Benedict's Baptism Day

Mothers' Day

Packing for a Short Trip

I'm packing up for a short trip to visit family Sunday through Wednesday and enjoyed choosing some warm-weather things for my suitcase.  I'v packed some simple tee-shirts, two linen blouses, a light sweater, a long white linen skirt, a rose colored linen skirt, a black knit pencil skirt, and a pair of skinny jeans.  I'll also be bringing a lightweight coat, a scarf, a straw hat, sandals, and black flats with a pointy-toe.

Tulips

 I went out to the pharmacy to buy some medicine for my husband and found these lovely double petal tulips near the checkout counter.  How could I resist?

National Museum of American History

Though we've been in The National Museum of American History before, we had never looked at the exhibit on the Pesidents and First Ladies.  Our daughter and I enjoyed looking at the gowns and china that were on display so much. It is amazing to see the difference in fashion throughout the history of our country!

Revolting

Have you ever been tempted by pretty packaging?  I was yesterday.  I saw this tiny chocolate bar in it's chic wrapper and couldn't resist it.  We opened it up at the hotel last night and each took a morsel.  It was the worst chocolate I have ever had.  Ugh.  I did save the wrapper as a bookmark, though!

Cezanne, Pissaro, and Morisot

When we arrived at The Air and Space Museum, I asked my family if it was okay if I took a little solo trip to The National Gallery of Art.  Happily, they said yes!  I crossed the National Mall and climbed the huge stone steps and breathed a sigh of happiness.  I love The National Gallery of Art!  I quickly found one of the current exhibits, Cezanne Portraits, and enjoyed viewing those very much!  On my way out, I also saw some of my favorites by Camille Pissaro and Berthe Morisot.  Although I missed my little people very much, it was amazing to be able to stand in front of these masterpieces for whole minutes at a time and not be dragged away too quickly by eager hands.  

The Feast of Saint Emilia

Today was my namesday!  My husband had a little work to do in Washington D.C., so the children and I tagged along.  While he was working, I took the children to have an early lunch and to do a little walking around in some shops that we don't have where we live (The Container Store, Sur la Table, and World Market).  Our little girl bought a light summer bathrobe at World Market and I found some Dala Horse Swedish gummy candies that we like there as well.  On our way to pick up my husband, who was running a little late, we were able to pop into Whole Foods.  I chose a slice of fruity cheesecake for the children and me to share and a chocolate cake ball for Father John to enjoy after his lunch.  After Father was finished with his work, we drove to The Air and Space Museum and The National Gallery of Art for a few hours of wandering.  I chose Shake Shack for my namesday dinner and it was delicious!  We'll have a little more sightseeing tomorrow as s family and then we'll head home around lunchtime.

Candleglow

We had my mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law here for dinner tonight.  I served one of our favorite meals:  baked chicken with barbeque sauce, loaded potatoes, and veggies and dip.  My mother-in-law brought a delicious kale salad to share and I made chocolate chip cookies for dessert.  My father-in-law is visiting for the next few days so that he can attend our older children's violin recital tomorrow night.  I'm glad that we can all be together and enjoy one another's company...  it's been a bit of a hard road since my in law's divorce over ten year ago.

Puttering on a Saturday

It is no secret that I love leisurely Saturdays!  Today was a day for pancakes and bacon, laundering sheets, and tending to various planters around the house.  I filled up a box with geraniums for the front porch and was able to start the arduous process of relining the window boxes in the front of the house with new coconut liners and fresh dirt.  I still have two to do because the store ran out of the liners, but I am well on my way to finishing that up.  Our English ivy died (again) over the cold winter, so we will have to come up with a solution to fill those inexpensively.  It was nice to putter around with little projects today!  

Star Wars Day

Father John has been away on a business trip this week and is returning today, so the children and I made this silly banner to welcome him home.  Once he has returned and seen it, I think that our Star Wars obsessed boys will enjoy hanging it in their room.

Nineteen Hundred House Dishcloths

I have been working on these darling buttercup yellow Nineteen Hundred House dishcloths for a friend this week.  I know that I've mentioned this pattern multiple times, but it really is a great one!  I love how unique the pattern is and how easy it is to follow.

Terrain

Whenever we make the trip to Longwood, I try to also fit in a visit to Terrain.  This shop is one of my favorite places to browse.  I usually only buy one or two trinkets, but come away with a wealth of inspiration and enjoy rearranging things in the house and garden afterward!

Longwood Gardens in Early May

The children and I took a little day trip to Longwood Gardens today.  I don't think that I have ever visited at this time of year, so everything was new and exciting to us.  It was wonderful to see all of the gorgeous mid-spring flowers blooming...  many of them are my favorite kinds.  It was brilliantly sunny and hot so we only stayed for a few hours, but I think that we made the most of our trip.