More FREE stuff . . . at the not so new National Harbor

We live very close to the National Harbor project right on the Maryland side of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and they are really are working hard at getting folk to come over and patronize the place. If nothing else, it's a beautiful vista when you just take a walk around the joint. They moved the "Awakening" statue that long held residence at Hains Point there and continue to develop the property with hotels (the flagship being the Gaylord Hotel and Resort), condos, retailers and restaurants (Ketchup, Cadillac Ranch, McCormick & Schmicks, Potbelly Sandwichworks, Ben & Jerrys and more to come) galore.

They offer free jazz concerts on Friday nights, they recently had a cd release and signing by the artist Ledisi (which I went to but got drenched in a torrential downpour during a brief thunderstorm prior to the start so we left; see some of what Tosha, Linda and I missed below), ladies night Thursdays where they show old Friends episodes on the big screen, and have family friendly movies on Sundays (I think we'll check it out soon, maybe even this weekend) . . . all for the low, low price of FREE (with the exception of the parking fee, which varies with events). We're looking forward to Harry Potter Fridays in October. They also have the American Market on Saturdays, which it appears is a farmer's market/vendors mall which we have yet to check out. This will also be the new home of the National Children's Museum which shuttered its near Union Station in downtown DC location a few years back. Despite the fact that there is no physical building yet for the museum, they still offer activities for families named the Launch Zone (go to http://www.ncm.museum/home/events for more info).

In any event, as more and more development finishes in this new destination spot (I'm especially anxious for the completion of the National Children's Museum in 2012), I'm sure you will be able to find an activity or restaurant you'd like to visit. If you do plan coming our way, hit me up . . . me and the crew may just meet you there.

video of Ledisi at the Harbor


Check out the Calendar of Events by clicking here http://www.nationalharbor.com/consumer/entertainment.htm

Please let this be a good omen for this new school year

So I'm going around after work kid free on Friday to pick up a few things from Target (can anyone say school supplies?) before I go home to my second job as a mommy and what do I see? A full, out and out rainbow. It has been years since I've seen a rainbow but this one was brilliant and the pictures don't begin to do it justice. It was stormy looking outside and a few rain drops fell but you could see literally all the colors of the rainbow and I was praying it was a good omen for the start of a new school year.

I've been teasing that I was feeling like the dad in that Staples commercial who's zooming around on the shopping cart shopping for school supplies as "It's the most wonderful time of year" plays in the background as the kids look at him like he grew another head . . .

because while I hate to see the summer end, I am grateful for the structure that the school year brings. Three of the four are in school so this definitely gives daddy day care a break and I am happy about the earlier bed times but not so much the homework ministry. But I really do appreciate routine so a new school year definitely helps with that.

Drew before I woke him up on the first day of school

Dylan catching zzzs

Drew having chocolate milk and a toaster strudel

Dylan had the same with a sausage patty

getting on the bus

And everything is new about it . . . Davon is starting high school (seriously?) and because of boundary changes in our county Drew and Dylan are actually at a new school this year as well. As is my tradition, I took the day off from work to accompany the little people to school on the first day (although that actually entails waiting with them at the bus stop and then going up to the school) to make sure they are okay with everything and they get where they're supposed to (and to bring the supplies they can't carry themselves).

So I arrive and am sent to the cafeteria for the kindergartners. By the time I get over there, Dylan's already met up with his classmates and is headed to his room so I stopped by Drew's class to make sure he got settled and to drop off his extra supplies. I was happy to see that Drew had a couple of friends - Jersey and Taylor from basketball class at the rec - as classmates. I met some of the other kids and helped pass out the kids' cereal and sporks. I met his teacher, Ms. Pilador, and signed in.

Then I headed downstairs to Dylan's class. Another surprising twist . . . Dylan's pre-K teacher from Allenwood, Ms. Calanog, is also working at Samuel Chase so there are many familiar faces already. We'll have to wait for back to school night to see how many other ones we run across. Dylan also knew a couple of kids - Susan and Marven - from last school year. I helped with the cereal and sporks here too and comforted one little boy who was crying. I met Dylan's teacher, Ms. Talbert, signed in and then stopped by the office to touch base with the registrar to make sure Allenwood sent all of their stuff.

Then I did some more school supply shopping for additional composition books and returned home to clean the boys' room after Nic fell asleep. Davon arrived home and we both went to the bus stop to pick up the little people. Then we got down to business with the homework which was mostly reading and then Davon had an orthodontic appointment. After that it was dinner, bath and bed (to quote Mrs. Jessie). And I was BEAT. The routine continues again tomorrow.

A few pictures follow.

Nic getting a preview

Dylan awaiting instruction

what's up, man?

Drew in the far back, on the left

Ms. Pilador explaining to the kids what they are supposed to do when they first get in class

Drew with Jersey, Taylor and another boy at their table

Drew getting ready to work it out with some frosted flakes

my babies getting off the bus

"heeeeeyyyyy, Davon!"

walking up the street to the house

alright guys, let's go do that homework

OMG . . . my baby is FIVE????? When did that happen?

