National Mall and Carousel

Mason,

To kick off Father's Day weekend, we grabbed breakfast at Eastern Market. Yes, you and Daddy are dressed alike. That's my fault. I insisted!

After your morning nap, we headed down to the National Mall, where you took your first ride on the carousel.

Then, we walked to some of the monuments.

Here you are at the World War II Memorial, in front of your home state pillar.

The Lincoln Memorial has always been one of our favorites.

We played and snacked on a blanket under some shade.

And then we rode the carousel again. Once just wasn't enough.

What a fun day and a great kickoff to Daddy's special weekend!

XOXO,

Mommy

one turkey picks up another

Mason,

A few years ago, I discovered the delight of cooking and eating a fresh turkey on Thanksgiving. Part of the experience includes joining the masses in picking up turkeys at Eastern Market a day or two before the holiday. What a joy to take you with me this year!

Grandma and Grandpa helped us prep for Thanksgiving dinner--I couldn't have pulled off this meal without their help this year. I would get 10 minutes into a recipe, you would start fussing, and I would return 30 minutes later to find the dish completed by Grandma and Grandpa. They did all the work while I cared for you--what lifesavers!

Here we are at the end of the turkey line.

We waited in line 40 minutes. You were a doll and put yourself to sleep in your car seat.

But then you woke up and helped me select fresh flowers for the table.

You weighed more than the turkey, but not much. You will have less patience for the turkey line in future years, if you accompany me on this errand. I hope you will, though. It's one of my favorite DC Thanksgiving traditions. I loved having you with me this year!

XOXO,
Mommy

week in review

Mason,

We've had quite the week. Besides our shopping excursion, we visited Daddy at his work for lunch, met baby Caroline, and took a family walk on Veterans Day, when Daddy was home with us.

We strolled from our house to Daddy's office this time, and it worked out so much better. It was a beautiful day, and you can't beat the view.

Daddy works long days and doesn't get to see you much during the week, so he appreciated our visit. Plus, you can't beat lunch in the Longworth cafeteria!

You were really good and allowed Daddy and me to finish our lunch before you woke up to eat your own.

On Thursday, we went over to my friend Allison's house to see her and to meet your baby friend, Caroline. You did a great job of being gentle with her.

Today was chilly and windy, but we took you out anyway to get some fresh air. We live within walking distance of some beautiful landmarks. Here you are in front of the Supreme Court building.

And this building should look familiar to you.

Washington, DC is a pretty neat hometown, huh? Not too many babies grow up with the United States Capitol and pretty monuments in their backyards.

Daddy and I relish strolling the city streets with you. It's no wonder you have a love/hate relationship with the car--you hardly ride in it.

Love you!

Mommy

one week old

Mason,

To celebrate your turning one week old, we left the house. Daddy carried you to the farmers market behind our house in the Baby Bjorn. We go to the farmers market every Saturday morning during the market's season. This is your first of many trips!

We gave you a tour of our usually beautiful, but now much neglected back yard on our way home after the market. 

Then we hopped in the car and drove down to my favorite annual DC event: the National Book Festival.  Usually I attend this event in its entirety. This year, that wasn't possible, but I still wanted you to make an appearance at your first book festival, and to pick up a poster and take a family picture. An extremely nice DC parking enforcement officer allowed us to park illegally right near the festival so that we could hop out for a few minutes.

We couldn't help but snap your first picture in front of the United States Capitol on our way back to the car. You live in an amazing city, Mason!

We're looking forward to many more fun outings in the future!

Love,

Mommy