Anniversary trip - D.C.

Last month Benny and took a weekend trip to D.C. to celebrate our anniversary. I hadn't been there since we moved away from Alexandria 9 years ago. Mom was very gracious to watch the kids so we could get out and have some uninterrupted time!

We had some amazing food while we were there - the first night was a Laotian restaurant.

We took a walk by the harbor then hung out in the hotel lounge for dessert and people-watching. 

Our room had a great view and our stay included room service both mornings for breakfast.

We walked around the National Mall Saturday and also visited the Natural History Museum.

That evening we had plans to go see a comedian we've loved for a long time, Jim Gaffigan. The theater was right on the harbor and the show was so good we were in tears!

We went to an Irish pub for dinner after the show then did some more walking.

Breakfast the next morning.

We walked around the rest of the mall Sunday morning before packing up.

Being here brought back so many memories - it's so beaufitul!

We walked for a while trying to get a look at the White House which proved very difficult. I think we walked around the whole thing and this is the best view we could get through a fence blocks away.

It was a wonderful much needed trip!

Riser is FOUR!

Riser is FOUR! I will input his stats after his well-check next week. He still naps just about every day but they are getting shorter - down from three hours to about one and a half. He finally potty trained this past year not long after he turned three. 

This past year Riser has learned all of his colors, basic shapes, and we are starting to work on letters. He knows the ones in his name and a small handful of others. He can count to 20 and is learning patterns. He still doesn't have any interest in coloring or crafts - most of his art is still scribbles. 

Riser's favorite person is his sister. They still share a room, and he still instigates often but she is very patient with him. He started quickball (tee ball) a couple weeks ago and is very excited about it. He loves dinosaurs, Hot Wheels and any kind of water play. He is our cuddler and loves to be cozy under a blanket or pillows.  

His personality still shines and his joy is contagious. He doesn't know a stranger and still has a hard time waiting his turn to speak. He has learned a lot of self-control and is getting better at expressing himself with his words. He is never embarrassed and is constantly making us laugh with the silly things he says. The latest quote from Riser that we now use in our house "I don't know what you're saying but I love to hear you talk." 

Riser brings so much color to our world. He lives up to his nickname (Sonny/Sunny) with the light he emanates. He has definitely been the most difficult to parent, but makes up for it in spades with the laughter and joy he spreads to us and everyone around him. Happy birthday!

Riser's Birthday

Riser turned 4 this past weekend! He was very excited leading up and would tell anyone who would listen that he was going to play baseball and go to Busch Gardens on his birthday. It was a Saturday so Bonnie had her first soccer game and Riser had his first t-ball practice. After practice, we went to Busch Gardens where mom met up with us. Then she and Dave brought over pizza and we had cake. It was a full day but a memorable one, and he had a great time!

Happy birthday to our little man! We are so blessed by your life - you bring so much color to our world!