Happy Independence Day!

I was happy to have a mix this year of a hometown-feel parade and capital-of-our-nation fireworks. Our neighborhood puts on a very low-key parade that marches down 8th St, just half a block from our house. It has the distinction, however, of being led out by the Marine Corps band, as their barracks just happen to reside on our street. Someone joked that what follows is mostly an endorsement for Phil & Ted's (a popular brand of stroller here), but I thought it was a lot of fun to see the different preschools, churches, community groups, etc. get out and participate. Another friend described it this way, "Half the neighborhood watches and the other half marches."



We walked to the Capitol Building (half a mile from our house) for a view of the national fireworks. We weren't ready to brave the crowds during the day to secure our place to hear Barry Manilow (boo-hoo), but we caught the fireworks with minimal stroller jostling on our way there and back.

Firehouse Tour

We've had two great preschool outings to local firehouses. Don't know if they are as friendly in your town, but they were more than happy to show us around, let the kids get into the trucks, etc. We taught the kids about safety and the importance of what firefighters do.

Duke Ellington Jazz Fest

I love live jazz. And, so much of the D.C. annual festival was free! We took the girls to the kick-off event at the Phillips Collection, a great art museum in D.C. that is well worth a visit if you have "been there, done that" with the Smithsonian museums. One of our favorite parts was the "instrument petting zoo" where kids could hold and try many different instruments.

Ballet Recital

Claire took a "pre-ballet" class at a community center around the corner from us. The focus of the class was on listening and following, but just putting on the outfit made her feel like a real ballerina. On the last day, they put on a "petite recital."  

What I love about this picture are all the proud parents in the reflection.

Their VERY patient teacher, Miss Heidi.

"tendu"

The highlight for Claire: ballerina cupcakes at the end.

Claire's Latest

Hope I'm not boring you, but here are some more photos of Claire's...

Sandy Point

We went to Sandy Point Beach near Annapolis with our playgroup.  The girls had loads of fun.  Once my hands were sandy, I didn't pull out the camera again, but there were 11 kids total and a bunch of moms.  Claire loved the water.  Sylvie loved the sand.

Green Juice

A friend told me she makes "green juice" for her kids.  I thought I would give it a try.  In the blender: lots of fresh spinach, juice from a can of pineapple and a package of silken tofu.  They liked it (for a while anyway).  J was not such a big fan.