Memorial Day Weekend

Our dear friends the Conovers, were in town for a visit and we loved seeing them!

They also introduced us to a great pizza place in Georgetown.

Then we met up with some other great friends at Wolf Trap.

These dear friends invited us to join in on their family tradition of seeing the President's Own Marine Corp Band perform patriotic songs.

Then there were fireworks!

We loved it!

Graduation

The final event of our busy weekend with family and the main reason for them coming into town, was Tristan's graduation from Georgetown Law School.

It was a hot day and during afternoon naps....so there aren't too many great photos of the family.

Benson was excited for Dad's special day.
Reagan enjoyed playing with the graduation robe.

Georgetown has a beautiful campus.

I fought many ladies in hats to get pictures during the ceremony.

Kids fit in naps where they could.

We are so proud of Tristan!

Surprise Party That Almost Wasn't

We had to make it back from Baltimore in time for the surprise graduation party that we planned for Tristan. Then we had friends get him out of the house for about 30 minutes so we could set up and let everyone else in to yell surprise. He was surprised and it was lots of fun.

BUT- while we were in Baltimore, my dad (in front of Tristan) almost blew it.

Dad- What time is your party tonight?

Me- We had Benson's party last night.

Dad- Your mom said people were coming over tonight though.

Me- No, just Benson's party last night.

Dad- No, your mom said people are coming for a party. Is it tomorrow?

Me- No. Benson's party was it.

Tristan listened to every word and thought my dad was very confused and didn't suspect a thing. Any of you who know my dad, know that he never knows what is going on, so it is easy to play off his absentmindedness.

Baltimore

The day after Benson's party we all went to Eastern Market in D.C.

We had yummy breakfast and checked out all the cool vendors.
They have everything from fresh food and flowers, to jewelry and dresses.

Then we headed to the aquarium in Baltimore.

We couldn't leave Baltimore without stopping at one of Tristan's favorite places in the whole world.....The Book Thing.

It is a building filled with donated books that you can take for free. The only stipulation is that they are all stamped, "not for resale."

Benson's Pirate Bash

For Benson's fourth birthday we had a pirate party with a few of his friends.

We had a boat of watermelon, jugs of pirate juice,

fish in water jello, golden nuggets (chicken nuggets), and cannonballs (chocolate covered peanut butter balls).

Then we went fishing for pirate gear.

We made our hats, and fished out some vests, eye patches (that weren't a big hit), telescopes,

AND SWORDS!

Then we were all ready for our adventure.

We walked the plank and sailed in our ship.

Then we threw cannonballs (ping pong balls) at the crocodile.

Then we jumped in the water to fight the croc with our swords.

Then we went on a treasure hunt.

Minutes after the party started, I realized I didn't have any birthday candles. So I sent my dad to the nearby store to get some. When my dad returned with these and I said, "Why didn't you get plain birthday candles?" (The patriotic theme didn't really go with the pirates.) He said he wanted Benson to have something different, that he would remember.

And last everyone took a turn wrestling the crocodile.

Reagan liked it too.....once all the pirates were out.