Harper had coach Jason again for the 7^th grade basketball season though the team’s dynamics were much different than the year prior.  

Harper enjoyed the season and towards the end tried out for Thoreau’s Cross Town Hoops 7^th Grade Girls team, which she made. 

She took a break from basketball for a few months in the Spring and re-engaged this Summer at Madison Basketball Camp where the highlight was doing MJ’s I’m Bad dance routine. 

The Spring soccer season kicked off with two back-to-back tournaments, in which they played well, placing second in one, a great start to the season. 

After the first week of the official regular season, they had tryouts for the following year.  Harper had a borderline birthday and was ecstatic to find out she made the higher age group.

The season seemed to go by quicker than normal.  Twice she played Hannah Brophy!

Fall season of SMASH followed by JV Season at Madison. 

Emerson played against some of her former teammates.

This girl can crush the ball! 

Action in the field was minimal in comparison to travel ball. 

Games were two hours, so they didn’t feel rushed; Emerson often got 3 – 4 at bats each game.

The season went by quick, and she had a few months break before summer season, which was only a total of three tournaments due to some rainouts and logistics with the team’s availability.

Dance competition season started out with quite the recognition in True Talent.

• Big Time – Second place, Platinum, Judges Award for Precision
• Rain to Snow – First place and Platinum
• Bring It on Home – Fifth place and Platinum
• Teen A – Triple Threat Award
• Honest, Avery’s solo – Platinum, 2^nd place in category, 10^th overall (out of 25), an invitation to Dance Wars at Platinum Nationals, Stand Out Soloist Award

Unfortunately, shin splints plagued Avery starting in February and a conservative approach (a boot) left her out of dance for a while and missing her last competition of the season. 

She healed enough to be able to get back to dance in time for the Spring Ballet….Peter Pan this year!

She finished the season strong with nine performances in the recital.   With eight dances and ten costume changes, Avery decided to invest in a dance suitcase to transport all her costume easily!

The production piece was a compilation of songs and dances from The Greatest Showman and it was absolutely fantastic!

Did I ever share that we bought a second property???  A few years ago, I got it in my head that I wanted to invest in a property that we would rent out.  Of course, we would visit sometimes and enjoy it as well. 

Well for a year or so, it was more my dream (maybe even a fantasy would be a better word…I think that is how Justin would have categorized it).  Somewhere over the course of the year, the fantasy grew on him and before we knew it, we began doing the research and exploring markets. 

In order to enjoy our property, it had to be in driving distance.  We looked at Outer Banks, Charleston, West Virginia, Richmond, and Williamsburg.  While those were all decent places, the cost of the purchase combined with all the other factors (reasons for visiting, seasonability, etc.) didn’t make sense.  One day, I thought back to our Pittsburgh family trip from a few winters prior and every morning upon sleeping on it, Pittsburgh still was the one. 

Once we decided on Pittsburgh, even more research occurred…if you know Justin and me, we are extremely analytical and rationale people, so this decision was well thought out. 

The house hunting began; we passed up many because the numbers didn’t work.  We put offers into a few that we didn’t get…with it being a second property being the highest bidder and winning at all costs was not part of our plan.  We looked at a lot of properties virtually and made a few day and overnight trips to Pittsburgh to see some places in person.  One in person trip we found our way to 4815 Dearborn Street, and we knew pretty quickly that this place had potential. It had been remodeled already and while it still needed some work, nothing major.  We put a contract in for list price and through negotiations got the price down to what we wanted. And just like that we had a 4 bedroom, 3 bath rowhome in Pittsburgh.  

From the moment we submitted the offer, everything went into fast forward…finding general contractors, plumbers, roofers, landscapers to come out to give assessments. And contractors didn’t jump to give estimates for a house that wasn’t even ours!  Between the time the offer was accepted to the closing date, we were in discussions with management companies and then designers who designed and furnished the place in just over a month!

It’s been nine months since launch date and our place is doing well.  It’s too early to say for certain as there is seasonality factor to the demand, and we haven’t been through a full year yet.  We have had a few things broken, a few things stolen, we are still learning, but overall guests are very pleased (at least the one’s that write reviews).

