John & Kathryn turn 3!

Three years ago, unable to sleep and hoping that my 62 inch waist wouldn't grow any bigger, my fourteen weeks of restricted bed rest was lifted; soon thereafeter the twins entered this world without much fanfare! 6:38pm & 6:43pm -- June 10, 2005 -- Sibley Hospital.

If you ask John how old he is, he'll reply 'tree'. Kathryn will reply 'five'. Funny thing is its John that looks like the five year old. The last three years have been exciting, with new twists and turns everyday. Yesterday we celebrated their third birthday just a few days shy of their actual birthday. Location - Glen Echo Park, Maryland. I really wanted to have their party at the National Zoo, but they don't allow sponsored parties until the children are at least five. Plus the waiting list is full through 2009. I'll sign up sometime next year and hope I can get them in before they don't want parties anymore!

I was able to secure an indoor art room at Glen Echo Park and I am thankful that I didn't rent the outdoor pavilion. It was 98 degrees in Washington, DC yesterday. How can I say this -- it was miserable with a capital M! Sixteen children (ages ranging from 1 to 6) descended upon the park with their parents. They were treated to pizza, mini-cupcakes, and a balloon twister who was patient enough to make each child an individual balloon creature. I'd say the bumble bees and the pink daisies were my favorite. The party ended with everyone receiving carousel tickets. The old fashioned wooden carousel is the highlight of the park. We rode it at least five times. You can tell from the pictures that even the kids began to get hot with their pink cheeks.

The birthday party was the end of a very hectic week. Mama G (Kevin's mom) came from Houston for a visit a week. The twins enjoyed lots of hugs and relaxing with 'Dan-ma'. John greeted her every morning with 'Shh, Grandma sleeping. Grandma are you sleeping? Grandma. GRANDMA'. By the third or fourth Grandma, she was out of bed. We were glad to have her. We wished she visited more often.

Mid-week, our 100 ft cherry tree fell during a severe summer storm. No structural damage to homes or cars, just our neighbor's dogwood. We were grateful to our neighbors for being so patient while we cleared the damage. The remainder of the standing tree will come down this week. I'm going to miss the shade. We're thinking of replacing it with Japanese Elm.

Stay cool!