Happy Holidays and (my) family traditions

Many families have holiday traditions and me and my crew have a few of our own. One is that I am adamant about having a live tree and not anything artificial. I also have a preference for the, what I call, "fluffy" pine trees. There's something about the fresh smell of pine (that doesn't come from a bottle of pine sol or a can of air freshener) and seeing it all decorated with purchased and homemade ornaments. A few of the recent ornaments are also courtesy of a Lowe's Build and Grow Kids Workshop. And for the past few years, I have allowed Davon to be in charge of both picking out our Christmas tree and the decorating of it. He enlisted his younger brothers to help him with the decorating this year and below is the finished product with Davon doing his best Vanna White impression.

how do you like it?

Another one of our holiday traditions is leaving out cookies for Santa. This year I actually went through the extra trouble of rolling out sugar cookies and decorating them, instead of just doing the break and bake kind. Dylan was dying to help me and he and Davon decorated a batch. Carlos even wanted to get in on the action and orchestrate one of the designs.

Nic doing a cookie taste test

Another one of my holiday must-haves (or actually must-dos) is a drive through a local park for its annual Festival of Lights. I have been taking Davon through the light display for many years. I remember when the drive through the display was free; they just requested that you donate canned goods or other nonperishable items. In recent years, they've charged $5 to drive through during the festival, except on Christmas day when there is no charge. So you know how I roll with FREE and so that's the day that we try to go view the lights. Actually it's not because the $5 is such a steep price; it's more out of principle because I had been going for so many years free of charge. I just can't reconcile paying for something I used to get for free.

sign at the entrance

You also know that I am a major supporter of our local park and planning commission and its various offerings. This annual festival of lights at Watkins Park is a nice tradition that many families in our area participate in as is usually evidenced by the cars lined up to drive through the light display. Even with this year's rain, it still took a good amount of time to go through the display with the crowd. There are many still lights as well as some animated displays and many shout outs to the wonderful state of Maryland, including the MD state flag, the PG County flag, and a blue crab.

Because of the rain I didn't get a lot of good pictures because I didn't want to put the camera out of the window but I did get a few good ones. We had to wake up Dylan (as usual) to enjoy and Nic didn't seem all that interested (probably because he was sleepy too) but I still plan on keeping this trip through the park as a part of our annual holiday festivities.

colorful arches that you drive under

more of the arches

the Christmas tree near the Nature Center (another one of our "spots")

some of the animated displays near the tree

"Santa's Workshop" which usually doubles as the miniature train station

Time flies . . . and the love of a furry red monster

There are so many different cliches about the passage of time and my favorite is probably "time flies when you're having fun." And I can't believe that two whole years have passed since I gave birth to my fourth and final child, Dominic. It seems like just yesterday that I was home on maternity leave . . . but then again it doesn't as I've watched him learn to turn over, crawl, walk, talk and imitate his older brothers and develop into the toddler we now have in our home. Now it hasn't all been "fun" . . . there are some trying times involved in being a parent . . . the illnesses, the sleepless nights, the nursing, the feeling that there's always something to do. But overall, the experience of being a mommy brings out the best in me, even when I don't see it. And I can't believe that the time has elapsed so quickly. Before you know it, I'll be walking him down to the bus stop with his brothers. (heavy sigh)

As a child born about a week shy of Christmas, I know he's going to be shortchanged a lot in December because people will inevitably tell him as they give him a gift . . . "you know this is for your birthday AND Christmas." As a result, I plan to make sure we acknowledge the dates as separate celebrations. He's wonderful and all but he's no Jesus (smile). But he does warrant his own celebration.

