Having fun & meeting people in DC

It's hard to believe we only have one week left in DC as our little family of 4.  Time flies when you're having fun, right!?

I have been thoroughly enjoying our time here, especially since we're surrounded by other people who are in the same kind of lifestyle.  Our apartment complex is full of couples and families who are here for just a few months, maybe a year, and then are moving overseas.   Alex, Natalie and I have been attending the playgroup twice a week, and I have organized a few outings with other women in the area,who are married to guys doing the same job as Aaron.  It's so much fun and oddly comforting to talk to all these people who know exactly what we're going through. Kind of like free therapy!  The downside is that by July, we'll all be spread out around the globe, and our friendships will be limited to the WWW.  Sigh.

This week we also met Jim, who will be Aaron's "co-pilot" at work when we get overseas.  We had him here for dinner and he's just a super nice guy.  Get this, dear family - he grew up in Valpo!  No joke!   Anyway, he and Aaron will be sharing a small office for two years, so it's good that they get a chance to connect now. 

Last weekend we sweat our way through the over-crowded National Zoo, but it was all worth it to see the look on Alex's face each time he saw another animal.  This weekend we have big plans to return to Mount Vernon, try out our apartment's pool, ride the train at Cabin John park in Maryland, and enjoy a Mother's Day lunch at Le Pain Quotidien.

Back at home, Nick and Olivia are keeping busy with school, music practice, and the "chores" Papa has them do. : )  They both did a great job at the LCS fundraiser marathon!  I am anxious to see them next week, but I'm starting to wonder if they'll want to leave Grandpa and Grandma's. I know they love being there and are being entertained by steady parade of relatives. There are rumors that they're going to Lego Discovery Center tomorrow.....

And now, pictures of silly kids:

Alex & friends Ceiba and Max at the Chesapeake Bay watershed in Arlington - they love throwing rocks!