After home leave, we were off to training in Virginia for the month of May. While there, we had to go out and explore some of the things in the DC area that we hadn't had time for yet. We got out a lot, saw a lot, and just had a lot of fun. Here are a few of the places we went to...
This larger than life sculpture had been moved within the last few years, but we hadn't known to where until we looked it up. "The Awakening" is now located at the National Harbor, along with a cute little area with shops and restaurants on the waterfront. We had a great time walking around and playing on the sculpture.
He doesn't even realize he's about to be eaten by a giant statue... Sean needs to teach him better ;)
At the national harbor, they have a children's museum. While we didn't end up going in, there was Bug Bird outside that we could take pictures with...until they told us we couldn't put our kids on him, oops! :)
We also made it to the Dulles Air and Space Museum where they have lots of planes, jets, and space shuttles. We thought Asher would like it a lot more than he did, but it was the first time we had gone, so we had a good time :) Maybe in a couple more years will he like it more.
The Discovery space shuttle
Asher just hanging around ;)
The Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run
One Saturday, we went to this working farm where people dress as Colonial farmers and workers. It wasn't so big, but we really enjoyed it. Asher had a great time looking at all the animals and running around.
And of course he picked up a few souvenirs along the way :)
Dad taught him all about chickens and roosters...
And how it is probably best to stay away from the roosters.
He had a bad experience with roosters when he was a kid.
The stand off...
Apparently these roosters and chickens were more friendly than the ones Sean's family owned when he was young :)
Asher had fun mooing at the cows
And pretty much just enjoyed climbing the fence.
After touring the farm, we went to the live farmers market where the colonial people sold good colonial food and goods.
They had people sword practicing, which Asher loved watching...
And then he was drafted into the Colonial militia...that only lasted a couple minutes - apparently Uncle Sam was in desperate need if he was drafting 2 year olds :) Then it started raining, and we left, but we had a good time there and recommend it when they are having the farmers market!
This next place we went to was Oxen Hill Farm. Ehh. Not really worth it, but we got to have a picnic lunch under the trees and Asher got to climb some more fences :)
Though he did get to see a real life tractor, which he was very happy about :)
The best part of our month in Virginia was that we were back together with our super good friends, living only a couple floors apart. Yay!! Asher was reunited with his best friend, and life was good :)
We went to parks together...
Rode bikes and climbed trees together...
But most importantly, even if they aren't pictured, we went to the pool together. We got a puddle jumper floaty for Asher this summer, as recommended by an old high school friend, and it has made all the difference in our time at the pool. They are amazing!! Asher loves the pool so much more, and he can float around without the help of anyone. He and Andelyne had a blast swimming together and the parents were so happy that they were happy :)
One of the highlights of my month of May was Mother's day. First off, let me explain something. In Albania we had nursery class for the 18 month old to 3 year old kids at church. This was great, but the down side was that we, the parents, were the teachers. This means that the kids never got used to going to nursery by themselves. Flash forward to home leave - Asher lasted about 10 minutes before he had a major meltdown when we were in Maryland. When we got to Virginia, the nursery program was fantastic. They had it down like clockwork, and there were so many leaders that we decided to give it a try again. Mother's Day happened about the third week we got there. The nursery leaders had the cute idea to take pictures of the children holding signs that said, "Happy Mother's Day" and then put those pictures in frames that the kids decorated. Well... this was the picture I got :)
My little jail bird's mug shot :)
Apparently, he had been crying pretty hard before the took the pictures. When he finally calmed down, they decided to try for a picture. And you know how uncooperative Asher is for photos in the first place :) Well, this definitely made my day, it made me and Sean and anyone else who knew Asher and saw this picture laugh so hard. I love this little boy!
But he and his dad did have a great surprise for me when I woke up on Mother's Day. Aren't they the best!
Unfortunately, like all good things, this month in Virginia had to come to an end. We cleaned up the apartment, packed out and were off. But we had a fantastic time, and were sad to leave it and all the newly met and old people we love behind for a new adventure.
Thanks for the good times everyone!
Such a cheesy little man :)
