Rock N Roll Half Marathon

What a fabulous labor day weekend. This is the first year I've been authentic: not paid the $75 RNR Half Marathon entry fee only to experience the free beer that the entry fee buys. Don ran it. Ugggh. It was 100% humidity. 1:50 may not sound impressive for Don, but I think anyone that can run the miles in that humidity, is super-fit. Amy and I went down to the o'front with Don at 5a. We put our towels on the sand, and I whipped out a thermos of Starbucks. We watched a stellar sunrise and then walked down to the race. We caught a glimpse of Dad at mile 12. We also caught him at the end. These pictures are of the day and also of the race expo.

Grandma, Maya, Ni Hao Kai Lan and Crickets

I'm remiss on photos from this weekend. We had a lovely visit with Grandma, and left a trail of foam-sticker-backs all over Bethesda and Rockville. Amy touched us all when she said (spontaneously), "I love you Grandma" at departure.

We got to see Karin and Maya, too! What a treat! Sorry we missed Bill.

Do you know about Ni Hao Kai Lan? Previously, I was in love-hate with Nickelodeon. Have you tried watching $#%&*@ Spongebob Squarepants? Does any parent like it? It is more annoying than constant nail-scratching on a chalk board. I hate the dern show. However, it subs as a sitter when we are in hotels, and since it is the only show we ever catch on the Nick channel. Well, now I'm praising Nick (and Lisa Prenni for informing me about this program before it was released). This show rocks out. Kai Lan is Chinese. She exudes peace, calm and positivity. Amy belts out Chinese words as she's watching it. I will buy every Ni Hao Kai Lan everything, DVD, doll, puzzle, plate, etc, as long as Amy stays interested.

I love being Amy's Mommy. Tonight, I cherished comforting the little cherub. It is so sweet to explain to a 3 and 3/4 year old that crickets just make sounds, and that they don't sting or bite. What a wonderful job it is to be a Mom...

Artwork and Pedicure

Here's another adorable example of artwork and lettering. Amy had her first pedicure. She loved the foot-soak tub, and thought the bubbles were tickly. She is so proud of her blue toenail polish. We had a great time. Hopefully we'll get some of the adorable pix from John, to post from Michelle's party. Fabulous photo-opportunity, but I was sans i-phone (imagine that!). Amy loved playing with Michelle and Jasmine, and Mommy and Daddy loved catching up with Louise and John. So nice to know that Julietta and Bryan still check out the blog from time to time. :)

Beijing Olympics and the Dentist

I've blinked and 6 months has gone by. Amy had her second visit to the Dentist. Amy's Dental Hygienist runs a Pony Party business on the side. We met up with her on Saturday at the Farmer's Market, where she does free promotional pony rides. Amy had her second pony ride, and Mommy now has the killer 4th birthday party plan. Serendipity! Stay tuned for that!

Alicia, thanks for the nice comments and for staying in touch on the blog!

Don and I never anticipated the emotional response we would feel from the opening ceremony. Amy has said some really cute things and asked some fabulous questions about China, in front of the tube. Don and I have had to whip out the kleenex and we are so happy to see China portrayed on NBC in a positive light. We received several calls from friends and family, thinking of us and our China connection, and we were so touched. We are very interested in going back to China, hopefully in 2009!

Gabriella's birthday party

I've never seen Amy have SO MUCH FUN. You'd think she had died and gone to heaven....