Together Again!

View: Potomac River, Woodrow Wilson Bridge, Old Town Alexandria.

 

 

One of the nicest times in our family are the mornings after Dad gets home from a trip. The boys are super-happy. Andre always wakes up early and cheerfully. He gets very excited when he realizes it's a day that his dad is still home. He has me put him down and immediately runs to DH.

 

 

 

I'm convinced he wakes up earlier than big brother so that he can get some undivided attention.

 

 

 

Big Brother can pull himself out of a funk when he realizes Dad is nearby.

 

  

 

We wanted to do something special with the boys this weekend; and I'm not allowed to travel far until baby comes. After scouring Airbnb and Marriott, we found a fantastic deal ($75/night) at the Gaylord National Harbor. This was a breathtaking hotel and a phenomenal deal.

 

 

 

We watched people get their beautifully laid-out breakfasts while we ate bagels and other treats the boys picked out at the grocery store. The view made us feel content just to sit and watch. The boys were fascinated by the hotel structure (elevators, open space, and airplanes flying by).

 

 

 

Isaac kept asking whether we were outside or inside.

 

 

 

 

Andre has a goofy side lately. He really enjoys a good laugh, but can keep a straight face for a long time. So, he often makes everyone else laugh. We keep learning more about him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The boys picked out bubbles while we were waiting for Dad's plane to land. They were a huge hit.

 

 

 

 

 

The Awakening "sand box" was also a huge hit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am so ready to have this baby! Strangers have been so friendly these days. People hold doors open for me all the time. One lady wheeled our mulch cart to the car while leaving Home Depot with the boys a week ago. It was one of those long work days for DH; and I really needed to be productive.

 

 

 

I'm so grateful that the Lord gave us two boys who love the sand. They could play here all day without getting tired or bored. It's really impressive to me.

 

 

 

This is Andre's response to "Look over here!" We are 2 for 2 for non-conformists.

 

 

 

 

At some point, all of the children decided that the place to be was standing inside the giant's mouth.

 

 

 

 

There was a Saudi Arabian Career Fair conference going on at the hotel at the same time. We were surrounded by hundreds of women in varying degrees of covered, including many in burqas. So, it felt like we were in another country even though we were 20 minutes from home.

 

 

 

DH tried to give each of the boys a swimming lesson.

 

 

 

They both panicked a little, especially this one:

 

 

 

 

I wrapped him up into a burrito. We've decided that next year is our year for swimming lessons and pools. I'm not willing to get a pool membership with two toddler boys and a baby. Unless it comes with blood thinners and anti-anxiety medication.

 

 

 

 

I got a kick out of watching this one "swim" with dad. He reminded me of myself panicking while my grandma spent hours walking around in the water with me.

 

 

 

The good news is I eventually calmed down and learned enough swimming moves to not-drown. Some of my siblings have become good swimmers even. So I have hope for our boys!

 

 

More bubbles:

 

 

 

I love him.

 

 

 

Andre kept saying, "A really big one!" after each bubble. He is Isaac's biggest fan.

 

 

 

 

Happy Pentecost!