Fisticuffs at Dawn

I have experienced every mother's fondest wish. Sure, the kids attending Ivy Leagues, that would rank. But this was right up there: Harry and Charlotte recently fought over who could sit on the potty first. It was the best shoving match I've ever refereed. I credit our latest motivational tool -- M & M's. God bless the Mars family.

A 50th Anniversary Celebration

It was with great delight that Paul and I hosted a 50th anniversary party for his parents. The dinner was held at La Bergerie in Old Town Alexandria and the guests came from as far as London (a surprise) to toast two of their most cherished friends. It was a lovely evening. Aside from one blunder (they put candles on the retro 1960-style wedding cake ordered for dessert...eeek!), it was picture perfect. And it was another wonderful opportunity to have family in town, perhaps most notably, Paul's sister Jessica and his aunty Phebe.

FireGirl

Our buddy Marco, 3, passed this awesome firefighter outfit down to Harry. Only Harry wasn't dying to try it on. Charlotte on the other hand went right for the boots and hat during a diaper change. As I reached for the camera, Paul chastened me for taking photos that, were Charlotte older, would be suitable for a certain magazine whose models once sported bunny ears. Nevertheless, I thought she looked precious.

Central Park Perks

I've said it before but it deserves repeating: the playgrounds in Central Park are first-rate - thoughtful, interesting, full of kid-appealing features, pretty, terrific. We spent a lot of time in the several parks near Jim and Eliza's apartment during our last trip, just a few weeks ago. Pictured - a sliding contest.

Hat Face

My mother used to tell me I had a hat face. I think she would have agreed the real prize goes to my daughter.

Fall into Fall at Cox Farms

October means a couple things in our house -- Halloween is big with us -- but it also heralds the opening of Cox Farms in Centreville. And we love it, all of us: the hay, the animals, the super-big toddler smiles. We've even gotten the extended family into the act (Aunty Jessica says you're never too old for a hay ride and I would agree).

Our first trip this season was punctuated by an encounter with a goat that Charlotte had tamed in seconds "sit goat. Sit down goat." And lots of cool adventures on tractors, and down those awesome Cox farms slides. The only question as we left...when could we go back?

Never Can Say Goodbye

It was with heavy hearts (mine and Charlotte's) that we bid farewell to the trove of baby gear that's been mounting in the basement. Charlotte was particularly sad to see the Exersaucer leave the house and insisted on squeezing into it one last time. Note her legs are folded beneath her. I swear it was just last month that her little tiny toes barely reached the ground.