29 February 2008

"Ish! Ish!"

David's attempt to excitedly exclaim, "Fish! Fish!"

Yesterday Joshua, David, and I joined another mom and her boys for a field trip to the National Aquarium in D.C. - which is as different from the National Aquarium in Baltimore as can be - but which is just right for little ones. It is about fifty times better than the big fish tank in the Germantown Library! Here is the whole gang ogling at some sea creatures. Despite the blustery day that brought back memories of Minnesota, we had a great time. The metro ride provided additional enjoyment.

I'll have to ask our kindergartner what these are called. He was our aquatic life expert and drew lots of pictures in his nature journal.


The boys LOVED it. They ran around pointing at everything with so much enthusiasm! They would hardly be still for a moment so that combined with the dim lighting made for difficult photography.


I think this might be a long-nosed gar, and I forget the name of the turtle.
Supposedly this tiny aquarium houses more than 200 species and is the oldest aquarium in the country, founded in 1832. The collection is in the basement of the Dept. of Commerce building, and I felt a bit like I was entering a high-security vault. The elevator was pitch black at first - fortunately the motion-sensor lights did come on when we finally got up the courage to go into a dark elevator.
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More delightful specimens


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24 February 2008

A Typical Playdough Session


Our masterpiece freight train.


CSX diesel and passenger car (manufactured by Mommy & Co.)


Putting the ears on the snowman.

Another recent trend that I haven't photographed yet is Joshua's new interest in cutting out animal shapes. We make penguins, turtles, cats, and dogs dance and feed them assorted doughy "foods" (blueberries being the #1 favorite) - but watch out for the shark!
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Fun with(out) Play-Doh

Playing under the play-doh table is even more fun.

I'm getting an idea...

I think it will really be pretty funny...

Surprise!
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Daddy's Hat

David knows the way to his daddy's heart - through his hat!


Here's our dapper young man sporting Daddy's fedora.
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08 February 2008

At the Park




Today we spontaneously gathered with some friends for a slightly chilly but delightful picnic in Olde Towne Gaithersburg. The kids especially enjoyed romping around the playground together. This is one of our favorite places to hang out. You'll guess why when I mention that before we left we had seen FIVE trains go by! We saw two while we were with the McMillens and Fedelis, and then we took a quick detour to the little museum before we went home. While we were there, a freight train went by. As we were leaving, we caught Amtrak on its way to D.C. Then after we got back to our car, I realized I had left the diaper bag in the museum, and on our way back to get it, guess what? You guessed it! We had to stop and watch another long freight train go by before we could cross the tracks again. Can't imagine why Joshua said "Ooh!! Olde Towne!!" when I told him where we were going! Friends, food, fun, and freight - does life get any better?
*Thanks to Amy Fedeli for the lovely photos*
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