell phone while driving.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Arrrrrrr!! There be pirates ahead!
Ahoy, matey! Today be "International Talk Like a Pirate Day."
Old Town was celebrating so we headed down to collect our treasure map and hit up the local businesses that were handing out loot. Collecting loot in a bag is pretty much what Amelia does on a daily basis so this was perfect. They handed out a fun bag filled with an eye patch and pirate bandana and other little treasures.
They even had a pirate cruise on the Potomac. Amelia has been into pirates ever since my sister gave us a recording of "Treasure Island" (my sister made the recording and did all the pirate voices). They had two pirates come aboard the ship and entertain us for the ride, telling pirate jokes, singing sea shanties, teaching pirate talk, and telling pirate stories.
Discovering treasure.
Watching the birds on the pier.
Enjoying a hot dog before our pirate cruise.
(Picture courtesy of Amelia.)
Examining the treasure map.
Amelia has been talking like a pirate all day. (Thanks for the tip Michelle!)
Old Town was celebrating so we headed down to collect our treasure map and hit up the local businesses that were handing out loot. Collecting loot in a bag is pretty much what Amelia does on a daily basis so this was perfect. They handed out a fun bag filled with an eye patch and pirate bandana and other little treasures.
They even had a pirate cruise on the Potomac. Amelia has been into pirates ever since my sister gave us a recording of "Treasure Island" (my sister made the recording and did all the pirate voices). They had two pirates come aboard the ship and entertain us for the ride, telling pirate jokes, singing sea shanties, teaching pirate talk, and telling pirate stories.
Discovering treasure.
Watching the birds on the pier.
Enjoying a hot dog before our pirate cruise.
(Picture courtesy of Amelia.)
Examining the treasure map.
Amelia has been talking like a pirate all day. (Thanks for the tip Michelle!)
Friday, September 18, 2009
Opera in the Outfield
Last Saturday we took the metro down to Nationals Stadium and met some friends there for "Opera in the Outfield." The Washington National Opera did a live broadcast of their opening night performance at the Kennedy Center of "The Barber of Seville." For free. We got to sit right on the baseball field and enjoy a picnic and some "pre-show" festivities and then watch the opera. (Well, maybe half the opera. That's about all I had the energy for with the girls.) We love D.C.
They started the performance with the National Anthem to benefit all of us at the stadium. The great thing about watching opera on a screen is the subtitles. You can actually figure out what's going on.
Amelia spent most of her time dancing. Did you know you can dance to the opera? Check out the video below to see her interpretation. Elsa loved wandering around and charming (or perhaps annoying) those around us. The only thing missing was Ben. Two weeks down...
Amelia dancing with her friend Miriam.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
PARKS
Click on the name to link to the park's website for more information.
River Farm Garden
7931 East Boulevard Dr., Alexandria VA 22308
(As you travel South on the GW Parkway, you will take a left after you pass under the stone bridge. There is a big sign telling you when to turn. After you turn left, take another left and the entrance is on the right.)
This is the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society. It is a BEAUTIFUL garden area on the Potomac River with a children's garden that has a maze and small play houses. There are also shovels for digging and lots of places for kids to explore. There are picnic tables and admission is free!
Ben Brenman Park
4800 Brenman Park Drive, Alexandria
(Near Duke St. and S. Pickett)
There is an enclosed playground and a small lake with fountains. There are usually lots of turtles and fish in the water.
Lee District Rec Center
6601 Telegraph Rd
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site
4301 W Braddock Rd
Follow the road back a little and the playground is on the hill below the parking lot.
Windmill Hill Park
501 S Union St
Alexandria (South end of Old Town right by the river, there is plenty of street parking)
The playground here is enclosed and has a lower level for bigger kids and an upper level for smaller kids with a nice sand box. There is also a fun rope climb for bigger kids. This park offers a lot of shade and there is also a large field. There is another park across the street with a nice walkway along the river and a pier out on the water where you can feed the ducks if they're around.
