Mount Vernon

This year we have really been taking advantage of the gorgeous fall weekends to spend some time outside and soak in beautiful northern Virginia.  So again this weekend, we ventured out, this time to George and Martha Washington's house -- Mount Vernon.  It was such a pretty, relaxing day with some wonderful old friends.

 This particular weekend was the fall festival at Mount Vernon, so there were some extra attractions for the kids.

Simone in the hay maze.

A handmade corn husk doll.  Simone and mommy crafted it.

Along the banks of the Potomac River.

Playing with old fashioned hoop toys.

And when all else fails... it makes a decent hula hoop.

Just stunning autumn colors!

And a little remind of the season to come.... can't wait!!!  But first we'll get through Halloween this week.

Simone Returns to the White House

Yesterday we spent a wonderful Sunday afternoon in DC taking Simone back for her second tour of the White House--her first was when she was just 14 months old.  I'm not sure she was all that impressed then or now, but the grown ups had a great time.  We  first spent some time at the White House Garden Tour where we walked the South Lawn, saw the first daughters'  play set, and had a view of the first family's vegetable garden and the Rose Garden.  

A view of the Washington Monument from the South Lawn.

Simone in front of the Obama play set.  She could not fathom why she wasn't allowed to play on a perfectly empty play set.  I think that's where she totally lost interest in all things presidential --LOL!

The President's podium in the Rose Garden.

I can only dream that one day Simone will actually look AT the camera when we take a photo in front of the Rose Garden.

After lunch we had a special tour of the interior of the White House.  Only limited pictures were permitted, but here are a few.

Grandad and Simone in front of the Old Executive Office Building.

In the White House Press Room.

My favorite photo of the day.

And Simone's favorite photo of the day.

Visiting the Market Fair

Grandad and Linda have come to visit, and today was an ideal autumn day to visit the Claude Moore Farm Market Fair.  It was a fun way to learn about how Virginia farmers lived in the late 1700s.   Daddy was the photographer of the day, so there weren't too many pictures, but here's a small sample.

Simone in front of the farm house.

Grandad talking to a "local militia member."

Taking a look at the bbq spit. 

Simone making her very own paper fan.

Everyone really enjoyed the Market Fair and being outdoors on such a beautiful day.  More adventures tomorrow, stay tuned...

Another Fall Festival

What a great day! Gram and Pop are visiting for the weekend and yesterday, Uncle Jim, Aunt Jen and the boys came down to join in the fun.  We had a wonderful time at the Cox Farm Fall Festival, which is always such a great way to kick off the season.

 This was Simone's 6th annual visit to the festival, but the rope swings and hay slides just never get old.

Even hay bales are fun with friends!

And we just couldn't resist some huge, freshly dipped candy apples...

 Daddy enjoyed the pumpkin sling shot game as much as Simone.

The final slide of the day.

 Daddy's FAVORITE part of the day was getting this text as we left the festival.  Mommy was NOT impressed.

And finally, my little pumpkin posing with her little pumpkin that she selected on the way out.

What a fun day!