We have been up there three times so far…once in the snow in the winter and twice in the summer during an extreme heat wave.  Each girl has their own room, which they love!  Pittsburgh has so much to do, see, and eat and we are just getting started in our adventures.

Pictures of 4815 Dearborn, aka Pitt Vibes!

The countdown began months ago…I think the day after we got back from London, the countdown to London became the countdown to the last day of school.

Only one remains visibly shorter than me.  Harper and I are about equal.

The last day of school was a little bit of a letdown compared to years past   The girls, Amelia, and Emily went up to the elementary school bus stop to join the water balloon and super soaker celebration, but said it wasn’t the same feel this year.  Kona Ice, like years past, was a nice touch.  I asked them to take a picture, but they thought I was lame.

The girls received an invitation Wednesday for a celebratory day to recognize their achievements this year.

My parents received a similar but separate invitation too as they were a contributing factor to their achievements and success. 

Justin and I could not be prouder.  Perseverance!  Commitment!  Consistency!

Our morning hike was local…no complaints!

Afternoon chilling at the movie theatre!

Dinner was The Maple Room where Papa and Grandma joined us for the celebration. 

I kept thinking it was Saturday all day long and every time I remembered that it was only Friday, it made an already great day even more exciting.

(guest blog – Justin)

Today, Stefanie and I took off time from work to go on a hike. The weather was beautiful, but there was a twist.  We hiked Turkey Run, which we have a few times – however, they moved it!  

Stefanie was adamant that I drove to the wrong trail (which is a likely scenario), was trying to let it go, but just couldn’t.

It wasn’t until we found the stairs that she realized that it was in fact, the trail she had planned in her head.  She mis-remembered where it was though.

We had a great hike, and it’s been way too long.  We walked up on three deer who were just as surprised as we were – but then they scurried along to let us pass.

Right before we left, we headed down to the river because Stefanie said sometimes, you just have to stop and smell the rocks.

I was right, doesn’t happen often. I love you Stefanie.

This blog is a reminder that this trail is not right off 123 in Mclean, but off GW Parkway.

I still love Memorial Day Weekend and Viva Vienna, BUT as the years have passed, my time spent there has diminished.  Saturday it rained all day long and sadly very few people went to Viva Vienna.  

The crowds made up for it Sunday.  It was overcast and cool, but the rain stopped. 

Avery was supposed to dance at Viva Vienna, but they cancelled it due to the stage area being too wet. 

Emerson and Izzy went together. 

Harper and Amelia went together. 

Avery, Emily, and Mira went together. 

Justin and I walked down each of the streets to take it all in.  Then we headed home and let the girls have fun on their own. I bought some honey!

It is nice the girls can go on their own with friends (though they still require drop offs and pick-ups).  It wasn’t that long ago we would spend hours there as a family on the kiddie rides, carrying the girls, and cleaning up soft serve of their faces and dresses.  

Stitches and Sweets….was the theme of this year’s fundraising event for the Foundation Fighting Blindness.  For the first time in several years, we found a date where all five of us were home.  In year’s past, Justin and Emerson have had a softball tournament so the preparation was Avery, Harper, and myself.  While much of the advance preparation this year was still just the three of us, Justin was able to help with the set-up and outside much of the time this year, which was nice.  Emerson joined too for most the event after the first hour.

For the “stitches”, Harper was a sewing machine (no pun intended) for about a month prior to the event, making stuffed animals, pouches, scrunchies, key chains, an apron, and much more.  We thought it be a good way to advertise her products!

For the “sweets”, we made chocolate chip cookies, caramel chip cookies, brownies, and chocolate covered popcorn.  It was all so delicious and looked beautiful!

Business was slow and steady. Each year, our number of visitors get smaller and smaller.  I truly think everyone is just busy…kids activities are often in full force this time of year!

Yet, while the number of visitors has been reduced, Avery still raised over $1000, $1,295 to be exact. 

The day was perfect for a fundraising event….cooler temps than normal for this time of year and a little overcast…perfect for sitting outside for four hours without the chocolate chips melting and ourselves burning. 

This year the Brophys and Nidays came.  I was so excited to see them that I completely forgot to take a picture. 

We had plenty of leftover stitches and sweets.  Harper is going to try to start selling some of her items on eBay.  And I kept enough sweets for treats for the week, while freezing some for future. 