Huntley Meadows Park
3701 Lockheed Blvd
Nestled in Fairfax County's Hybla Valley, Huntley Meadows Park is a rich, natural island in the suburban sea of Northern Virginia. Its 1,425 acres harbor majestic forests, wildflower-speckled meadows and vast wetlands bursting with life. Some of the best wildlife watching in the Washington metropolitan area is enjoyed here. From the ½ mile wetland boardwalk trail and observation tower, people have excellent views of beavers, frogs, dragonflies and herons. Huntley Meadows is well known as a prime birding spot, with over 200 species identified in the park.
Beach Park
201 Rucker Place
Alexandria (near Del Ray area and not far from King Street metro off of Russell)
There is some nice playground equipment here and a sand box.
Clemyjontri Park
6317 Georgetown Pike
McLean
This park has a phenomenal, huge playground where children of all abilities can play side-by-side. There is also a carousel that operates seasonally.
Fairlington Park
Shirlington
Fun park with a great sand box.
Take 395 North and get off at the King St. exit East. Take King St. to Quaker Lane and turn left. Take Quaker Lane to 33rd street (it will be on the left hand side). Turn left onto 33rd St. Once in Fairlington, take a left at the stop sign and then a quick right into the park.
Burke Lake Park
7315 Ox Road
Fairfax Station, VA
This park has a campground, a few playgrounds, a lake with a nice trail, a carousel, and a train. There is also a disc golf course, as well as mini golf.
Beverley Park
620 N. Overlook Dr., Alexandria
This park is in a beautiful neighborhood and the park itself is down in a pit. It's pretty sunny during the day, but there is some great playground equipment, including a fire truck to climb around on and a sand box with toys. The best part is a huge cement pad that the kids can ride their bikes on...there are tons of ride-on toys and those "Flintstone" buggies just left there for everyone to use.
Lake Accotink
7500 Accotink Park Rd
Springfield
Facilities and activities vary with the season and include canoe, rowboat and pedal boat rentals, fishing, tour-boat rides, boat launch, bait and tackle sales, 9-green double holed miniature golf course, antique carousel, snack bar, pavilion shelters (reservations encouraged), picnic areas with grills, restrooms, playground, a 3.75-mile hiking/biking trail and 2 open play fields.
Oxon Hill Farm
Oxon Hill Farm operates as an actual working farm, representative of the early 20th century. There are lots of different animals and the location is beautiful. Admission is free.
Frying Pan Farm Park
2709 West Ox Road
Herndon, Virginia
A great farm with lots of animals to see. There is a 20 minute hayride for a small fee.
Hidden Pond Nature Center
8511 Greeley Boulevard
Springfield
There are indoor exhibits, a nature trail, a pond, playground, and picnic shelter.
Hidden Oaks Nature Center
7701 Royce Street
Annandale
Old Maryland Farm at Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Park Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD
The agricultural exhibits, livestock, and display gardens provide a farming experience to visitors. There is also a carousel and train ride.
Fort Hunt Park
Located 6 miles south of Old Town on the George Washington Memorial Parkway
There is a small playground and a lot of picnic areas. Neat park with lots of history.
Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Located in Arlington
Playground, nature center with animals, hiking trails
Glen Echo Park
Located near Bethesda, Maryland. An old amusement park that has art and cultural events.
Meridian Hill Park
Located in northwest DC. Beautiful park design with fountains. Nice place to enjoy a picnic.
The Yards Park
Near Nationals Stadium. Our favorite park in D.C. with fountains and water features to play in, Friday evening concerts in the summer, Thursday evening movies in the summer, great place for a picnic, lots of special events, and lots of things still being developed in the area.
South Germantown Recreational Park
Large park in Montgomery County in Maryland. Huge Adventureland playground, spray park, mini golf, dairy museum, trails.