So what did we do this year to celebrate? Carlos and I took him to see one of his favorite characters . . . Elmo . . . live at the Patriot Center on Friday. Now, unfortunately, I don't have really good pictures from inside the arena during the show because I can't find my camera (so guess what Santa will be bringing mommy?) so I had to capture the moment with my crappy cell phone camera. But he was ready with his Elmo sweatshirt and Elmo character that Dylan won for him at Six Flags this summer (one of the many we own) in tow as we enjoyed 1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo and Friends. Based on Nic's reaction to the show I know we'll have to make it up to Langhorne, PA this summer so we, I mean he, can enjoy Sesame Place.

the view from our cheap seats

"say cheese, Nic"

Dad holding Nic with his stash . . . a cool fuzzy Elmo hat and a light up spinny thing

proof that he LOVES Elmo (and he's just as cute) . . . Nic in costume this past Halloween

I have a special affinity for Sesame Street . . . we both premiered in the same year . . . 1969. I have very vivid memories of watching as a kid and it's a wonderful thing to see my children enjoy a show I enjoyed so much as a child. In fact, Sesame Street is one of the few kids shows I can watch with no kids in the room. (The same is true for the School House Rock series that used to come on between Saturday morning cartoons . . . I was SOOOO happy when it came out on DVD . . . I actually bought it on VHS when it first became available but that's another post I could do . . . hmmmmm).

Anyway, as most of you know Elmo was not an original character but he became a fan favorite after his introduction in the mid-1980s and became a favorite of mine . . . particularly after I learned he was puppeted by (and this is your little-known black history fact) Kevin Clash, a native Marylander and one of the few black puppeteers in the nation. (for an excellent story on the homegrown star go to http://www.marylandfamilymagazine.com/2007/06/29/1287634-man-behind-elmo/).

Below are some scenes from the show that I found on youtube. I so need to get a new camera . . .

So all of this was posted to say Happy 2nd Birthday baby boy! and to quote your furry friend Elmo . . . Mommy loves you!

my newborn Nic's first picture

my toddler Nic with his ice cream beard and mustache

A Tribute to a Beautiful Sister (literally)

Last week, I received some horrible news. Davon's godparents, Regina and Petey, whom I affectionately call Mom and Dad because that's what role they've played since I became a part of their world when I was about 18 years old, lost their youngest daughter, Rita, unexpectedly. I won't go into all the details because that's not relevant to this post.

The point of this post is to express my extreme grief for both my loss and the immense loss her untimely passing must mean to two people who mean the world to me. As a mother myself, I can't even imagine what kind of pain losing a child must entail. Prayerfully, I won't have to find out first hand. It's an unnatural occurrence for a parent to have to bury their child. That being said . . . I am totally devastated and my heart bleeds for my adopted family as they deal with this huge loss.

Davon was really close to his godsister Rita and to have to deliver that news to him truly hurt my heart but I couldn't hide my pain as I arrived home that night after hearing the unthinkable. He knew something was wrong the minute I walked into the house. We embraced and cried with each other for a good while and then I allowed him to deal with his grief alone. When he made his annual trips to SC to spend time with Petey, a good chunk of his time he spent with Rita. They texted each other quite a bit while he was home too and this was the first time he has lost someone close enough to him who was young so I knew he would be affected. And I know he meant a lot to her as well. She's known him all of his life and we have spent a lot of time with them over the years so her loss is a deep wound.

As many of you know, we buried my aunt who raised me this past January but she had lived a long life (she was 89) and so her death, while still painful, was expected given her age and various health conditions.

Rita had not yet reached her 30s so she isn't supposed to be gone just yet. But God has a greater plan and my faith gives me pause to question why her life would be taken far too soon. I just pray for the healing of the hearts of her parents, her sisters LaShane and Barb, and the rest of our family and loved ones. Her loss is a void that can never be filled . . . I just hope that over time our faith and memories provide us with some sense of peace. Right now I'm still trying to wrap my head around the reality of her untimely passing and figuring out the best way to help my son deal with this devastating loss, not to mention trying to be of some use to Mom and Dad right now because I feel so totally helpless.

This experience also highlighted what we all know . . . that life is often far too short and we really need to continue to cherish those people we love and not take them for granted. We need to make an extra effort to let those we love know how much they mean to us because tomorrow is promised to no one. A sudden turn of events could have you or someone you love mourning an unexpected loss as well.

So this post is a tribute to my little sister, Rita . . . I love you more than you will ever know and though my heart is heavy now I know that you are now resting in the bosom of the Lord.