The actual vision walk was Saturday, May 16 at The Navy Yard.  Weather was beautiful and for the first time in YEARS, we didn’t have injuries in the family that prevented us from doing the actual walk.  Not only did Avery, Justin, Harper, and I do the walk, but we were one of the first to finish the 2-mile walk. 

The trip to get downtown and the parking could not have been easier.  We parked in a lot right next to the waterfront, not reserving a spot in advance, and only paying $10 for parking.  

Avery got recognized for raising over $1,000, though it took a little reminder from Mom to have her name called as they forgot for a second year in a row.  As Avery said, she raises money for the cause, not for the recognition.

It was on the forefront of my mind this morning how different preparing for the actual event was for today compared to when the girls were little.  When the girls were little, getting out of the house by 9:00 on a weekend looked so different….I wasn’t just getting myself ready, but I was getting three little girls up, fed, dressed, etc. This morning I was up early, worked out for myself, and then had a leisurely hour of drinking coffee and making my own breakfast and talking to the girls in the kitchen as they each made their own breakfast.  And the walk itself took way longer with little feet and legs.  With that being said, I am pretty sure the walk used to be three miles versus two miles, but even so walking with little kids is a lot different than walking with teens who are used to going on walks.

This year’s walk raised more money than it has in years past.  Go FFB and Team Maddy!

London…. another family spring break trip in the books!  I had been thinking about London for Spring Break since last year but kept it on the down low for quite some time, since I wasn’t sure if we would be able to pull it off.  We DID!  

Once we committed, the girls had a letter board with the official daily countdown of days to London!  The girls adore their cousins, and their cousins adore them!

Monday, March 30

We took an overnight flight on Virgin Atlantic arriving in London just before lunch time, local time.  We knew we would be tired, so we planned for a chill day hanging around “home”, grabbing lunch at Café 66, unpacking, and grocery shopping in town. Gabriel made turkey meatballs for dinner, so we didn’t have to go out and it was the perfect start to our time in London. 

Tuesday, March 31

After a chill day in Barnes, we decided this would be our “big” day in London.  We had a leisurely morning at home eating breakfast and hanging out.  As much as I wanted to get an early start on the day, I knew sleep was important…and we all needed it, especially the girls and Justin since none of them slept on the plane the prior night. 

It was late morning by the time we boarded the Tube to Waterloo and then walked to The Tate Modern.  My sister and the boys joined us for the day so the 25-minute walk from Waterloo to the museum took us close to an hour!  We explored and while Justin could have spent all day at The Tate, he had to settle for just over an hour because the kids’ bellies were getting hungry!  Noah suggested Honest Burger and since there was one near Borough Market, our next stop, everyone was agreeable.  Burgers and fries were delicious!

We explored Borough Market buying some wooden cooking utensils and salami for later in the week.  We also bought several cookies and brownies from different vendors so we could determine which one was better. That cookie became the first of many during the week.  And Ice Cream!!!

The boys had had enough so they departed home with Lauren after Borough Market, while Justin, the girls and I walked back to Waterloo along the river taking in views of Big Ben from afar. 

For dinner, we defrosted bolognaise for the kids and ordered pizza for adults, though there was sharing of both. 

Wednesday, April 1

A few months prior to our departure, I had contemplated the idea of going to Paris for a quick 36 hours.  Had we done so, April 1 would have been the day.  As the London trip approached, the planning to Paris because expensive and stressful to the point that I realized it wasn’t worth going to Paris this time.  Lauren and I decided a day trip within London would be better.  She suggested Cambridge, about a two-hour tube and train ride. 

I carried around my printed 20-page printed itinerary, which both Lauren and Justin found comical. Lauren took the boys to see her office (she works in Cambridge) while Justin, the girls, and I headed into town.  First stop was Downing College. 

Followed by Emmanuel College.

The grounds were beautiful and reminded us very much of the campus of William and Mary. 

After reuniting with Lauren and the boys, we walked by Christ College, followed by Wren Library.  We are familiar with the Wren Chapel at William and Mary so being in the Wren Library in Cambridge was a special experience. 

Lunch time was next, and I utterly failed on the lunch choice selection.  I picked a pub that was written up on a few blogs without thoroughly reading the reviews.  The service and food sucked.  It may have been the worst salad I have ever had in my life.  

