The Sprayground

It is officially summer in Alexandria!! On Memorial Day weekend the pools opened and the water was turned on at the parks. However, I would not stick my big toe in a pool right now because the water hasn't quite caught up with the weather. Maybe we will venture to the pool in a couple of weeks.

On Tuesday we met some friends at a park that has a sprayground. Jackson is always a little shy at first, but he jumped right in there and had a blast. It was so much to watch him run up, touch the water, and then come screaming over laughing to tell me about it each time!

Once he grew a little braver he just started running through the water like a wild man. He would play in the water for awhile, and then he would just take off running. Suddenly it would be back to the water, but not before a quick stop at the playground equipment. Let's just say that the key to a nice long nap is to wear them out. Oh how I have missed you, summer!

He did take two quick breaks so mom could lather on the sunscreen and fill his belly with a quick picnic lunch. I thought we would go sit in the shade, but nope we had to sit right there by the water! He just didn't want to miss out on watching all the other kids enjoy the water also. He came home laughing and saying, "All the girls and boys get wet. FUN!"

I Love a Man in Argyle

God blessed us with beautiful Friday afternoon. After a couple of days of rainy cool weather, we woke up Friday morning to sunshine and warmth. In the morning we headed out to our weekly music class and then grabbed a bite to eat with friends. There was no way that we were staying inside after Jackson's nap, so we loaded up and walked to the park. It was such a blessing to have a nice unexpected warm day before the cold sets in for good around here. We have had such a beautiful Fall, and I hate to see it coming to an end.

I just love argyle, and I can't ever get Mark to wear an argyle sweater. So I was hoping that he would see how handsome a guy can look sporting argyle. Tell me if don't agree . . . .



Playing car cars at the park is very serious work.


I couldn't get the boy to smile UNTIL a dog came along. He spent the next 5 minutes talking to dog in his high pitched dog voice.


When we finally came home from the park, daddy was waiting outside for us. He kept saying how handsome Jackson looked in his sweater vest. So there might just be hope of seeing daddy in argyle too
one day . . . . .

A Day at the Park

Last week we went to Wal-Mart, and they have all of their Halloween stuff out. Jackson spotted a pumpkin from afar, and it was love at first sight. So of course, the 99 cent pumpkin came home with us. Later that day it was just too beautiful to stay in doors (oh how I love Fall), so we headed out to the park. As we were walking out the door, I notice that Jackson has Dog in one hand and the pumpkin in the other. After having a discussion about how he won't be able to run and play with his hands full, he told me, "I fine, momma, I fine." Here we are at the park . . . .

Jackson, Dog, Pumpkin, and juice


Even Pumpkin gets a turn down the slide. Jackson never wants to leave anyone out.


And of course, momma was right - I got left hanging out with Dog, Pumpkin, and juice while Jackson ran wild at the park.

Wednesday Fun Days

This summer my friends and I have decided to explore DC and the surrounding areas on a quest to find the best this area has to offer. So far, we have done pretty good! Most of our outings have been quite cheap if not free which is always nice. Our first adventure took us to Frying Pan Park. Kidwell Farm is a working farm of the 1930's that provides a glimpse of family farming in northern Virginia. It was hard to believe that we were just outside of DC.

And on the farm we had a pig, e-i-e-i-o! With an oink oink here . . . .

Doesn't he look a pro tractor driver? I think he gets it from his Papa who claims he grew up on a farm?!?!

The whole gang (well actually just half the gang) on the hay ride around the farm land.

Then next week we went to Burke Lake Park, and Jackson was in pure heaven! We got to ride an actual Choo Choo! He would not play until he rode the train. He had his mind set that he was going to ride that train, and he was going to ride it now. He is still talking about choo choos and tunnels. I guess we might just have to head back for round two!

Jackson is admiring the choo choo engine while heading to pick out his seat!

Seriously mom, when is this thing going to start moving?

Hanging on tight while the choo choo is chugging along.

To finish the day we rode on a "neigh neigh" - life can't get much better than that!

Tomorrow the tradition continues - a water day at a friend's house. It should be a wet and wild one!

Best Park Ever

We just got home from our friend Alex's first birthday party, and Jackson is slap worn out in his crib. The birthday party was at the Clemyjontri Park, which I must now say is the best park ever. Before I show pictures of this amazing park, I must give a little background information, because it truly makes the park even sweeter! The Lebowitz Family donated this 18 acre property to create a park where all kids are welcomed. The entire park is designed to bring children of all abilities together to play side-by-side. The rubber surfacing allows wheelchairs easy mobility (which also saves knees from bo-bos), and the equipment is filled with sensory rich gadgets! Needless to say, Jackson had a fabulous time! Thanks Alex for letting us help you celebrate your first birthday!

This is an aerial shot of the park.


Out of all that play equipment, we just could not pull Jackson away from the bus!


And when we did pull him away, he went straight to the choo choo!


If you want to read more about this park, here is a link to the website:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/clemyjontri/

Batting Practice

Saturday was a perfect day to head to the park for some good ole batting practice. So we loaded the stroller down with refreshments, a t-ball set, and of course lil' boy! Before stepping up to the plate, we had to first run around and loosen up. Then we had to do some more running through the park. At last, we were ready to start swinging. Since Jackson is such a big boy now, he quickly refused the tutorials from mom and dad. He didn't care that he was holding the bat like a golf club. But throughout the afternoon he worked on his form, and by the end of the day he was looking pretty sharp. Uncle Ryan and Papa should be proud - we might have another baseball star in the family!

Stepping up to the plate for the first time.
We need to work on the form a little, but hey he hit it!

Running to first - which he enjoyed more than the hitting. He loves to run!

Ok, guys - that's enough. I am taking my bat and going home!