Here are a few musical tributes to my beloved baby sister Rita . . . and if you are reading this post please keep all of us lifted in prayer at this very difficult time.

Another Awesome Find

Y'all know me and free are close personal friends but I am also quite fond of CHEAP as well. Surprisingly, or maybe not so surprisingly, there is a plethora of free and reasonably priced activities available in the Washington Metropolitan area and I try to take advantage of them as much as possible to keep them jokers of mine occupied.

And this past weekend, I found a cheap excursion for the boys and I to enjoy. It was the annual Dollar Days weekend at the National Aquarium in Baltimore and we made our way out there on Sunday afternoon. We haven't actually been to the aquarium in a couple of years so it was a long overdue trip but the Dollar Days weekend is actually the only time of year I can afford for all of us to go as the admission prices are a bit too steep for my large brood.

We began our trip with a visit to the Immersion Theater for a presentation of the Polar Express 4-D experience. This was a unique viewing of clips from the motion picture version of the book by Chris Van Allsburg. The film is shown in 3-D with additional "sensory affects." There were lights and vibrating seats. There were scents from the movie like hot chocolate and the scent of pine from a Christmas tree. There were puffs of air, simulated snow, bubbles and mists of water. Overall, it was a unique experience that I am glad I spent the extra money to enjoy. The boys seemed to like it too, although Nic had the kung fu grip on my arm the majority of the 20 minute run.

We then were able to do a quick run through the majority of the aquarium including the Australia and Rain Forest exhibits. We were not able to get a glimpse of the dolphins or the jelly fish exhibits because they were closed as it was later in the day. But we were able to see many different specimens and it was amazing to see Nic's reaction to many of the fish, especially because many of the exhibits were at floor level so he could really experience them.

I have misplaced my digital camera so unfortunately I don't have any pictures from our trip but I was able to take a good picture of the boys inside the jaws of a shark (I think) with Davon's cell phone and will upload it when I get a chance to download it off of his phone. Overall, it was a great way to spend an afternoon. To quote the MasterCard commercials (and my last status update on my Facebook page) . . . admission to the aquarium for me and my four boys = $20 (which included the 4-D experience) . . . cost to park in downtown Baltimore = $13 . . . look of wonder on my boys' faces (Nic especially) = PRICELESS!!!

If you're interested, the National Aquarium has other special events throughout the year that are at lower than regular admission price called the Cultural Series. According to the website:

Through March, join the Aquarium on the first Friday evening of the month for a series of events dedicated to exploring, experiencing and enjoying cultures from around the globe. These activities that are appropriate for all ages take place from 5 to 9 pm (with the last tickets sold at 8pm) and admission is $8. The upcoming events include January 1 for Asian-Pacific Heritage and February 5 for African-American Heritage.

For information about this and the National Aquarium in general, point your browser to www.aqua.org

Remembering the Reason for the Season

Any of you with children in your household know that there is a thin line between falling victim to the commercialization and consumerism that has become the "focus" of Christmas and the true reason for the season - the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As I go out and about trying to find that balance while making sure my little ones are happy come Christmas morning (and yes, I admit, I spoil them rotten), there are some observations about the holidays that I thought I'd share.

Drew and Dylan still believe in Santa Claus and that makes this a magical season all around. They've been talking for weeks about what Santa was bringing them. Dylan's been trying to be on his best behavior at school so Santa will still come. He even warns Drew that if he acts up Santa won't come. Nic has no clue about any of it but, in time, he will know the magic of Christmas too. Davon is already a jaded a teenager who knows the reality.

But the little ones have no idea that in our house Santa is a hard working mom who tries to give them the best I can. Part of this giving includes my participation in Black Friday sales. For many years I have participated in the annual shopping tradition on the day after Thanksgiving. It began several years back when I spent the Thanksgiving holiday with my sisters up in Frederick, MD. Dutchess and I ventured out early and braved the crowds to monopolize on some really good deals on toys at KB Toys and Toys R Us for Davon (I don't think I had all those other jokers then). Now I continue the tradition mostly out of tradition's sake and because you can really get some great deals. WalMart is usually my location of choice and I go with a good attitude ready to laugh at people . . . which you really can do daily (see http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/ if you aren't a believer).

