As the summer is winding down and I'm working on trying to figure out what I'm going to be doing with my little Punkin all fall and winter. I have a tentative schedule worked out listed with some fun activities for us, but I figured it might help me out to list some of the things that we do do.
Stuff we do sometimes:
National Building Museum
Smithsonian Museums
US Botanical Gardens
Explore the National Monuments
"Dollar" Movies (when my kid is older.)
The Zoo! (Love that the zoo here is free!)
Sporting Events
Oxon Hill Farm
Stuff we do regularly:
Barnes and Noble Story time
Story time at the Library
Play area at the mall
Nature Walks on the many trails around town
Play at the park
Explore the local forts
Institute class
music makers (well this has been a sometimes that I am hoping to make a regular thing)
Summer only activities:
Swimming at the pool
Cheep summer movie programs (if only my kid were a little older!)
Spray grounds
Stuff I've never done but our on our list:
Frying Pan Farm
Clemyjontri Park
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Book 24- The Glass Castle
The Glass Castle - Jeannette Walls
This book is the companion book to the Half Broke Horses book I wrote about as book 23. (The Glass Castle is the author's biography where as Half Broke Horses is her retelling of her Grandmother's life.)
I enjoyed seeing the next chapter in the family's history. One of my big complaints about books is always wondering what happened to the characters next, this was nice because it filled in that gap for me. And let me tell you, it wasn't all happily ever after.
This book really brought to light for me some of the poverty situations in America. It made me worried for children who have parents who ground themselves in their dreams without a spec of reality or realistic expectations for themselves or for their family roles and responsibilities. It made me feel like I'm doing okay as a parent. In general, it left me unsettled and questioning how people can bear to choose to live life like that (Yes, I know that not all people choose to live like that, but in many instances, Jeannette's parents did choose this lifestyle.) It made me thankful that Jeannette and most of her siblings made it out in such a way that they are contributors to society and not repeating their parents mistakes.
Anyway, I have lots to say about this book, but I'm not doing well at condensing it right now. It is a good read, so is Half Broke Horses. It just leaves me with a lot of questions and commentary. I guess that is what good books are supposed to do.
This book is the companion book to the Half Broke Horses book I wrote about as book 23. (The Glass Castle is the author's biography where as Half Broke Horses is her retelling of her Grandmother's life.)
I enjoyed seeing the next chapter in the family's history. One of my big complaints about books is always wondering what happened to the characters next, this was nice because it filled in that gap for me. And let me tell you, it wasn't all happily ever after.
This book really brought to light for me some of the poverty situations in America. It made me worried for children who have parents who ground themselves in their dreams without a spec of reality or realistic expectations for themselves or for their family roles and responsibilities. It made me feel like I'm doing okay as a parent. In general, it left me unsettled and questioning how people can bear to choose to live life like that (Yes, I know that not all people choose to live like that, but in many instances, Jeannette's parents did choose this lifestyle.) It made me thankful that Jeannette and most of her siblings made it out in such a way that they are contributors to society and not repeating their parents mistakes.
Anyway, I have lots to say about this book, but I'm not doing well at condensing it right now. It is a good read, so is Half Broke Horses. It just leaves me with a lot of questions and commentary. I guess that is what good books are supposed to do.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Book 23 - Half Broke Horses
Half Broke Horses - Jeanette Walls
Remember how I committed to not listening to books on tape after our vacation book? Ha. Well, sometimes you break commitments when it comes time for book club and the only copy of the book you can get your hands on is the audio recording. I am torn weather or not this was the preferred way to experience this book. There was a lot of personality in the book, so it was nice to have the author be the one to share her inflection with you via her recording.
In general, I appreciated this book for the slice of history that it shared. It was an era and a region/lifestyle with which I didn't have much experience. The author did a wonderful job sharing the history of her family. It was fascinating. Also, there is something very Romantic about the way the west is portrayed. That was fun to hear.
In specific, meh. I am reading the prequel (which, is an actual biography where as this book is true life fiction) because during book club everyone was talking about both books where I had only read one of them. I hate being left out of the loop! I do feel for the characters. It makes me thankful for my family and the circumstances in which I was raised and the people that my parents are. I probably wouldn't have picked up this book on my own, but once I clue you in to how I am selecting books these days, well, you might lose faith in my book selections.
Okay, okay, I'll tell you now. I have a stack of books on my table in the "to read" pile all of which were selected by my little princess. What happens is that we wander the stacks, I look for books I want to read. She just grabs a close one off the shelf to carry around with her. Once she gets tired of the carrying that specific book around, I take a gander at the back. If it doesn't seem completely unappealing then I keep it and check it out; otherwise I just place it on the re-shelf rack. Repeat multiple times until I let her go and climb the chairs and page through the board books in the kids area. So, if there are some weird books up here in the future, don't blame me for picking the weird ones! It's all Punkin's fault!
Remember how I committed to not listening to books on tape after our vacation book? Ha. Well, sometimes you break commitments when it comes time for book club and the only copy of the book you can get your hands on is the audio recording. I am torn weather or not this was the preferred way to experience this book. There was a lot of personality in the book, so it was nice to have the author be the one to share her inflection with you via her recording.
