Four hours into our five-and-a-half-hour drive to New Jersey, amidst much commotion, complaints of “he’s on my side” and “Leya’s stepping on the crackers,” and threats of turning the car around, Connor says, “Mommy, I sooo happy!” Having no idea what this could be in reference to, I asked what made him so happy, to…
“Mommy,” a little voice says, “is today a special day?” “Yes, Connor. It’s Daddy’s birthday.” “Are we doing anything special today, Mommy,” he asks in an I have something in mind sort of way. “No, I don’t think so, Connor.” With that, a little head leans toward my ear and begins to whisper. “Mommy,…
Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is a Thanksgiving morning tradition in our home. This year’s parade provided more than colorful floats, melodic bands, and giant balloons, it provided comic relief: During a commercial break, Patrick and the kids were telling me about the Smurf float in the parade. Now as a child of the 80s,…
Today while on our Volksmarch, we stopped in several fun stores in Old Town Alexandria, including a candy story that sold 18 inch long gummy snakes (Mom said no, but Dad said yes) and an Irish wares store. Connor and I quickly exited the Irish shop. It was small and crowded, and I had visions…
We woke this morning to a light dusting of snow on the ground and rain pattering on the roof. The radio reported a mixture of snow, ice, and rain for the remainder of the day and a host of school closings. Upon hearing this, Connor, our 7-year-old, looks at me and sleepily asks, “Are you…
Ryan and Connor are watching Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back with their Dad. Tension and drama are high as Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker face off… and then, silence during the movie’s pivotal moment: “I am your father,” wheezes Darth Vader. A gasp of disbelief from Ryan: “They stole that right out of Toy…