Miriam's Birthday Day

Our nanny, Miriam, has been with our family for almost two years. The twins love her! They light up every time she comes to the house. Best of all, they listen to her. Today was her birthday. To celebrate, we planned a surprise dinner for her.

Usually, Miriam's daughter Kenia picks her up on Thursday. But today, we planned for her to stay. I'm surprised she didn't become suspicious when I began baking her cake early in the afternoon. After the cakes cooled, it was the twins' job to ice them. I gave each child a layer of cake, a spatula & a tub of icing. They made it about 2 minutes before they decided it would be more fun to eat the icing, rather than frost the cake. While this was a messy craft, we giggled until our sides hurt. I know in months to come, I'm going to find hardened icing in places it shouldn't be. John & Kathryn were good little workers and Miriam was tickled that they made her cake.

As the day continued on & 5 o'clock approached, Kevin & I kept wondering if she figured out what was going on. The pasta sauce was shimmering on the stove & we still hadn't sung her happy birthday. We finally had to spill the beans when Miriam kept asking her daughter when they were going to go home since her grandson, Abraham, usually goes to bed around 6:30pm. We were all sitting on the deck, watching the kids play & the planes fly over head, when we told her that she & her family would be our guests for dinner. Her son & son-in-law weren't able to come due to work obligations, but her other daugher, Nancy, joined us later. The laid back birthday party was a huge success. It wasn't anything fancy - Shrimp linguine, three cheese garlic toast, and the twins' cake for dessert. Miriam wouldn't have wanted it any other way! Please enjoy some pictures from today.

Great Frederick Fair

Did you know that the gestation of a dairy cow is 9 months? How about a goat? That's 5 months, minus 5 days.

On another beautiful September day, John & Kathryn met up with Chris & Charlie (the Farkas twins) for a trip to the Great Frederick Fair. Please enjoy some pictures from our outing. I've been wanting to go to the fair for years. 2007 was my first!

The animals were the twins' favorite attraction. We saw lots of diary cows, chickens, roosters, and sheep. We came across a mommy pig ready to give birth & two harness racing horses. In addition to the agricultural exhibits/animals, there was a carnival with rides for all ages. Unfortunately, the rides are only open on weekdays after 5pm or weekends.

We enjoyed fresh squeezed lemonade. an all natural hot dog, and for dessert - a funnel cake. I'm already looking forward to next year's fair.

Kids Fest at the B&O

I am determined to expose the twins to all that the Baltimore-Washington area has to offer. Having grown up in Washington, I've been taking field trips most of my life. From our home, we only have to travel 45 minutes east, west or south for new adventures. I not only check the local papers, but I've joined some listservs so that I can be kept abreast of all the current goings-on. I try to dedicate at least two weekends a month to taking the twins to a new event. This weekend it was 'Kids Fest' at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. I learned of this fun event from the Frederick Multiples Club. Here are some pictures from our latest adventure.

Sunday was another beautiful day. I'm glad that I organized the twins' winter clothes yesterday, because autumn has arrived! Daddy had to work, but Grandma Busardo was able to join us. Having an extra set of hands makes the trip more enjoyable for everyone. Plus, when the twins want to run there is always someone close behind.

The B&O Museum is located just two miles west of the inner harbor. As we were driving into the city, I wondered if either the Ravens or Orioles would be playing a home game. We didn't see any fans walking around & the parking lots were empty. However, upon our departure; when saw lots of gold & purple jerseys, tailgating tents being assembled & hamburgers grilling we learned that the Ravens would be hosting the NY Jets for a 4:15pm game. At the time of this post, the Ravens were leading 17-3.

The B&O museum is a roundhouse that collects and preserves artifacts related to early American railroading, particularly the Baltimore & Ohio, Chesapeake & Ohio, Western Maryland, and other mid-Atlantic railroads. The museum made it an extra special weekend for children by inviting the musical band Milkshake. The twins took a twenty minute train ride on an old fashioned passenger car, danced to the music, climbed on a child size locomotive where they were given the honor of being conductors (even ringing the train's bell), and were treated to lunch w/ Grandma Busardo. Unbeknownst to us, our friends (the Farkas twins) were also at the event.

After three hours of fun, we waved goodbye to the trains & conductors. Our next trip is the Frederick County fair.

Weekend Birthday Celebration

Saturday afternoon was spent celebrating the 2nd birthday of our cute neighborhood playmate. Here are some pictures from the birthday extravaganza. Jackson and his family moved to the neighborhood a little over a year ago. While he is new to the neighborhood, we've been friends with him since birth. His auntie/uncle and grandma/grandpa are also our neighbors (how fun is that?!?).

Since Jackson lives across the street, I loaded the twins & Jackson's gifts into their radio flyer wagon and pulled them to the party. It was a beautiful, crisp September day. They began clapping as we approached Jackson's house.

I never know if the twins might be overwhelmed by all the guests and the commotion. But they really loved this party! The party was in the afternoon, immediately after their nap. Upon arrival, they promptly realized that Jackson owns toys that they do not. Sharing is not their strongest characteristic right now. I think they were most excited about Jackson's big boy bed. The twins are still in their cribs. Kevin & I agreed we wouldn't transition to big boy/girl beds until they began climbing out of the cribs. I've taught them how & I know they know how, but they show little interest. However, when they saw Jackson's bed they went bonkers. They both crawled into his bed & immediately pulled a blanket over themselves. You could see their elation when they figured out how easy it was to climb in & out. Maybe we'll be transitioning to a big boy/girl bed sooner than planned.

