A Darn Good Birthday

As of Thursday, January 11, the last three weeks of DC temperatures have been at or below freezing. SO DARN COLD! We've all had the most awful colds, flu, stomach viruses--on repeat no less--and forced indoors for the temperatures. Yet, it was like the all mighty Mother Nature knew we needed some slack and the temps rose into the low 60s on Thursday and nearly 70 yesterday, just in time for my birthday. Temperatures have dropped dramatically back into the 30s today with snow flurries, so I find it quite interesting that both this year and last, January 12 has been a random winter day we've been able to enjoy-and that we did yesterday.

Scott took the day off so we could have an entire family day together. Birthdays are a big deal for me-I realize not everyone feels the same way, and as such, I've taken matters into my own hands and plan my own so that expectations are managed. Really it's a day that I want to take full advantage of-from morning to night-and not be idle.

We started out our day at Pinstripes Bowling in Georgetown. I had taken the kids previously but it was the first time we had bowled as a family and what great fun it was. We had the entire alley to ourselves and the kids enjoyed waffles and the adults, beer.

 
After bowling we walked down to the Georgetown waterfront which has been on my bucket list for a while. We were treated to a really cool phenomenon-the temperatures rose so suddenly from the previous three weeks that the Potomac was still frozen, but a combination of steam was coming off and fog from above made for an eerie sight. We watched the seagulls skid to landings on the slightly thawing river and simply enjoyed being outside. Rain was scheduled for the entire day, but (again, thanks Mother Nature!) it rained only overnight and the forecast moved the showers to evening. On our drive home, we even got to see Julia Child's DC home.

After our Georgetown jaunt, 3/4 of us headed home for naps. I took advantage of the opportunity for some solo time and jogged to the Capitol during a beautiful break in the clouds. I made some phone calls and even caught my mailman during his delivery to inquire and receive a much anticipated package from my parents (thanks mom and dad!), and to discover it was his birthday too. (We have the WORST mail service out here. Another post for another day, but basically there are a handful of awesome USPS workers out here and if our particular mailman, Adrian, is not delivering mail but supervising at the facility, we may not see certain packages for days...or ever.) So, it was great to be able to wish him a happy day too.

After returning, the kids and I were also treated to a genuine bike messenger flower delivery-super cool points on that one!

That night, we headed back to northwest and took in a performance at the Kennedy Center, as Scott hasn't been yet. The Millenium Stage has free performances every single night of the year with varying entertainment, so you're always guaranteed something cool and interesting. We were treated to a Congolese soul and funk band and all got to dance. We capped off the night with burgers, beer, and grilled cheese nearby and then brownies at home. Combined with thoughtful messages and calls from friends and family, it was probably one of my best birthdays in a few years. Also, Henry's enthusiasm for my "day long party" was pretty contagious :)

Celebrating Baby America

Well, we officially have a one-year-old in the house!

To celebrate the milestone birthday, girlfriend got to have cupcakes, balloons, and a trip to the local indoor play place. I love a good party theme, and landed on "Fabulous First Ladies" since she was born out here and was days old during THAT election, and I needed to make some sense of it still, even a year later. So, we raise our glasses to raising strong girls and celebrating American women of the future, past, and present (and even a pretty great fictional heroine too)!

Just like her brother, she loves chocolate. A midday bath was definitely required.

The leaves are changing and it's oh so glorious. This time last year I was adjusting to the extreme change in temperature and having a newborn and didn't get out much to enjoy the splendor in those pivotal days when the trees are just showing off. I'm trying to embed it deep in my mental archives so as never to forget the beauty of this time of year out here. And backup, I have these photos and blog, so yay for plan b.

This week in addition to Jo's first birthday, we celebrated another friend's special day with a pizza making party at California Pizza Kitchen (and a former Fullertonian as well, so the destination was on point), and ventured out to the Freer+Sackler Galleries and the National Museum of African Art (both of which had the NICEST docents, staff, and security guards that I've encountered at any of the Smithsonians in the last year. The woman at the information desk even left her post to take us down to this awesome kids learning room that we had to ourselves.) While I love taking the kids, Henry specifically, to these museums, I really can't wait to go back solo to really read everything and take a slower pace to enjoy myself.

This week, the temperatures have dropped into the 40s and we broke out a baby item called a "bundle me", something that would have never crossed my radar in southern California as an essential winter baby item. It's basically a sleeping bag for car seats and strollers, that sits on top the seat and allows for the straps to come through, still securing the child, but keeping them warm while getting around the city. They are cozy, blankets aren't tossed out of the stroller or dragged underneath the tires. Genius.

