Virginia is for Lovers

A couple of weeks ago, Chris and I set out on a little adventure together to join Katie in her current neck of the woods, Williamsburg, VA. It was somewhat of a covert operation actually - a deal Mom and I struck together. "Bridget, I'll take care of your babies if you take care of mine." So, one quick hand shake later and Chris and I landed in Newport News, VA. We could not have asked for better weather and certainly could not have asked for a better host and tour guide than Katie. She is snugly into her second year of a Masters in Computer Science program at the College of William and Mary. She made every effort to clear her schedule so that she could devote all of her attention and energies our way which we will forever be indebted to her for. I also scored her student discount when I purchased M&M matching William and Mary sweatshirts at the college bookstore!

Our first morning in VA, Nov. 6th (Happy Birthday, Mom...), we headed out to Aromas for a killer breakfast to kick start our day of sightseeing




Then it was off to the campus of William and Mary for Katie's grand tour! The College of William and Mary is the second oldest college in America, Harvard being the first.





Despite Katie's technical know-how and the hopes that I might have inherited some stragglers of the uber intelligent genes that she did in that regard, we managed to inadvertently videotape a sitting for a group photo before actually snapping an official one...





Then it was off to McGlothlin-Street Hall to check out Katie's computer science digs...









As we emerged from one of the many buildings we visited on campus, we realized that there was some version of a re-enactment taking place on the grounds of Colonial Williamsburg which is situated almost seamlessly beside the campus. So we hightailed it over to the green to catch the end of a fife and drum performance and take a few photos of the Governor's mansion...




All of that footing around campus stirred up a mean appetite, and Katie's promise of a gourmet sandwich lured us back to her place on South Henry Street..







Although I didn't take any photos to document the evening's festivities, we enjoyed a lovely dinner at the Williamsburg Winery, a short drive from Katie's place. Seared tuna steak for Bridge, chicken with lump crab meat for Chris and cheese tortellini for Kate. And, can we recommend the reserve 2006 Trianon blend if you're ever in the area?

Sleeping in a bit (and for Chris and I, that meant after 8 AM) was in order for Day Two in Williamsburg and once again, Katie
used her culinary prowess to dish up a hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast accompanied by french vanilla coffee from her french press. Mmmmm. Following breakfast, a little shopping was had by all, followed by a little french onion soup had by all at the Blue Talon Bistro.

Then, it was time to set our plan for the day in motion and head out to Jamestowne, the site of the first permanent English settlement in America. There, we walked the land at the banks of the James River that was settled over 400 years ago by the English (13 years before the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock). There are still plots of land at this site being excavated today. Check out these super sultry shots of us as we attempt to absorb the history that enveloped us as we combed the grounds of Jamestowne...

Hot...









Hotter...





As evening crept in, we made the wise decision to retire to the comfort of Katie's place. Sweatpants adorned all as we met at the dining table for some pizza and peppery arugula salad. And before the last pair of eyelids closed, we managed the most recent episode of Sherlock Holmes on PBS as we snuggled together beneath the ruffles.





I ask you, what is better than time spent with those you love? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. See you at Thanksgiving Katie.

Concealment

All There is to Know

I'm kicking myself for not sharing until now this conversation that Maeve had with her Dad several months ago ...

Maeve: Hey Dad. I think I know all that I need to know about life.

Dad: Oh yeah? What's that?

Maeve: Three things. You should share with others. You should remember to shut off the lights when you're not using them. And I know that if you itch your mosquito bites, it will make them worse.

And, according to Maeve, that's all you really need to know.

Happy Halloween

There was tricking and treating had by all this year in the McNamara family. So much so, that my kids had multiple costumes throughout the weekend. Yes, in true McNamara fashion, we managed to spread Halloween over a 4 day period. Go big or go home.

First I give you Maeve - otherwise known as Princess Ariel - at her pre-Halloween celebration at Knotty Pine Nursery School, complete with a parade of all the kids around the neighborhood...









On Thursday night, Maeve chose to switch gears a bit and kick it back in a 2T-sized outfit for Bat Man. I give you, Skin-tight Bat Girl and her reluctant side kick, Elephant, naturally:





And now, for the big reveal on All Hallows Eve, the pièce de résistance, Michael the pirate and the Triumphant return of Ariel...




And what Halloween entry would be complete without a short film on the effects of ingesting a piece of Halloween candy after cleaning your dinner plate? I present the Sticky Tendencies of a Box of Milk Duds...

Irish Step

Lessons have begun! Maeve is in a beginner's class through the Haley School for ages 3-5 and seems to be taking to it. Here's a shot of her in her bubble socks before her first class. We had to order the traditional soft shoe (ghillies) for her and we'll update the blog with a photo when they're in!