Clark's Elioak Farm
Georgetown Waterfront Park
Great park on the waterfront with fountains to play in
Cabin John Park
In Rockville, Maryland. Great playground, train, carousel.
Jones Point Park
New park right under the Wilson Bridge in Old Town. Playgrounds, picnic tables, lighthouse, and great access to the biking trail. Also a great place to start a walk/run/bike ride across the Wilson Bridge to National Harbor.
Wheaton Regional Park (and Brookside Garden)
Huge awesome playground, train, carousel, nature center, picnic tables. (Brookside Garden is next door. Great butterfly exhibit in the summer and walk-through light display at Christmas.)
Canal Park
Small city park in D.C. near the Navy Yard. Ice skating in winter, fountains and water features to play in during summer.
River Farm Garden
7931 East Boulevard Dr., Alexandria VA 22308
(As you travel South on the GW Parkway, you will take a left after you pass under the stone bridge. There is a big sign telling you when to turn. After you turn left, take another left and the entrance is on the right.)
This is the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society. It is a BEAUTIFUL garden area on the Potomac River with a children's garden that has a maze and small play houses. There are also shovels for digging and lots of places for kids to explore. There are picnic tables and admission is free!
Ben Brenman Park
4800 Brenman Park Drive, Alexandria
(Near Duke St. and S. Pickett)
There is an enclosed playground and a small lake with fountains. There are usually lots of turtles and fish in the water.
Lee District Rec Center
6601 Telegraph Rd
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site
4301 W Braddock Rd
Follow the road back a little and the playground is on the hill below the parking lot.
Windmill Hill Park
501 S Union St
Alexandria (South end of Old Town right by the river, there is plenty of street parking)
The playground here is enclosed and has a lower level for bigger kids and an upper level for smaller kids with a nice sand box. There is also a fun rope climb for bigger kids. This park offers a lot of shade and there is also a large field. There is another park across the street with a nice walkway along the river and a pier out on the water where you can feed the ducks if they're around.
Huntley Meadows Park
3701 Lockheed Blvd
Nestled in Fairfax County's Hybla Valley, Huntley Meadows Park is a rich, natural island in the suburban sea of Northern Virginia. Its 1,425 acres harbor majestic forests, wildflower-speckled meadows and vast wetlands bursting with life. Some of the best wildlife watching in the Washington metropolitan area is enjoyed here. From the ½ mile wetland boardwalk trail and observation tower, people have excellent views of beavers, frogs, dragonflies and herons. Huntley Meadows is well known as a prime birding spot, with over 200 species identified in the park.
Beach Park
201 Rucker Place
Alexandria (near Del Ray area and not far from King Street metro off of Russell)
There is some nice playground equipment here and a sand box.
Clemyjontri Park
6317 Georgetown Pike
McLean
This park has a phenomenal, huge playground where children of all abilities can play side-by-side. There is also a carousel that operates seasonally.
Fairlington Park
Shirlington
Fun park with a great sand box.
Take 395 North and get off at the King St. exit East. Take King St. to Quaker Lane and turn left. Take Quaker Lane to 33rd street (it will be on the left hand side). Turn left onto 33rd St. Once in Fairlington, take a left at the stop sign and then a quick right into the park.
Burke Lake Park
7315 Ox Road
Fairfax Station, VA
This park has a campground, a few playgrounds, a lake with a nice trail, a carousel, and a train. There is also a disc golf course, as well as mini golf.
Beverley Park
620 N. Overlook Dr., Alexandria
This park is in a beautiful neighborhood and the park itself is down in a pit. It's pretty sunny during the day, but there is some great playground equipment, including a fire truck to climb around on and a sand box with toys. The best part is a huge cement pad that the kids can ride their bikes on...there are tons of ride-on toys and those "Flintstone" buggies just left there for everyone to use.
