Finally Fall

At long last, it is really starting to feel like fall here. And one of our favorite fall traditions is Spooky Bingo at Simone's school.  We have been going each year since Simone started first grade, and though we've never actually won the bingo, it's a fun night nonetheless.  Each year she picks her costume -- this year she insisted on a toy soldier.

This year's 5th grade Simone (and her last Spooky Bingo) ...

...with her school principal.

And throwback to 2013...

1st grade Simone with daddy at her first bingo.

Our original bingo daubers that we've been using since our very first Spooky Bingo.

The last number of the night!

We made a pretty good bingo team, even if we didn't win.

Playing with a friend during clean up.

A pose on the bingo stage.

Sorry Simone, no luck tonight!

After bingo, we went straight to Noku Sushi for a late night snack.  Simone's favorite...

Today we had a brilliant autumn day exploring a little bit of our very own Loudoun County.  We headed over to Purcellville to enjoy lunch and check out their downtown.

Had lunch on the outdoor patio at Magnolia's. 

This station is at the very very end of the W&OD trail which we've biked parts of several times.  We've yet to bike all the way to the end but we will soon!

 Virginia wine country is such a lovely place anytime of year, but especially on a clear sunny autumn day with the colorful foliage.

Couldn't miss the tea store downtown.  Yes, we of course, bought more tea!

And finally, a shot of the stunning sky as the sun set on our perfect day.  

A Belated Birthday Party

This past weekend we road tripped up to PA to celebrate Simone's birthday with her cousins, per her request.   We combined a few of her favorite activities to construct a day full of birthday fun.

We began with a birthday lunch at a Japanese restaurant called Kome.  All the kids loved the hibachi and Simone, of course, couldn't resist the sushi.

Holding her newest second cousin, Emmy, at the restaurant.

Believe it or not, as often as we eat Japanese food, this was Simone's very first hibachi meal.

Special birthday dessert, compliments of Kome.

 Next up, we organized a birthday scavenger hunt at the local outdoor mall.  The girls had a BLAST with this.  Simone loves, loves, loves scavenger hunts and doing one with her cousins was icing on the proverbial (birthday) cake.

After the scavenger hunt, we headed back to her aunt's house for cake and gifts with the whole family.  

A very fun and successful celebration, indeed! A special day for our special little--that's right, I still get to say little-- girl!!