You would be so surprised how crazy people get to spend their hard earned money (or increase their credit line) for a sale they think is only slotted for a few hours. It's amazing. Anyway, I head out with the mindset that I probably won't get what I really want so I'm not hugely disappointed if the discounted item is unavailable but it's a bonus if I can snag it. Davon benefitted with a $400 desktop computer a few years back and last year's big ticket item for him was a flat screen TV for less than $200. I can't yet reveal this year's deals because I don't want any of the snoopers in my house to get a sneak peek at their possible gifts but I did okay this year too.

I still just am amazed at the sheer ridiculousness that perfectly sane people can display during these doorbuster hours. I mean, really, what other time of the year do you see people fighting and arguing (and even dying, literally) to spend their own money? Last time I checked the WalMart was not in the business of giving away anything for FREE. But you slash the price on a flat screen TV and people lose their military minds. Which leads me back to the inspiration for this post anyway.

I think we all need to step back and reevaluate our motives during this time of year. Especially a year like this one - whether you want to admit it or not our economy has still not moved past the effects of the recent recession, many families are torn apart as a result of the now nine year WAR efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the holiday season is statistically the time of year when many people feel there is no relief from or alternative to their pain and they commit suicide.

So really, what are we focusing on? What does it all really mean? Now for me, I do focus a bit on the commercialization of the holidays because I have small children. There's nothing like the look of wonder and happiness when a child sees something under a Christmas tree for them. And as a parent, I want my kids to have wonderful memories of their childhood and how happy they were when they got that special thing they really wanted from Santa Claus. So, yeah I do go a bit overboard. And, yeah, I do need to do a better job at striking a healthy balance between that happiness and the joy of the season because of our faith in a power higher than ourselves.

I had begun a tradition of making Davon spend some of his own money each holiday on a present for a child his age who was less fortunate than he is. One year, I even made the extra effort of getting Davon and Drew to pick out a gift for a less fortunate child (Dylan was just a baby) and I found a shelter. We all visited and I was able to put a face to that dilemma. We donated our items to a mother who had three young children (as I did at the time). I got the mom a little something too. I don't know if that gesture resonated with them or not (it definitely did affect me), but I think I need to reintroduce that exercise so that they can realize how fortunate they really are because I know that fact is often totally lost on them. Looks like another trip to the store is in my future. We can always find a Toys for Tots donation location although I really do think that personal visit to a shelter can be a very humbling experience.

So I end this post with a recommitment to making sure my kids know that Christmas isn't just about getting a bunch of material things. What's really important is letting the people we love know that we love them, sharing special family traditions and being together. But it's also important to keep in mind that there are many other people who don't have as much as we've been blessed with. And we are a community and as believers in a higher power that we call Jesus we should be more sensitive to what Christmas is really all about.

The reason for the season is not about finding the best deal on a flat screen TV or the newest electronic gadget, hot toy or video game system. We should look at this time of year as a time to truly count our blessings and try to be a blessing to someone who may need a reminder of the love of the Lord. We should try to put a little more of Christ back into CHRISTMAS. We will all be in a better position if we did so.

I leave you with a few of my favorite Christmas classics to help get you in the mood for the holidays

the incomparable Donny Hathaway with This Christmas



Luther Vandross with Every Year, Every Christmas


the classic Silent Night as done by the Temptations


Whitney with I Love the Lord and Joy to the World with the Georgia Mass Choir


what might be my new favorite What Child is This with Andrea Bocelli and Mary J Blige

Kid's Workshops

It's been a while since I've taken the time to post an entry and there's no real reason behind that other than I've just been really, really busy and haven't taken the time to put an update up so I want to preface this entry with a brief apology for my absence.

That being said, this post is about yet another activity for the boys that we've been regularly participating in that I (and the boys) enjoy . . . mostly because it is available at my absolute favorite price . . . FREE.

