Changing of the Guard

Mariana flew back to Brazil today. We were going to go to the airport to send her off, but she asked us not to so that the kids wouldn't remember her leaving sad. So we said our good-byes on Friday afternoon before heading to the airport to pick up our new au pair, Lara. Mariana was a wonderful addition to our family and she will definitely be missed. She on to bigger and better things and we wish her nothing but the best as she embarks on her next adventure, college in San Francisco.

Elliot was very excited to pick up Lara at the airport. He brought the "welcome" sign that he and Mariana made for her and he gave her a hug when he met her. He got to spend lots of time this weekend getting to know Lara and he really likes her. He does miss Mariana though but as he told me the other night, "I am sad about Mariana, but not sad about Lara."

Beatrice also seems to like Lara, but has also had a little separation anxiety. I expected this and hope that it won't last long. Lara, like Mariana, is from Brazil. Given how far away from home she is, she probably has a little separation anxiety of her own. Hopefully we are making her feel right at home.

Great to See You!

We saw lots of friends during the month of May! We ended the month with a party at the Lamb's house (Tory, Phil, and Charlotte) Charlotte is 2 and Elliot adores her. I didn't bring my camera so I have no pictures to share. The party was packed with kids who were all kept busy by a mini moon bounce, water guns, popcicles, and a movie! Yeah, Elliot had a blast.


Some other friends we saw this month...


Mommy stayed with out friends the Amans in Richmond. Elliot was so bummed that he didn't get to see his buddy Clare. They did get to talk to each other on the phone.

We had a little cook out that included lots of Elliot's little friends including Charlotte and Conor.

Our friends the Andrews-Scheideler's stopped by for a quick visit (all the way from Colorado).

Our friend Karen stopped by after spotting the kids at the Metro. She was in town for a wedding by was working out of her east coast office (which is right around the corner) for a couple of days. Elliot LOVED Karen. She has two boys of her own and knows all kinds of cool wrestling moves.





Lightning McQueen

Happy Mother's Day! We had a lovely Mother's Day at our house. Beatrice let me sleep in, Daddy made me breakfast, and Elliot gave me a beautiful picture frame that he made at school. After breakfast and some time spent playing in the yard we ventured in to town (Silver Spring) to see a special appearance by Lightning McQueen and friends from the Disney movie Cars. This is one of Elliot's favorite movies and he was very excited, even though we had to stand in a long line. While in line we ran into one of Mommy's old friends from summer camp/high school, Matt Kennedy, and his family. Elliot and Matt's son Max are the same age and both waited very patiently for their turn to see the cars.

After seeing the Cars we wandered around an art market that was also taking place down town. It was another beautiful Spring Day to be out and and about!

All the kids in line got Cars sunglasses and a Cars key chain.

Elliot and Max

Bea liked the sun glasses too.

We had pictures taken of us in front of the cars and should receive them by email in a couple of days.

May Flowers

This morning we ventured into Washington for breakfast and the National Cathedral Flower Market. We ate breakfast at bustling restaurant close to Cleveland park - a neighborhood we LOVE! The kids were very well behaved and everyone liked their food. After breakfast we headed to the Cathedral where the flower market was just getting started. The market is held every Mother's Day Weekend. We were expecting lots of flowers and were surprised to find a pretty small flower section and lots of arts and crafts, jewelery, and food stands. It also had a huge area for kids with rides and moon bounces. I think it would be better described as a carnival. We had a great time and it could not have been a more perfect day to be outside.

We also took some time to walk through the cathedral and its many gardens. It is such a beautiful place!

Elliot took time to smell all of the flowers.

Beatrice showing off her new barrette - purchased at the market.