To the Presidents

After an unsuccessful trip to Mt. Vernon (super crowded!) we scored a great parking spot right by the tidal basin in DC and spent the afternoon visiting the monuments and memorials to past Presidents Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, and FDR. It was a great day for a walk around the basin! It's so awesome to live close to DC for stuff like this.

Misc. February

After Frank got back from CA last weekend we stayed around the marina doing maintenance and watching my Patriots lose the Super Bowl. Then something crazy must have happened...I somewhat consciously made the decision to attempt to re-make our bench cushions. Mind you I haven't sewn in years and don't ever recall sewing a zipper, but I'm going for it. We've ordered what seems like a million fabric samples and some of "the best" 4.5" thick foam for the seats. And to really top it off, Frank ordered me a Sailrite sewing machine (I tease that it was for Valentine's Day!) so I can do the cushions AND do some repairs to our dodger. Aghhhhhh! What have I gotten myself into?!?!??!

And to keep things interesting we ordered some foul weather gear that was a super deal on Overstock and went ahead and ordered the generator Frank has been wanting for what seems like years. Next up? Extended coastal cruise for spring break??? Please, weather! Cooperate!

Staycation: Baltimore

With the Captain catching a very early flight out of BWI this morning we had decided to make this weekend a "Staycation" and headed to Baltimore for a visit to the aquarium and a stay at a hotel with an indoor pool. We had a blast! The National Aquarium in Baltimore is really quite nice, though it was definitely crowded. Last night we checked in, enjoyed the manager's reception for dinner and drinks, then headed to the pool! The kids haven't lost too much skill in their ine out of the water, so that's good. The kids and I even headed back to the pool this morning before checking out! Good, simple fun!

A tough good-bye

Tonight we had the crew of Libre Vie over for a send-off dinner as they are making a quick move up to New York this weekend. Both being in the military and living on a boat have shown us that neighbors come and go quite frequently compared to our landlubber, non-military friends, but this particular departure will make me pretty sad.  I've never felt insane for living aboard with my family or always wanting to travel when talking to them, and they don't mind that our crazy kids attack them with hugs.  They are fun, easy going, and have a thirst for life that just automatically makes me smile.  I will miss them, but am happy that our timing at least worked out to allow us to meet them!

Make a wish!

Tonight the winds finally cooperated for a good Wishlantern launch, and the sky was perfectly clear and full of stars.  We launched 3, and the kids even got in on the action.  It was beautiful!

Ready to launch.

Up, up, and away!