I first learned about the Kids Workshops when Carlos first started working at the Home Depot. He came home one week with these miniature Home Depot aprons and these prepackaged kits for the boys but at the time Drew and Dylan were a bit too young to really participate so it was something that I actually filed in the back of my mind for later.

Well, later has finally arrived and I have been regularly signing the boys up for these monthly kids workshops at both the Home Depot and Lowes. These little pre packaged construction kits are awesome and the finished products give the kids a huge sense of accomplishment. Both companies offer the kids certificates for participating and kid sized aprons that they can take home. The Home Depot gives each participant a project pin that they can keep on their apron and Lowes gives patches that you can adhere. We've made birdhouses, a garage, a firetruck, and a snowman with more projects to come. At our last workshop, Dylan talked the associate into giving him some extra patches so his apron has a few more patches than projects he's completed but he's been the most interested in doing these projects than any of the other boys so I am not fussing. Hopefully this introduction into tools and projects early enough in life will lead to at least one of them being able to fix something because I don't want to always be the one who has to put things together.

Anyway, during the workshops they use kid sized hammers and safety goggles and an associate is available to help. The Home Depot offers the workshops on the first Saturday of each month. The Lowes workshops are held more frequently, usually twice a month. I highly suggest checking online for your local store's schedule. You can check online here (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?pn=Kids_Workshops&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&cm_sp=knowhow-_-top_ten_things-_-kids_workshops-_-link) and here (https://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/).

So if you're looking for a quick and free project to participate in with your little one, this might be a really good option. Following are some pictures documenting some of our Lowes experiences.

Dylan working on his birdhouse

hard at work

uh oh, he might have clipped his finger

Nic and Dylan with their finished garage projects

Dylan posing proudly with his project

Nic didn't really need the goggles since I did all the work but he makes them look good!

Drew says it's HAMMERTIME! (I know that was corny)

Jon helping Dylan hold that snowman steady

TA DAAAA!!!

Drew and his finished snowman

Visiting the Medical Professionals . . . thank God for good healthcare coverage

This past week the little ones all had medical appointments and it was a very interesting experience. Our first trip was to the pediatric dentist. I have a general fear of the dentist (and the eye doctor) and I hope to avoid passing my phobia(s) along to the children. I plan to follow the recommended guidelines for visiting, particularly with the amount of money I pay out in healthcare premiums each pay period.

Anywho, the dynamic duo have actually visited the dentist before but this was Nic's first ever visit. He did surprisingly well with having someone other than me (or himself) digging around in his mouth. They all actually did really well and I don't anticipate any issues in the near future. And I am also proud to report that all the boys are still members of the NO CAVITY CLUB. WOO HOO!!!!!! At least they're doing something right with their haphazard brushing.

Nic and hygienist, Wanda

"open wide, buddy"

Dylan with "Mr. Thirsty" and hygienist Hunter

Dr. Caroline checking Dylan's gorgeous smile

Drew hanging out with Dr. C

Drew and Wanda

And I don't have pictures, but Davon actually went to both the orthodontist and the dentist in the last week as well. He got his braces in March (thank God for supplemental dental coverage because have you priced that lately? It costs a pretty penny for a beautifully straight smile) and had his first official dental cleaning since the install. While his monthly orthodontic appointments have been going swell and well, Dr. V (our primary dentist) let Davon know he needs to do a much better job in brushing. Hopefully with her advice and my pestering he'll take heed. And I am stressing that I would hate to invest all this money in his mouth for the braces to come off and he have a straight yuck mouth. That is not a good look. Hopefully in six months, she'll be able to see a difference in his dental diligence.

The dynamic duo also had their annual checkups with Dr. Kelly. Nothing unusual to note and they both are extremely healthy. The funniest thing to me was the small differential in their size. As most of you know Drew and Dylan are only 22 months apart and because of Drew's late birthday they are only one grade level apart in school. Well, it appears this proximity is going to rule in their lives as well. Drew weighed in at 54 pounds . . . Dylan was an even 50 pounds. Drew is just an inch shy of 4 feet tall . . . Dylan is only 3 inches shorter. Now you can better understand why is sometimes feels like they're twins, although I can't imagine how much crazier my life would be if they were in fact twins.