In general, I appreciated this book for the slice of history that it shared. It was an era and a region/lifestyle with which I didn't have much experience. The author did a wonderful job sharing the history of her family. It was fascinating. Also, there is something very Romantic about the way the west is portrayed. That was fun to hear.
In specific, meh. I am reading the prequel (which, is an actual biography where as this book is true life fiction) because during book club everyone was talking about both books where I had only read one of them. I hate being left out of the loop! I do feel for the characters. It makes me thankful for my family and the circumstances in which I was raised and the people that my parents are. I probably wouldn't have picked up this book on my own, but once I clue you in to how I am selecting books these days, well, you might lose faith in my book selections.
Okay, okay, I'll tell you now. I have a stack of books on my table in the "to read" pile all of which were selected by my little princess. What happens is that we wander the stacks, I look for books I want to read. She just grabs a close one off the shelf to carry around with her. Once she gets tired of the carrying that specific book around, I take a gander at the back. If it doesn't seem completely unappealing then I keep it and check it out; otherwise I just place it on the re-shelf rack. Repeat multiple times until I let her go and climb the chairs and page through the board books in the kids area. So, if there are some weird books up here in the future, don't blame me for picking the weird ones! It's all Punkin's fault!
Friday, August 19, 2011
I Love Drawbridges!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
My Fall Bucket List
I've been working on planning lately. After having some friends talk about their fall bucket lists, I figured I'd publish mine here. We'll see what we ACTUALLY do, but if you are interested in any of these activities, please let me know and we can go together! Oh, and if you know of anything else going on, please let me know! We love fun adventures!
9/15 Chinese Puppet Show http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/festivals/11-12/china/events.cfm?genre=FFS
9/24 National Book Festival or the Dulles Plane Pull
10/1 Art on the Avenue in Del Ray
10/8 Art Safari at the Torpedo Factory http://www.torpedofactory.org/calendar_of_events_.htm
10/22 Pumpkin Picking and Carving
12/3 Ornament Decorating http://apps.alexandriava.gov/Calendar/Detail.aspx?si=1605
In general
Toddlers at the Tavern http://apps.alexandriava.gov/Calendar/Detail.aspx?si=1538
LOTS of College Football
National Arboretum
US Botanical Gardens
* If I come up with more activities, I will just update this post.
9/15 Chinese Puppet Show http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/festivals/11-12/china/events.cfm?genre=FFS
9/24 National Book Festival or the Dulles Plane Pull
10/1 Art on the Avenue in Del Ray
10/8 Art Safari at the Torpedo Factory http://www.torpedofactory.org/calendar_of_events_.htm
10/22 Pumpkin Picking and Carving
12/3 Ornament Decorating http://apps.alexandriava.gov/Calendar/Detail.aspx?si=1605
In general
Toddlers at the Tavern http://apps.alexandriava.gov/Calendar/Detail.aspx?si=1538
LOTS of College Football
National Arboretum
US Botanical Gardens
* If I come up with more activities, I will just update this post.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
I loved my dinner last night
I loved it so much, I thought I'd share. I think I'm personally slipping back into a vegetarian phase. It happens every now and again, and frankly I think it is 1. cleansing and 2. a nice variety in my diet. The problem with this? My family. Punkin isn't great with proteins.Well, non-dairy proteins at least. So we have to continue offering her a variety of proteins to see which ones she'll actually consume. KC is also very much a meat and potatoes kind of guy. I have to be creative or willing to make two dinners.
Last night, both dinners I made were super simple, so it was fine to just make two. For KC and Punkin they had bbq chicken (pan cooked and then just with some bbq sauce poured on top) and baked potatoes. For me, well I made these fantastic stuffed zucchini boats. I did feel the need to serve these with some marinara sauce, but otherwise, I was in a veggie lovin heaven. So, if you have some extra zucchini that you need use, try these out. They are delicious
Last night, both dinners I made were super simple, so it was fine to just make two. For KC and Punkin they had bbq chicken (pan cooked and then just with some bbq sauce poured on top) and baked potatoes. For me, well I made these fantastic stuffed zucchini boats. I did feel the need to serve these with some marinara sauce, but otherwise, I was in a veggie lovin heaven. So, if you have some extra zucchini that you need use, try these out. They are delicious
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Running
For nearly 15 years, I have identified myself as a runner. I ran track and cross country in middle school. I trained with the cross team (but didn't race) and I ran track all through high school. I loved running with friends all through college. Running was my relief during grad school.
I was running yesterday and I HATED it. How could I hate running so much when I am a runner? Is it the nasty weather we are having right now? Is it the fact that I'm out of running shape? Is it the fact that running with the stroller and that sucks (anyone who has run with a stroller will agree with me on that one.) Is it the fact that I need new running shoes? I don't know. But I HATED running. It broke my heart. Now I don't know if I WANT to buy new running shoes and try again.
Is there hope for me? Or do I need to find a new outlet?
