Some friends

Just a quick post to give a shout out (as the kids say) to some of our good friends. Recently we had the opportunity to entertain our friend Stacey who was in town from San Francisco for a Book Expo. Madeleine and I gave Stacey a driving tour of D.C. including a personal visit of some my past schools and haunts and then she joined us for a homecooked meal. It was great seeing her and we hopefully will have the chance to see her and her hubby Brandon the next time we head out west.


A few days later, old buddy Jeff returned to D.C. for a brief visit. His main objective was to see his very first Nats home game. He saw them once before in NYC where he's lived for many years now. Sadly, the game against the Orioles was a dull, listless affair. The following day, however, we had the chance to take him to one of our favorite places in downtown Silver Spring -- a terrific Pho restaurant whose name now escapes me. Always a pleasure to see Jeff, we hope he has a chance to venture down again soon.


While we're on the topic of friends, Madeleine's pal Julian invited us to his sister's first birthday the other day. Olivia (and her mommy) offered us a delicious pizza and cupcake lunch. Madeleine and her friend Aidan joined Julian in wishing Olivia a happy birthday. Unfortunately, Addie Rose was unable to attend but little brother Gabe made sure she and her dad got a cupcake. As for Josephine, she slept through the entire affair.

There's No Cryin' in Baseball

More photos here.

Enjoyed a spectacular day at the ballpark yesterday as Madeleine and Josephine watched the Nationals dominate the Dodgers, 10-4, at RFK. Fanatastic day for a game, sunny and a packed house (at least the lower bowl). The Nats looked great, full of energy, hustle and passion.

They also made me look like a baseball whiz (which I am not). Two friendly if unfamiliar fans next to us asked me early in the second inning who the best players were on the Nats. I told them Soriano was the biggest name, Nick Johnson was the most consistent and Ryan Zimmerman was the rookie with a lot of promise. At the end of the day, Soriano and Zimmerman had homered and Johnson nailed two homers. Thanks guys for the ego boost (and the great game).

Madeleine followed the game closely while her sister slept soundly through the first four innings, had a diaper change as the Dodgers had a pitching change and watched intently with a keen eye for the later innings (we left after the seventh).

Highlights of the day included a tasty salted pretzel and HUGE bucket of red and blue cotton candy for Madeleine, a spicy sausage and two beers for Dad, a sausage and bag of peanuts for mom (and some of Dad's beer), and "the usual" for Josephine.

ALSO of NOTE: Earlier in the day, Josephine set the world's record for taking to the bottle. She needed only one attempt to successfully draw milk and downed the entire bottle (which was half full) in about five minutes.

To the Pool!

Josephine takes her first post-breakfast nap. Madeleine searches for swimsuits. The pool is opening today, and Madeleine has been waiting to swim since Labor Day. It promises to be a good day.

Updated: Went over to the pool, had a fine time. We were joined by good friends Eve and Rachel, and their mom. Madeleine can now stand in the kids area of the pool and she is excited to start swim lessons later this summer. Josephine slept and watched her sister jump into the pool (over and over again). Mom made a delicious picnic lunch with drumsticks, pasta salad, apples and bread. Yum.