Dr. Kelly checking out my baby Dylan

Drew posing like he's on a photo shoot or something

Drew answering Nurse Daisy's questions

Dylan and Nurse Daisy taking his blood pressure

the boys in their very fashionable disposable robes

I am thankful for the benefits of this good gubment job I hold. With the talk of universal healthcare and all the stats about the number of uninsured Americans, I can totally appreciate having the luxury of being able to visit the doctor and other medical professionals on a regular basis, and not just in case of an emergency. With the number of dependents I have, I need all the help I can get. It is truly one of those things that you don't realize the importance of unless you are in need of it and don't have access to it. And while my life is far from perfect, I thank God for all that He has blessed me with - healthy kids, access to healthcare, etc. As a parent, I worry about enough. Thankfully, knock on wood, I don't have to worry about their health. I pray it stays that way.

this might have to be my new theme song

(because you know every superhero has to have a theme song!)

One of the faithful members of the NNN (inside joke) sent me this in honor of my special day and I don't think I could verbalize it better myself. THANKS PAM!

Although this is more traditional shout out from LaShawn and I like this one too

Forty and Fabulous . . . and Free!!!!!

me, circa 1975 or so

I can vividly recall when somebody said they were 40, me and my friends would be like "WOW, THEY'RE OLD!" Well, looking at it now that I have officially made the transition from my thirties to the milestone of 40, it doesn't quite seem as old and I once envisioned it was. Not to say that I haven't lived a whole bunch of years and had a whole bunch of experiences, but I really don't feel old. And thankfully, people say I don't "look" 40 - whatever that means. What am I supposed to be walking around hunched over and waving a AARP membership card or something?

Now I'm not of the mindset that "40 is the new 30" . . . it's the same damn 40 but I am grateful for the many days (and experiences) that have brought me to this day. I don't feel any different and still resemble my young self so I'm good. You know they say good black don't crack and so thanks to the melanin that makes that my reality - no wrinkles and no gray yet. And hopefully kids help keep you young and since I do have quite a few although sometimes I feel like they're aging me exponentially.

Another benefit of me finding all kinds of things "free" is that I have signed up for nearly every free birthday club offer that I can find so I have received a lot of random "happy birthday" messages that come with benefits. My list is looking good and I will definitely be cashing in on this birthday . . . literally. Sign yourself up too to reap your BBs - birthday benefits.

• AMC theaters (http://www.amctheaters.com/) Movie Watchers get a coupon for a free large soda (at least that's what I got) that is valid for the 30 days following your birthday. And with the price of a large soda and the fact that you can get free refills on large sodas (and large popcorn) I'm definitely going to enjoy this (a couple of times if I can).
• Baskin Robbins (http://www.baskinrobbins.com/) birthday club members get one free scoop with a coupon that's valid for 5 days after the special day.
• Cold Stone Creamery (http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/) birthday club members get a coupon for free a "Like It" size ice cream for their special day that is valid for a week following.
• Famous Dave's (http://www.famousdaves.com/) sends an email that you have to take in to see what your prize code gets you - from a free dessert to a free all-American buffet. Kids aged 10 and younger get a free 'Lil Wilbur meal for their special day.
• Rita's Water Ice (http://www.ritasice.com/) birthday club offers a coupon for a buy one get one free deal that's valid for a week following your birthday.
• Old Country Buffet (http://www.buffet.com/) birthday club members receive a coupon for one free buffet meal with the purchase of one adult buffet meal. We have used this coupon once already and me and all the little people (although Davon would dispute that he is one of the "little people" so I guess I should say me and all four of my kids) ate for less than $20. By far the biggest bang for your buck on this list I think.
• Pizza Hut (http://www.pizzahut.com/) sent me a coupon for a free dessert pizza with a pizza purchase.
• Kids who are members of the Chuck E. Cheese (www.chuckecheese.com) birthday club get a coupon for 20 free tokens for their birthday. Combine this with the other coupon offers and you can get a really good deal for a day of fun for the kids.