I can't believe that five years have elapsed since we welcomed Dylan Emmanuel into our family. We spent his actual birthday journeying back from our SC sojourn and then had dinner at Chuck E Cheese to celebrate.

Friday was spent doing a lot of last minute running around trips to Party City for paper goods and other miscellaneous stuff, Giant to order his cake and Sams Club for the majority of the food for Dylan's big party we had planned at Watkins Park on Saturday. Many of you know that my kids get an official birthday party starting at age 3, and then every other year because a) they have no clue what's going on when they're really little b) they are expensive c) we know way too many people and d) they're kinda spoiled anyway.

So this was Dylan's second official party. I chose to return to Watkins Park for the venue because the party pavilions are strategically located near the playground and bathroom and we have access to the Nature Center, Old Maryland Farm, the miniature train and the carousel (and the putt putt course). Davon has had several parties there and Dylan's first official party two years ago was there too so it was as good a venue as any. And to me summer parties are meant to be spent outside in the fun and sun.

I was up late putting together my personalized goody bags - which IMHO are the true testament of a good party - with the Spongebob Squarepants theme - which personally I think turned out great with the coloring/activity books that I made (I love free graphics from the nickelodeon website), crayons, the Spongebob bubble sets, stickers, tattoos, jump ropes, paddle ball sets, bucket and shovel sets, crabby patties, fruit snacks, star sunglasses and glow in the dark bracelets. I do make the bomb goody bags if I say so myself.

So Saturday began in the frenzy expected with looming festivities and you're the hostess. I got everything I could packed up. Carlos had early football practice and was going to fill a big container with ice for the drinks and I still had to enlist the help of the boys' "Ti Aunt Linder" (Carlos' sister and my good girlfriend Linda) to help tote supplies to the park since I had the boys with me. We also had to pick up the cake so I was feeling the pressure and anxiety. I was also praying that my caucasian friends would be on CP time like I knew my folk would be.

Overall, it seemed most everyone had a good time although I was a bit disappointed (and Dylan was too) that more people weren't able to make it. But we definitely enjoyed the friends that were there which included some pleasant (albeit a little late to the festivities) surprises. Dylan enjoyed himself and was happy with his stash which included money, gift cards and some cool Spongebob themed board games and sheet set and comforter for his new bed.

We were all dog dead tired and sweaty by the time we finally wrapped things up and I for one couldn't wait until we got home and in the tub. Then we went bowling again on Sunday to wrap up a fun-filled weekend.

Some random pics from the party follow . . . as the hostess I didn't take as many pictures as I should have so let me apologize in advance.

birthday boy with Drew and Brayden

could one of these dudes be the next King of Pop?

imitating MJ . . . hee hee

Nic checking out the scenery during our train ride

the cake lit up with the candles

another shot of the cake . . . not bad Giant

mommy and Nic on the train

Dylan with Drena, Kayla and Nic after a ride on the carousel

Dylan was PRESSED to see what the girls got him . . . Spongebob Connect 4

waiting to ride

Happy Birthday to Dylan!

our annual tradition

Davon's godparents - Regina and Petey - not too long ago relocated from Montgomery County Maryland to the lovely state of South Carolina (as did their two grown girls - LaShane and Rita) and he began spending his summers there about 4 or 5 years ago. The first year he spent about a week there as we both were testing out his summer away (okay it was more me than him doing the testing) but after that he spent a maximum of seven weeks (even missing his birthday at home for the first time a few years back) being a man of leisure. Usually I either take him down or pick him up and spend a few days relaxing there myself for one of two reasons . . . 1) I enjoy the laid back atmosphere of this traditional African-American ritual (I can't count how many of my friends or friends' parents spent or sent their summers down "south) and 2) it's a helluva long ride to just turn around and come right back.

They live in a beautiful community in Fort Mill, SC, less than ten miles from Charlotte, NC, and near the Carowinds amusement park and Pineville, NC. While they truly live at my absolute driving limit (about 6 1/2 hours from our home), I really do enjoy spending time with them and am so glad Davon has these wonderful people in his life.

This year we descended as a tribe of five (Carlos stayed home this trip) and this was Nic's first trip down. We enjoyed days in the pool, chillaxing and just hanging with our extended family. We were even surprised that Regina was there when we got there . . . she actually still works in DC and is kinda bi-residence. So we got to spend some QT with everybody which was nice.

Petey already has his hands full with his granddaughter, Jadyn, but my adding some testosterone to the mix with D to the fourth power was probably a whole lot more than he bargained for. But he handled it in stride and the boys enjoyed him a lot. Nic was even saying "pee-eee" before we left and would beg him and Shane to pick him "uuuhhh" so I guess they passed his test. Jadyn seemed taken for a loop at first but I think she enjoyed having some other little folk around.