We debated going somewhere else before we were going to order, but I got vetoed.

After lunch, we went on a punting tour!

The eight of us squeezed into a boat and had a good time. 

The highlight…when Noah looked down and informed Avery that she had been pooped on! 

After punting, we headed for Jack’s Gelato…highly rated and it lived up to expectations. 

We also sampled Ben’s cookies…twice….the first cookie was pretty good so when we passed by Ben’s cookies later in the day, I popped in for a second cookie for us all to share!

After spending the entire day out, it was great to come home to Gabriel’s homecooked meal of chicken fajitas.

Thursday, April 2

The boys went to camp late morning this day so after another leisurely morning, we ventured to Regents Park. We decided to take an Uber, turns out the Uber had an issue of some sort and the gas/exhaust was just funneling back into the car.  It got pretty bad, so we ended up getting out of the Uber early leaving us with a 30 minute walk.  

We slowly explored the park.

Followed by lunch in Primrose Hill on a beautiful sunny day.

A little exploring the town including a stop by the Paddington Bear rowhome and Primrose Bakery. 

We took a different route back and walked through Camden Market.  It was cute and pretty at first but quickly turned into an overpopulated alternative tourist trap and everyone couldn’t wait to get out!

Thursday evening all nine of us went to eat at the local pub Whiteheart.  Food was ok at best, but it was nice to all go out together. 

Friday, April 3

We originally thought about taking a second day trip this day, but the girls weren’t interested in getting up super early or being away from their cousins.  So we opted to go to Richmond and Kew Gardens, a short bus ride from my sister’s place.  Noah and Elias joined us.  First stop was Richmond.  We moved slowly and explored very little as Noah was missing his mom. 

There were a few good lunch options but none that could seat seven of us; we ended up at Wagamama, an Asian chain that Noah really wanted to eat at.  While Justin and I really didn’t want to eat there, it turned out to be a great spot…something for everyone, not busy, and reasonably priced. The boys loved it; Elias sat next to me quietly and slowly eating everything on his plate!

A tour through a town would never be complete without finding a bakery.  My sister wanted a bread from Ole & Steen, so we decided to sample several treats from there.  The cookies were amazing; soft and chewy…almost undercooked…pure deliciousness!

Next, we headed to Kew Gardens, and my sister met us at the entrance. We explored the gardens for a few hours.  Kew Gardens is huge, and we could probably have spent  all day there and still not have seen everything!

Friday night, the kids stayed home with the boys while the four adults went to dinner.  We went to a local restaurant Watermans.  I was a little fearful it was going to be your traditional pub food; it did not disappoint…we shared a bunch of dishes, and it was all amazing. 

Saturday, April 4

Justin and I snuck away this morning for a walk.  In fact, we did this a few other mornings as well.  Most of our days in London we had over 20,000 steps!  

After our walk, we headed to the Farmers Market in Barnes.  While I have been to the market, several other times, I generally don’t buy much as I don’t have a need for it.  But this day was different!  Our British friends, The Bakers, who lived on Cedar Pond for three years, moved back to London last year and we connected with them.  They were going to come to my sister’s later that day….I had every reason to buy hummus, red pepper dip, artichokes, focaccia, cheeses, olives, salami, crackers, and cakes!

The Bakers came over around 2:00 and we headed to the river to watch the Cambridge/Oxford boat race. The boys were kind of shy at first but by the time they got to my sister’s house after the race, they were all playing together and having a great time. 

It was great catching up with the Bakers.  They stayed until after 8:00 and I think a good time was had by all.  

I regret not taking a picture of the charcuterie board especially the cheese with the purple flowers…not only was it beautiful but it was SO delicious!!

Sunday, April 5

Easter!

The Easter Bunny came! 

There was an Easter Egg Hunt, on a much smaller scale than at home.

We spent a sunny afternoon at the park.  Noah, the girls, Lauren, and Justin played soccer! Emerson took some BP!

Elias played in the field.

I walked.

Gabriel cooked pulled pork while we were out.  

In the late afternoon, Lauren and Gabriel’s friends (two families) came over.  

The kids all had fun playing together. 

Hugo took a special liking to Harper; they put on a magic show together. 