Also keep in mind that many restaurants will comp you a dessert if you mention that it is your birthday. Last year, Drew and Dylan mentioned that it was my birthday when we were at what used to be our Saturday routine of lunch at Lone Star Steakhouse (http://www.lonestar.com/) after basketball class because 2 kids could eat for free on Saturday until 4pm (this offer does not exist anymore on Saturdays but 2 kids eat free with adult purchase all day on Tuesdays). Our waitress came back with a dessert that was large enough for all of us to share. Oh how I miss those days (man, I'm sounding old with that one aren't I?).

With all these freebies, I should really enjoy the next few weeks until they all expire. Y'all know me and free go together like peanut butter and jelly. So how am I celebrating my milestone birthday? Well, I got treated to lunch by some of my friends at work twice this week and am looking forward to a free meal this weekend from Davon. So while I'm not officially having a party, I'll be having a good time celebrating turning the big 4 - 0, especially with all the free hook ups I have found.

An interestingly unusual "petting zoo"

Those of you who know me know that I try to keep the boys busy. Life can be challenging with four boys. And you also know how I love FREE so we took advantage of yet another free e activity in the Washington area this past weekend (September 12th) by attending the Kennedy Center open house arts festival. The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a living memorial to the late President John F. Kennedy and is a beautiful building located on the brink of historic Georgetown and near George Washington University. Another free activity available at this beautiful venue is the Millenium Stage - which offers free live performances daily at 6pm. For more info, check out www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/. Anyway, as for the open house, our trip to the Kennedy Center started off rocky as we searched for nearly 45 minutes for a parking space on the street. If we didn't have somewhere to be afterward I definitely would've done Metro there. Despite the rocky start, we had a great time.

The boys seemed to enjoy seeing the various performers which included a moving piano player. I mean literally the piano on wheels moved as he played. Macadam Piano was definitely an interesting sight that we saw at our arrival.

Macadam Piano

enjoying the outside view of moving piano

Then we ventured inside and were able to see some performers singing snippets from the opera, The Barber of Seville . . .even if you don't know this opera I know you know the song "figaro, figaro" from Bugs Bunny fame . . .

Drew and Dylan checking out the opera scene from the Barber of Seville performers

Then we ventured upstairs to the multicultural book fair and got one of the books we own (The Champ: the story of Muhammed Ali) signed by the author, Tonya Bolden. She was extremely gracious and signed it to Drew and Dylan, even though I don't think she was supposed to. Thanks for that one.

Then we ventured outside for another performance by Béron, a miming magician or something, who was very entertaining with juggling and a very Mr. Bean-ish performance. We enjoyed him for a while.

the boys checking out Béron

more Béron

Maestro Mouse - the mascot

Then we got in line for the National Symphony Orchestra instrument petting zoo - a hands-on experience with orchestra instruments. The boys got the chance to try out several percussion instruments, the saxophone, the french horn, the clarinet, the flute, the piccolo, the violin and the cello. The boys really liked this part of the entire day. And I can definitely see school band in my future.

Nic in the percussion section with a shaker

Drew and Dylan checking out the different percussion instruments

Drew on the conga drums (that DC go-go vibe coming out)

Nic trying out the clarinet

Drew on the sax

Dylan giving it a try

Dylan on the french horn (video below)

Drew on the trombone

Dylan channeling his inner Yo-Yo Ma

Drew trying to show him up

Dylan getting instruction on how to handle the violin's bow

Drew and his turn with the violin




Dylan on the french horn



Drew Bug "Satchmo" Robinson on the horn

As we were leaving because we had another engagement to attend, we walked through the Washington Chalk Festival and the boys wrote their names on the sidewalk and we admired some real chalk art on large canvases. En route to our car, we saw our final performance of La Voile, an aerialist who was literally hanging by a string (well, a lot of strings since it was cloth) in front of the Kennedy Center performing to music. This part, while breathtakingly beautiful, scared me because it was a bit windy and there was no net. But he seemed to know exactly what he was doing and the boys were fascinated.

Overall, it was a wonderful afternoon of exposing the boys to the arts. I hope to take them to some Millennium Stage performances and hope to make it back to the Open House next year.