zoom

 Zoom became the new norm... family games, crafting, even live streams with the cast of RAGS. 

It was a good way to connect when we were cuddled up or trying to put hats on the dog.

Check out this snippet they shared from Rags during that online chat. We are so grateful that show made it to the stage in the Fall.

good list

 We got the bikes tuned up, played some genuine Pokemon games, enjoyed some Art with Mo Willems, explored the neighborhood trying to find hidden stuffies everyone put out, switched to learning stage blocking online.

tidbits

 The stay at home orders were in full effect... We thought it would be two weeks of snap circuits, reading, cuddling up on knitwear, and enjoying all the things my mom was doing with sticks ;)

st patricks

 The leprechaun showed up ;)

beast

Beauty and the Beast with Aiden at Gaston and Keaton as Chip - in the last day of school run because we thought school was going to close down for a while... The kids were in costumes they had never seen before in less than 15 minutes ready to record a genuine run... the only full run of the show :(

what?!

The many expressions of the last day of in person school for what was supposed to be a few weeks... the  Beauty and the Beast show that we rushed to record the final rehearsal... The rollercoaster ride was just beginning...

These screen shots were from a gif maker that flashed through all these faces - They pretty much sum up what was going to unfold...

nassau

 A fun windy day visiting Nassau... Such a breath of fresh air that trip was... and little did we know that it would be the last for a while...

key west

 So, so much fun to make key lime pies behind the scenes! So many taste tests at this Key Lime shop - crazy eyes were out!

cruising

 The Ovi OGs on a family cruise!  This was originally a sister cruise idea that turned into a really fun full family vacation for the originals ;) 

tidbits

 Fluffy puppy! Valentine's treats ;)

good list

 Enjoying the GMU basketball game, my new knitted shrug, J's favorite molcajete, and king cake!

yummy

Which wins? this yummy fluff who isn't too sure about her spa treatment or his yummy homemade sourdough paired with burrata?

parade

 Parade in Downtown Alexandria for President's Day...

mosaic

 Always a favorite way to spend a Sunday morning...with empanadas especially.

wacky

Winning Bunco, Chat-n-Chew lunch bunch fun, the Valentine's Dance, and Wacky Wednesday! 

no prob llama

 Check out these adorable llama cookies that my sister sent!  Plenty of smores and cookies ;) Walks with Zoe and Picachu!

yarny

So much yarny goodness! Tried something new with punch needle at Tint. Finished the duster length Ginny cardigan that matches the chairs at Fibre Space ;) Road trip with Priyanka to Baltimore to visit Neighborhood Fiber Co was a highlight!

 

mom fun

 I have been taking a ceramics class and my instructor, Dee became a great fast friend. She invited me to her orientation to Mary Wash and it was fun to get an insider view. 

My friend won the tiny trophy for being the best detective at the Murder Mystery 90s night - we figured it out!

winter lanterns

 The REACH at the Kennedy Center is the perfect spot for this event.

tidbits

Sourdough love continued!

Fluffer visiting a pet store in Del Ray ;)

The underwater Nemo inspired Escape Room was perfect for us because it ended in a musical notes pattern.

 

chocolate fest

It was a really nice day for the Chocolate Fest in downtown Fairfax. We had a big batch of tokens to collect some treats!

 

mosaic

We are so lucky to have Mosaic so close by... and great place to relax on a nice day or get together for a big Mom spa day...

super reader

 Continuing the Super Reader tradition with Keaton's turn on the Jumpotron at the basketball game :)

zoe is one

Can't believe this sweetie just turned one on Jan 18th... They say she is 15 years old in dog years already, but I can't believe it!

green springs

A walk at Green Spring garden for this sweet pup's birthday... plenty of chances to "go fast!"

 

hippo for xmas

This year's edition premiered for Gran's bday...

tidbits

Love this Beauty and the Beast cast at the first run through - Aiden as Gaston and Keaton as Chip - check out that cut teacup costume I rigged up ;)

Snow coming down from the ceramics studio - I just kept throwing as the big flakes dropped.

That Dude in his completed Dude sweater complete with a White Russian. ;)

And then that same guy looking like a skeptical Chris Hemsworth aka Thor 

Hanging out with the neighbors from that lines hanging from their trees.

Hiking adventure puppy!

Trying out the yummy food court at HMart

This guy had an infection on his thumb - with a very dramatic bandage from the urgent care!

dude sweater

This sweater from the Big Lebowski was not ready for Xmas gifting, but it sure did bring on some laughs.

It does eventually get finished ;) 

new years

Poor Aiden was sick and J stayed home with him... but that didn't keep Keaton and I from having a great time with a big batch of neighborhood friends and the photo booth ;) We both made it to midnight!

botanical garden

Made it for an after Xmas visit to the US Botanical Garden. They had a huge natural material Biltmore!

natural history

 Christmas visit to the Cleveland Natural History Museum with these fun cavemen...

puppy

pen glen

Penitentiary Glen's Candyland game that led to a vet clinic was a highlight. Seeing the bald eagle and hawks up close on a really beautiful day was awesome!

cousin squad

cookies

Decorating cookies was a highlight! Thanks to Liz for prepping all the delicious cookies and the perfect icing!

xmas day videos

Here is a belated rundown from last year:

xmas day

Crossfire was a hit!

Ornament exchange and a visit from the neighborhood hawk...