Harper's Ferry, WV for Mother's Day

I actually cannot remember why we went to Harpers Ferry on Mother's Day, but it was beautiful!  Ah, now I remember, it was at the suggestion of friends.  Knowing we are short-timers on the East Coast has us chasing down National Parks like its our J-O-B!  We are on a quest to really take in the sights while we live in this awesome city. 

That said, Harpers Ferry was a solid 2+ hours from our house, but well worth the drive.  We had gorgeous weather for a lovely picnic lunch and the kids enjoyed exploring the buildings in town.  After climbing up to Jefferson Rock, we noticed a small path where you could climb even further.  At the top of the hill there was a beautiful old cemetery with really unique headstones.  We walked through, reading some of the inscriptions and the kids were fascinated by this!

Because of the town's strategic location on the B&O Railroad, Union and Confederate troops moved through Harpers Ferry frequently during the Civil War.  The town changed hands 8 times between 1861-1865!

Sand Art

The kids got a sand art kit for Christmas and had been begging to use it.  On a nice warm day, they took it outside to the picnic table and had a blast mixing colors and making all of their creations!  I should've taken a pic of their final masterpieces...especially now that they've shaken them all up.

Uncle Andrew!

Uncle Andrew had a few hours to kill at Dulles Airport so Abby and I drove over for coffee and snacks.  He told us all about their new house and we can't wait to go visit in July!



Rocket Launch

Alex's last scout meeting of the school year was a rocket launch.  The boys always love this event and those things fly far!!  We are proud of how much the kids learned this year and Brad looks forward to leading this den again in the fall.

Funny Kids

 Brad got this mask on his flight from the US to Singapore and gave it to Alex when he got back.  Alex has slept with it on every night since then.  True story.  Also, Abby is eager for him to get her one on the next flight.

 Lots of scooter riding this year, and lots of stopping to pose for pictures while doing so.

 Alex, doing his homework, incognito.

"Abby, look at Mommy and say cheese", inevitably turns into a photo shoot.

Take Your Child To Work Day

Brad took Brad Jr. to his office for Take Your Child To Work Day.  Here in Fairfax they have a full-blown program of activities all day long in which the children can participate.  In Joliet there was no program so it was not nearly as much fun.  They were gone a full work day and Alex loved being with Brad all day.  Here you can see Alex making a very important deal over the phone (chatting with Mom about what was for dinner most likely).