Brick by Brick - Bodgers building Bodgers

Kite Festival and Cherry Blossoms

A few months ago while at REI, Jed bought this great kite that is supposed to fly when there is hardly a breath of air. On countless occassions, we have tried to fly the damn thing but to no avail. So, we thought we try our luck at this annual Cherry Blossom Kity Festival which took place on the National Mall. Sadly, we didn't have any better luck getting that kite to fly.

But, as a last minute purchase one day, Jed also bought a $3 kite at Target. And with hardly a breeze in the air, that kite flew. Go figure.

While her dad loved flying the kite, Imogen was more interested in just checking it out.

We called the guy flying this kite the showoff becuase he was able to get this huge kite to fly when absolutely no one else could. It was impressive and incredibly aggravating.

Our trusty sidekick, Two protecting our stroller.

After we were done with the kites, we strolled over to the Tidal Basin to see the last remaining cherry blossoms and feed the ducks.

The Greatest Show on Earth

We are always game to share our childhood experiences with Imogen and even relive them when we can. Sometimes we get a little ahead of ourselves. Case in point, the circus came to town a few weeks ago and we took the little girl. While she loved the elephants and the big cats, she wasn't too fond of much else. Oh well, we'll chalk this up to a family experience and make a mental note that a 16 month old will probably be more interested in eating and throwing popcorn than she is in watching a show.

Staunton, Virginia

About a month ago, Jed surprised the family with a weekend getaway to Staunton, Virginia. It was a chance to get away from everything and just spend some quality time as a family of three. We had no idea what Staunton had to offer and were pleasantly surprised to find a quaint, small town with a strong artistic presence.

Jed booked a small loft in downtown Staunton which Imogen immediately loved for its open spaces (and no baby gates).

Here Imogen is getting herself ready go out on the town at 7:30 am.

We convinced her to take it easy and eat a bit of breakfast first. She was so proud of herself to be sitting in a big girl chair...

Dad doing a little breakfast prep or post-brekie clean-up.

The place was decorated with cool little trinkets and art from local artists. Unfortunately, I missed taking pictures of the ginormous insects that were on display in the little display windows between the bedroom and living room. (Think six inch moth and three inch spider...BLAH).

Staunton, VA is home to the world's only replica of Shakespeare's Black Friar's Playhouse. They have daily productions and tours of the theater. Unfortunately, kiddos are not allowed in the shows but we were able to take a tour of the building. Our tour guide was so excited and impressed to have met a real life Imogen. Apparently, Cymbyline is her favorite Shakespearean Play.

View from the stage.

Tiff just taking it all in from the balcony...

Imogen was less than impressed at this point and really just wanted to take a nap. Like always, she was a trooper and made it until the end of the tour.

We headed to a local park to let Iggy run around. She was a huge fan of the rocking dinosaur, swing, and train.

We happened upon this old cemetery and decided to take a look.

We are always surprised that we live so close to the South and were a bit shocked to find this huge memorial grave site where hundreds of unnamed Confederate soldiers were buried.

Imogen was fascinated by a zombie finger puppet she found in the car (one of many random things you find in our car and house). We thought it only appropriate to take a picture of her, her zombie, and the cemetery.

What better place to take a belly and baby shot than in front of a cemetery. Yikes. At any rate, here's the kiddo, belly, and Tiff at about 32 weeks preggers.

Hospital Visit

Around the time that Ryan came out, I started experiencing these weird visual issues and migraines. After dealing with it for about a week, we got the directive from my doctor to go to the ER to have it checked out. Jed decided to document the evening activity.

Imogen was a trooper. We were in the ER for a total of three hours (during her dinner and bedtime) and she was amazingly calm and composed. I think she just loved hanging with Mom and Dad in a "fun" new setting.

After an ER visit, an OB visit, and an neuro-opthamalogist visit, everything seems to be in working order. No health problems to report.

Iggy Loves Uncle Ry's Shoes

Ry came out for a quick visit and to move out his stuff. He and Imogen had a great time catching up and running around. Iggy loved Uncle Ry's shoes and Aunt Wee Wee's sunglasses.

Note the too small pants that have now become her favorite capris, the almost-belly shirt that she insists on wearing all the time, and the popped collar. She definitely has her own style.

Ry's car all packed up. We were all impressed and a little shocked at all the stuff that he was able to fit into his Jeep. It was like a life sized tetris puzzle.

Getting ready to take off. We were also a little shocked that his car made it all the way across the country without incident...

Gramps Comes for a Visit

Gramps came for a visit in March. We had a great time hanging out with him and Imogen loved playing with him at the playground and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum at Dulles.

Imogen stealing another little girl's stroller at the playground. She didn't seem to think it was too big a deal despite the screams from the other girl.

Slide time.

We headed to a Caps game where Imogen was her usual lovely self, clapping and cheering on her favorite players and waving at the zamboni drivers. (She loves those zambonis and was annoyed that I was taking a picture while they were cleaning the ice).