Lake Accotink
7500 Accotink Park Rd
Springfield
Facilities and activities vary with the season and include canoe, rowboat and pedal boat rentals, fishing, tour-boat rides, boat launch, bait and tackle sales, 9-green double holed miniature golf course, antique carousel, snack bar, pavilion shelters (reservations encouraged), picnic areas with grills, restrooms, playground, a 3.75-mile hiking/biking trail and 2 open play fields.
Oxon Hill Farm
Oxon Hill Farm operates as an actual working farm, representative of the early 20th century. There are lots of different animals and the location is beautiful. Admission is free.
Frying Pan Farm Park
2709 West Ox Road
Herndon, Virginia
A great farm with lots of animals to see. There is a 20 minute hayride for a small fee.
Hidden Pond Nature Center
8511 Greeley Boulevard
Springfield
There are indoor exhibits, a nature trail, a pond, playground, and picnic shelter.
Hidden Oaks Nature Center
7701 Royce Street
Annandale
Old Maryland Farm at Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Park Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD
The agricultural exhibits, livestock, and display gardens provide a farming experience to visitors. There is also a carousel and train ride.
Fort Hunt Park
Located 6 miles south of Old Town on the George Washington Memorial Parkway
There is a small playground and a lot of picnic areas. Neat park with lots of history.
Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Located in Arlington
Playground, nature center with animals, hiking trails
Glen Echo Park
Located near Bethesda, Maryland. An old amusement park that has art and cultural events.
Meridian Hill Park
Located in northwest DC. Beautiful park design with fountains. Nice place to enjoy a picnic.
The Yards Park
Near Nationals Stadium. Our favorite park in D.C. with fountains and water features to play in, Friday evening concerts in the summer, Thursday evening movies in the summer, great place for a picnic, lots of special events, and lots of things still being developed in the area.
South Germantown Recreational Park
Large park in Montgomery County in Maryland. Huge Adventureland playground, spray park, mini golf, dairy museum, trails.
Clark's Elioak Farm
Georgetown Waterfront Park
Great park on the waterfront with fountains to play in
Cabin John Park
In Rockville, Maryland. Great playground, train, carousel.
Jones Point Park
New park right under the Wilson Bridge in Old Town. Playgrounds, picnic tables, lighthouse, and great access to the biking trail. Also a great place to start a walk/run/bike ride across the Wilson Bridge to National Harbor.
Wheaton Regional Park (and Brookside Garden)
Huge awesome playground, train, carousel, nature center, picnic tables. (Brookside Garden is next door. Great butterfly exhibit in the summer and walk-through light display at Christmas.)
Canal Park
Small city park in D.C. near the Navy Yard. Ice skating in winter, fountains and water features to play in during summer.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
CHURCHES and CEMETERIES
- Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (beautiful church and grounds)
- Rock Creek Cemetery (park-like setting has many notable mausoleums and tombstones)
- National Cathedral (great view from top)
- Franciscan Monastery (with its arched walkways, 15 miniature outdoor chapels and well-kept garden, the monastery offers a meditative oasis in the city)
- Congressional Cemetery
- Washington D.C. LDS Temple (Huge light display at Christmas time and a large display of nativities from around the world. Temple is closed to the public but there is a nice Visitor Center where they frequently have free concerts in the evening.)
- Christ Church in Old Town Alexandria
GARDENS
- Enid Haupt Garden, behind the Smithsonian castle (BEAUTIFUL during cherry blossom time...escape the crowds of the Tidal Basin and picnic here)
- U.S. National Arboretum (free, beautiful grounds, Bonsai Museum, nice place to bike)
- National Botanic Gardens (wonderful Christmas displays with trains)
- River Farm Garden Park (close, free, beautiful)
- Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
- Dumbarton Oaks (located in Georgetown)
- Green Spring Gardens
- Brookside Gardens
- Ladew Topiary Garden
- Oatlands Estate
- Hillwood Museum and Estate
- Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
- Winkler Botanical Preserve
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