alexandria fireworks

We didn't want to take all the kids into the crowds in Old Town for the Alexandria fireworks this year so we decided to try watching from the Wilson Bridge. The view was great and there were just a few other people there. Oliver had no interest in stopping to watch the fireworks and just wanted someone to walk with him across the bridge or hold him. Elsa had a variety of complaints and then lost it when she accidentally dropped her water bottle off the bridge. Amelia was upset that there was no grass to run around in. I think we'll leave the kids at home next year.

Straddling the line between Virginia and D.C.

morning walks.

I have enjoyed some beautiful walks on the George Washington Parkway lately. Everything is so green right now.

Simon has enjoyed the walks as well. 

One morning while Elsa was in school, I took Oliver and Simon to Jones Point Park. It was overcast and not too warm...the perfect conditions for walking across the Wilson Bridge. Oliver spotted the playground immediately so I knew I would have to let him play before our walk. And surprisingly, nobody else was at the playground. Oliver kind of struggles with sharing space when other kids are around so this was more enjoyable for both of us.

 I love all of the vegetation that is growing rapidly around the new(ish) playground.

Simon was immediately lulled to sleep by the loud sounds of the freeway. Oliver was content. Or maybe he wasn't. I couldn't hear him over the loud sounds of the freeway. I was able to enjoy a 4 mile walk that particular morning.

jones point park. new and improved.

A few weekends ago the girls got to participate in their first "junk 'n jammies" with Grandma and Grandpa Black. They got to spend the night at their apartment, stay up late, and eat lots of junk food. They were so excited when we dropped them off. Their apartment complex has a pool so they were able to go swimming when they first arrived. They are already looking forward to doing it again.

Saturday morning Ben and I enjoyed a much quieter house with just Oliver. It was a really chilly morning and rainy but we thought we would go out for a walk/run which is much easier to do with just one kid. We decided to check out the new Jones Point Park and run across the Wilson Bridge. Not long after we arrived it started to pour so we just ran a few laps underneath the huge bridge. The rain let up a little so we decided to head across the bridge. It ended up being perfect weather for a run. The rain stopped and we hung out on the Maryland side of the bridge for awhile, just letting Oliver play around and wander. He loved having our undivided attention. We ended up being out for three hours. There is something so great about unexpected cooler temperatures in the middle of a hot July.

The newly renovated Jones Point Park is awesome. And only a few minutes from our house. I love that somebody decided to develop a nice park under this massive bridge. It's pretty amazing to walk underneath it. I need to go back so the kids can check out the playgrounds and walk to the lighthouse. It's a great place to get on the George Washington Parkway trail too.

The view from on top of the bridge.

And then Ben ran over his iphone with the car when we left the parking lot. It had fallen out of the stroller. Amazingly, it still worked! He wrapped it with saran wrap and used it the rest of the week until his work sent a replacement. I think he was happy with the upgrade to the 4s.