6 Months

Six months ago we were traipsing our way around Peru, making our way to Machu Picchu. It provided a lot of thinking time. Time for me to plot and plan Scott's 30th birthday. I had it pretty well envisioned by the time we reached the ruins and last weekend, executed it.

The theme was inspired by "Downton Abbey," essentially an homage to the finer things in a gentleman's life, including leisure activities. Libations were enjoyed, cigars smoked, croquet and badminton played, and a photo booth enjoyed. It's safe to say that Scott welcomed his 30s with a well-dressed group of family and friends who love him.

And, I'm hanging my hat on the party planning until my own 30th, six months from now, as a major rejuvenation is in order after back to back weekends of baby shower throwing and 30th birthday party executing.

Also, I'm six months pregnant today. BAM!

Happy birthday, Sandy!

Happy birthday to the best mother-in-law I could ever ask for. Thank you for raising such a wonderful son and family that so many others get to enjoy. You are beloved!

21 Candles

I remember the day mom and dad told me you were coming before catechism, at Bob's Big Boy. I was ecstatic. I couldn't wait to tell Kerri who already had two younger siblings, that I was finally getting one.

You came, you screeched, and were the epitome of a little sister. Demanding of time, things, my heart.

We've certainly had our struggles. Seven years felt more like 15 at times.

 But as you've grown, the gap has decreased, and finally, we're friends.

In many ways we couldn't be more opposite-in looks and personalities. 

But I love being the yin to your yang.

I admire your independence, fearless questioning, and the care you show for others. And your hair. Gosh I wish I had your hair and the skills to you possess to do it.

Happy, happy, 21st birthday. I can't believe how the time has flown. I love you.

Cheers to you. Enjoy your Champagne :)

Scott's Bougie Birthday-Part II

An evening at the Orange County Performing Arts Center for Beethoven's 9th Symphony.

Row AA...as in before just A. We could see the sweat and tears coming from the conductor.



Happy birthday Scott!

Scott's Bougie Birthday-Part I

My main squeeze was surprised for his birthday weekend festivities, by not a party bus, but a fancy dinner at The Hobbit in Orange.

Pretty much the best dinner of my life, from the nearly four hour experience to the actual food courses. Delicious.

Our menu for the evening.

Inside the wine cellar for Champagne and appetizers.

The hors d'oeuvres-steak tar tar, artichoke spread, pate, other delicious bites. AMAZING. 

Almost took the plate home.

Honey glazed duck breast with marinated forest mushrooms over frisee and madeira cherry sauce.

No photos of the scallop due to its fast departure from my plate. Oops.

Chervil and goat cheese filled golden ravioli with mache and a peach balsamic vinegar. AND the crispiest pancetta ever. OMG. 

My main course, the halibut with garlic ginger rice and spring onion beurre blanc. 

Scott's entree, filet mignon with fois gras (mixed feelings on that) with potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and cherry tomatoes.

Grand finale-molten chocolate cake with  rum creme anglais, berries, and a birthday truffles on the side. Only thing missing was hearing and seeing the Disneyland fireworks.

 Happy birthday Scott! The weekend is only just beginning!

Happy birthday Mom!

Today we celebrated the birth of my mom with brunch on a beautiful spring day. Happy birthday mom!

Baked pancakes with berries

Fruit skewers, bacon, artichoke and leek flatbread with basil

Many happy returns!

And happy 34th anniversary to my in-laws, Frank and Sandy!

Still flying high

I still can't believe we did this. It's like watching another person.

But for anyone who cares, the video is pretty funny, once you fast forward past the infomercial.

The day we jumped out of a plane.

The night before

I'm considering Xanax and wow, are they readily available at the mere thinking out loud suggestion. But, Scott says, "take it raw." So, thus, no aids in taking this leap. Probably best not to jump in a hazy stupor anyway.

Inspiring art by Scott.

Morning of
Nothing but fear-filled dreams during the night. Anxiety in the morning, especially the part about signing your life away death attorney video. Really, we weren't signing our life away buying a house-it was skydiving.

In the plane
Dear babyJesus, expletive, expletive, expletive.

Though everything physically said this is extremely unnatural, I kept my cool for the video camera.

Afterthoughts
Super fun and exhilarating, but probably the peak of my extreme sporting activities!

But at the end of the day, Happy Birthday Dad! May this be an exciting start to your 60s! And the entire reason for the insanity of us falling out of the sky!