I was running yesterday and I HATED it. How could I hate running so much when I am a runner? Is it the nasty weather we are having right now? Is it the fact that I'm out of running shape? Is it the fact that running with the stroller and that sucks (anyone who has run with a stroller will agree with me on that one.) Is it the fact that I need new running shoes? I don't know. But I HATED running. It broke my heart. Now I don't know if I WANT to buy new running shoes and try again.
Is there hope for me? Or do I need to find a new outlet?
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Sewing project
So a few years ago I got a sewing machine. I started off by making reusable gift wrap. I moved on to hair bows and pacifier clips. Back in May, KC was out of town so I randomly decided to sew a small patchwork quilt. (when I bother to bind it and such I will show you, but I see no point in showing off a half made quilt.)
Then I sewed punkin a simple skirt pattern I found online. (In this photo she had just pulled the skirt up over her stomach and rolled the waist band so it looks a little funny, but you get the point. It is the only photo I could find of her in the skirt.) I was proud of my little skirt, even if it was like the simplest article of clothing possible to make. I loved the fabric and I thought it was perfect for a little girl summer adventure.
Then I sewed punkin a simple skirt pattern I found online. (In this photo she had just pulled the skirt up over her stomach and rolled the waist band so it looks a little funny, but you get the point. It is the only photo I could find of her in the skirt.) I was proud of my little skirt, even if it was like the simplest article of clothing possible to make. I loved the fabric and I thought it was perfect for a little girl summer adventure.
Anyway, so yesterday I decided to conquer another project that has been on my mind for awhile. I made a little half apron - free hand. See, I've never sewn with a pattern before, and the thought scares me. SO, I figured it is an apron, not too complicated right? Well, as a result, here it is. It has no fun ruffles. It has no cute bows. It is probably a little on the long side, and I know it is not perfect, but I made it and I'm proud of the result. (And all while KC was taking a practice exam!) (oh, and don't be surprised if I go back and change the pockets. I am thinking of removing the left one and maybe putting a little black ribbon bow on the right one. What do you think?)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
More than just books
There is much more going on in my life than reading books. Actually, I'm really not even reading enough to meet my goal! Working on another of my goals of going on an adventure every month, we went and took the awesome family summer vacation this last week.
Is there anything more exciting than playing on sand dunes looking out over such amazing blue water? (Please note the little ponytail shadow in this photograph. Amazing!) Now that we are back in internet land, I'll try to catch up, but I make no promises. If nothing else, you can look back and enjoy this photo and bask in the warm sun and perfect weather that we had. Now we are back to the hot and sticky weather, just praying that the dog days will end soon!
Book 22 - Water for Elephants
Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen
Okay, I know, I'm like the last person in the world to read this book or see this movie. (For the record, I haven't seen the movie.) Overall, I enjoyed the book. I loved the elephant. It was a great page turner, but, in general, a little too crude for me. There was much more X rated content than was necessary.
Anyway, I'm not going to dive in further for a "review" seeing that everyone pretty much already knows the story line. I did enjoy the story and couldn't put it down. It was really fun to get wrapped up into the world of the old train circuses.
Okay, I know, I'm like the last person in the world to read this book or see this movie. (For the record, I haven't seen the movie.) Overall, I enjoyed the book. I loved the elephant. It was a great page turner, but, in general, a little too crude for me. There was much more X rated content than was necessary.
Anyway, I'm not going to dive in further for a "review" seeing that everyone pretty much already knows the story line. I did enjoy the story and couldn't put it down. It was really fun to get wrapped up into the world of the old train circuses.
Book 21 - Executive Orders
Executive Orders - Tom Clancy
We recently listened to this book as we drove through PA and MD. It was a nice change of pace from all sorts of mix cds that you listen to on a road trip. It was classic Clancy, which is great for a book on tape. There was excitement and plot twists. Unfortunately a lot of bad language. I guess I was glad that Punkin was asleep the whole time. Probably won't go for a Clancy book on tape again for family road trip for that reason, but I did enjoy it. It reminded me a lot of one of the seasons of 24 (which is a snow I loved.) so that was fun too. It was also nice that this isn't a Clancy that I've seen in video format so I wasn't trying to push Ben Affleck or someone else into my visual too much.
Have you ever done a book on tape to drive? Is it too monotone/droning for you, or do you like the story line to follow. (My husband and I are divided on this so it would be interesting to hear others thoughts.)
We recently listened to this book as we drove through PA and MD. It was a nice change of pace from all sorts of mix cds that you listen to on a road trip. It was classic Clancy, which is great for a book on tape. There was excitement and plot twists. Unfortunately a lot of bad language. I guess I was glad that Punkin was asleep the whole time. Probably won't go for a Clancy book on tape again for family road trip for that reason, but I did enjoy it. It reminded me a lot of one of the seasons of 24 (which is a snow I loved.) so that was fun too. It was also nice that this isn't a Clancy that I've seen in video format so I wasn't trying to push Ben Affleck or someone else into my visual too much.
Have you ever done a book on tape to drive? Is it too monotone/droning for you, or do you like the story line to follow. (My husband and I are divided on this so it would be interesting to hear others thoughts.)
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