Mommy & Daddy Cavanaugh were wonderful hosts! The birthday theme was 'everything trucks' - what 2yr old boy doesn't love a truck. Jackson was surrounded by loving friends & family. He opened gifts (lots of trucks) and sang happy birthday. We are thankful for being invited and hope we'll be included on the guest list for birthday #3.

Labor Day Weekend

Frederick County school children begin their year the week before Labor Day Weekend. We always know the school year is about to begin when we see the buses practicing their routes around the neighborhood. In just one year John & Kathryn will be entering pre-school! One year - 365 days. Wasn't I just on bed rest anticipating their arrival!?!? Soon it'll be Wonder Pet lunchboxes & room mother snack coordination.

These past three days have been packed with fun! Our weekend began with our friend's wedding reception. The invitation said 'kid friendly'. I was skeptical. I rsvp'd for four but had my mom as a back-up in case the twins weren't being cooperative. They were on their best behavior (for the first 2 1/2 hrs, at least). The reception was beautiful. A friend of the groom opened her NW home for the event. The backyard was huge for DC standards! It seemed to go on for miles. And it was enclosed! Best of all, I knew most of the guests (lots of Gtown peers). Good company, great conversation.

We made it through the buffet, but don't know if they cut a cake. Once the twins begin to take their clothes off, we know it's time to exit stage right. John was the first to undress. Kathryn enjoyed lifting her dress to show everyone that her knickers were the same color as the rest of her outfit. The party had bubbles! The twins tried their best to blow bubbles, but most of the bottles were dumped on the grass. The buffet included these buttery brioche rolls. John double-fisted them the entire party. When he was done, he would return for more. He was quite perturbed when the roll basket was empty & made sure to tell us by having a mild tantrum. After the party, the day ended with a quick stop (1 hr) at Grandma/Grandpa Busardo's.

Side note - Saturday was the beginning of VA Tech's football season. The Hokies won 17-7, beating ECU.

Sunday was filled with errands - Walmart, BBBeyond, Lowes, and the Organic Market. With Fall approaching fast, I needed to re-mulch the front yard. 8 bags & 2hrs of back wrenching labor (gardening is therapeutic right?), the front looks clean & refreshed. Since our front yard isn't fenced, I couldn't let the twins play outside while I completed this task. I opened the windows & they sat on the inner ledge cheering me on from the other side of the screen. Like most projects, this wasn't completed in one try. After 20 minutes, they decided they didn't like me outside. I had to complete the mulching once they were napping.

I am not happy with the bushes that line the front of our house. I've lived here for 7 yrs (Kevin 12yrs) & every year we talk about having it landscaped w/ new plants & some rose bushes. 2008 will be the year. No exceptions. I have never had a green thumb. My mother breeds the most beautiful African Violets. I've killed them. I received a Christmas cactus once, I killed that one, too.

The evening concluded with ice cream cones on the patio and watching the airplanes fly overhead. Dulles was busy with incoming aircraft! Most times, John is the one fascinated with the planes. Sunday night was different. Kathryn would point & say 'plane' as each one flew by. New words are being articulated daily! Kevin & I are happy!!!

Monday brought Uncle Eddie for a Labor Day Weekend bbq. The twins love their Uncle because he is their human jungle gym! He usually leaves our house with at last one scratch and a few bruises. The master grillman, Kevin G, cooked us some yummy steaks. I made a tomato, cucumber & onion salad. We finished with homemade 'Khao Neeo Moon' or Sticky Rice w/ Coconut Milk & Mangos. Uncle Eddie left stuffed & exhausted.

The twins & me are looking forward four days to another busy weekend. Mary's great friend (and college roommate) will be visiting with her daughter. She'll be attending the FCPOM fall yard sale. I'll be hosting our guests & selling my goods.

Future Academic

My sister, now 22, rarely destroyed her toys as a child. A Barbie, on occasion, but the big items remained in excellent condition. The twins were given her easel last year (thank you Grandma/Grandpa Busardo). One side has a large clip for paper drawing, the other a chalkboard. It also has two large storage trays for crayons, chalk, and matchbox cars.

At first, it was just another toy taking up space in our living room. The easel comes with two large yellow crossbars for folding and storage. Every time I tried to move the easel, Kathryn would slap my hand 'no'. The easel was to remain in front of the living room window, end of discussion. They would play around the easel, sometimes inside the a-line frame using the crossbar as a door. Giggles could be heard every time the other twin would try to squeeze in.

Lately, it's all about drawing. Actually, drawing anywhere they can put crayon to surface. Kathryn with her right hand, John with his left. The easel is no longer a toy, but a means for their creativity. As the next masterpiece is being fashioned, Kathryn will talk you through what she is composing. Full of animation as she speaks to you - like a PhD student defending their dissertation, her easel her podium.

Side note - In this picture, Kathryn is wearing her new one-piece nightgown. Girlie pjs, without pants. We are hoping she doesn't figure out how easily she can pull off her diaper!