We ventured around a bit (I was surprised I still remembered how to get places) checking out Ice Age 3, the Pineville Flea Market (Drew and Dylan got wallets and have been begging for money to put in them ever since), the local Target, Old Navy, Dollar store (so they could break in those new wallets), Toys R Us (for bookbags and toys for Dylan) and KMart. We did a little grocery shopping so I could fix dinner for everyone (and I overdid it, I think there are still some leftovers) one night (one of Davon's faves - chicken parmesan) and hit up the local Golden Corral one afternoon. But mostly we slept in, relaxed and spent many hours in the pool. Nic even fell asleep one afternoon in my arms in the pool . . . ahh, it was just yesterday when Davon did the same thing.

Overall, while it wasn't really a short trip, time on vacation always seem shorter than time at work, doesn't it? Luckily for Davon, he still has about another week of being a "Man of Leisure" which was shorter this summer because of the Jump Start to Graduation program I had him participate in at Crossland to get him acclimated to the high school environment. But soon he'll be back and then it's back into the routine of school . . . and I'm feeling like that Staples commercial . . . the most wonderful time of the year!!!!!! Routine is a parent's life saver for real.

Some of our memories follow . . .

what you doing over there, Nic?

where we spent a lot of time . . . Nic on the "waverunner"

Drew Bug "swimming"

the brother mountain - Nic has the best seat in the house

looking for the "go" switch - he could really move

Drew working my cell phone camera

Baby, where's your other sock?


Another Drew Bug shot . . . say cheeeese, guys!


Dylan "swimming"

the entire pool crew

Drew chilling in "my" room

Drew jumping off the diving board

Dylan's turn


Drew is geared up, aint he?

the goofy threesome fooling around in the living room

the "pool boy" - Davon cleaning the pool

ahh, this is the life!

Drew getting his Michael Phelps on

Testing out FREE

I've been running across a bunch of free (or ridiculously cheap) activities for the boys to do this summer although with me working full time, we haven't capitalized on them as much as I would have liked. Here are a few I thought we would really get down with but alas . . .

AMC movies had their annual AMC summer movie camp which features G- and PG-rated movies each Wednesday morning at 10 am for the low price of $1. They also offer a reduced rate on the AMC kids pack - which includes a kid's sized popcorn, kid's sized drink, and a sweet treat (our theater's is usually a fruit snack) - for the price of $3 (from the regular $5.75). So for the low price of $4 each, you can enjoy a second run movie. Unfortunately, this special deal the proceeds of which benefited the Will Rogers Institute ended on August 5th so I guess we'll have to get in on it next summer. For more info though, point your browser to www.amctheatres.com/smc/.

Not to be outdone, Regal Cinemas offers a Free Family Film Festival during which they show selected G and PG rated movies at 10am each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. It's on a first-come, first-served basis with seating limited to theater capacity. Point your browser to www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx to see if there is a participating theater in your area. This program is still going on in our area so we may be able to get a film in before it's over. I'd hate to miss out on two bomb deals.

Our local park and planning (http://www.pgparks.com/) offered free youth membership id cards for residents aged 6-17 and Drew and Davon both got cards. These cards allow them access to community centers and this summer they could take advantage of swimming in any county pool from 4pm til closing on Fridays and Saturdays. They also were able to register for a free water safety program. Drew and Davon have completed one 4-week session and Drew is in another session now. One more reason I support our local parks. Check the website for other free or low fee activities using the "calendar of events" tab on the left navigation bar.

The three amigos waiting on deck during Davon's class

Drew (left) with instructor Wesley and a classmate learning to float with barbell

We did, however, finally capitalize upon a really good deal. Someone sent me the link for www.kidsbowlfree.com where children can get signed up to bowl 2 free games daily before 5pm all summer long. I even went to the added trouble of buying the entire family bowling shoes so we won't be subjected to the price of shoe rental (or bowling alley cooties). They also offer a family plan for up to 4 additional people to bowl 2 free games as well for what I thought was a relatively inexpensive price (less than $25). I don't really know how much it costs to bowl because the only bowling we've been doing has been on the Nintendo Wii but it's definitely more than FREE so I thought this was a great deal. I ordered the shoes on the internet and the most expensive pair was $25. The little ones and I finally ventured out on this past Sunday instead of hitting up Six Flags (we have season passes) - because of the thunderstorm that morning and the overcast skies for most of the day - and ended up at our local AMF bowling center. Even though two games go by really fast with only me and two little people, we had a good time and it was a fun way to pass a few hours. The boys wanted pizza from the snack bar which was not very good so for less than $20 we had a fun afternoon. I'm not much of a bowler but the boys were excited that I got 100 in our first game. And they did pretty good, getting in the upper 80s in both games. We'll have to hit up the spot more before the month and the program ends.

Drew hoping for a strike

Dylan waiting for his ball to magically appear

Nic being silly watching the action

Dylan showing his "form"