Monday, April 6

Departure day.  Always good to get home, but always sad to leave a trip, especially one that we had been looking forward to for some time.

The original plans for Monday morning were to see Ludmila.  But she wasn’t feeling well and canceled so we had extra time in the morning for one last excursion since our flight didn’t leave until 5:00 p.m. local time. 

We didn’t want to go too far from home, so we opted to go to Richmond one more time.  I felt there was more to see.  It was a sunny day; we made our way towards the green area.

For lunch, we ate at Bills.  Kids ate free and it was overall pretty enjoyable, nothing gourmet, but enjoyable. 

Upon going back to Lauren’s house, we finished packing up and said our goodbyes before the Uber picked us up.

With the time change, we arrived home about 9:00 p.m. The girls weren’t excited about going to school the next day.  They had a great time and probably would have liked to stay another week!

Will this trip become a bi-annual trip?  I guess only time will tell!

It was a long cold winter.  A snow and ice storm mid-January had schools closed and activities cancelled for over a week.  With the snow and ice lingering for weeks due to the frigid temperatures, some activities (i.e., soccer) continued to be cancelled for three weeks and schools were on a two-hour delay for several weeks. 

The weekend of the snowstorm we were prepared, along with the much of the rest of the country!  I had been to the grocery store daily for four days straight stocking up so that not only we had food, but we had ingredients to make delicious meals.

Baked meatballs with ricotta and homemade rustic bread, chicken tacos, pesto mozzarella pizza, French toast and sausage, chocolate chip cookies, chicken quesadillas…all homemade and all delicious….we took advantage of the extra time and spent much of it together in the kitchen.

The weekend of the actual snow, it started snowing around 2:00 am Sunday morning.   The snow turned into freezing sleet around 10:00 am.  Shortly thereafter, Justin made his first round outside with the snow blower to clear the driveway.  I was inside getting ready to make myself banana pancakes after making sausage for the girls.  Emerson went downstairs to get a carton of eggs and came upstairs telling me that it smelled like gas.  I had been down there just an hour earlier on the treadmill and had not smelled anything, but when I went to check it out, I indeed smelled the same thing she did.  I interrupted Justin’s snow blowing to have him check it out.  He did but couldn’t smell it since he was already taking in the gas fumes from the snow blower. We waivered back and forth…should we call 911 or not.  We really didn’t think it was anything serious BUT it also wasn’t worth taking the risk.  He finally called.  Avery had the flu and was still sleeping. I woke her up and she quickly threw on some comfy clothes and made her way downstairs….we were going to meet up with Harper and Emerson who were already next door at the McAllister’s.  Meanwhile, my banana pancakes weren’t going to happen, but I needed my protein and a good start to the day.  I pivoted and made myself a Greek yogurt parfait topped with fruit and granola to go.  Justin told me while he appreciated my calmness, he didn’t appreciate my lack of urgency.  While I prided myself on my parfait pivot, he condemned my sense of urgency, believing the parfait pivot was non-essential.   We are on the same page now and I told him I will next time couple my calmness with a sense of urgency!

As it turns out, it was nothing.  The fumes from the snowblower likely somehow seeped into the basement.  At least four Fairfax County firetrucks showed up in storm.  Some of the fireman borrowed sleds from the kids on Hillington and took turns sliding down the steep hill. 

Emerson and Harper played with the McAllister kids all day Sunday and Emerson much of the day Monday. They sled, played inside, and enjoyed making smores. 

Harper developed a cough Sunday, and I was sure she had the flu too; ironically, she tested positive for COVID.  

I was actually not mad that school was cancelled for the snow, since Avery and Harper would have missed school anyway.

When school is in session (four days a week if we are lucky!), the girls are busy doing their homework most days.  Emerson plops herself on the right side of the island.  She grabs the paper towel holder to use as her phone stand so she can watch shows as she does her homework.  

Harper plops herself at the dining table and often listens to music in the background.  Both Emerson and Harper are conditioned to start their homework as soon as they get home from school. 

Avery likes to decompress in her room and homework is done at random times in random places. 

This past week we were teased with some warmer temperatures.   And while I don’t love the ending to this post, my creativity juices have clearly been lacking this winter, so we will end it here and hope the warmer weather gets those juices overflowing.