A Cold Day at Rehoboth Beach

Last week was spring break for the kiddos, and we took full advantage of it by driving east! We first spent a day at Rehoboth Beach, Del., followed by three days in Washington, D.C.

A beach trip is often on the calendar for spring breakers, but not one like this. It was COLD when we arrived around 5 p.m. on a Friday afternoon -- around 50 degrees, I think, and certainly chilly enough to wear a hoodie under my winter coat. Our hotel included a small balcony that we unfortunately never got to use. Luckily the hotel's pool was indoors, so the kids took full advantage. Of course there was no beach swimming in that weather!

That evening we took a quick look at the boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean before ordering a pizza. The next morning wasn't any warmer, but at least it was sunny. We walked along the beach with the kids darting to and from the foam and water, collecting shells. They each picked out a gummy snack from Candy Kitchen, and Paul got a big box of taffy. There were plenty of people around but it certainly wasn't crowded -- I can only imagine what it must be like in the middle of summer!

All in all, it was my perfect beach day -- all the sights with none of the swimming.

We left Rehoboth proper around 11:30 a.m. and drove to the Dogfish Head brewing and tasting room a half hour down the road in Milton. We sampled some brew while waiting for the 1 p.m. tour. Lunch there afterward was delicious; I ordered one of the best veggie burgers ever. Bought some drinks to take home before we left.

Next week: Washington, D.C.!

Atticus Turns 8!

Our bright and bubbly boy who loves silly jokes and crazy facts turned 8 this weekend! He celebrated with a few friends at the playground last Wednesday when classes were canceled for the day, and again with family on Sunday.

He's a little chatterbox who often needs to be reminded at school to stop talking to his friends. (Just like his mama used to be!) He loves recess and Boy Scouts and chess, and he can name every penguin fact known to man.

Legos are probably his favorite indoor toy, not counting the video game system that has all of the old classic Nintendo games. His birthday cake was shaped like Kirby, and nowadays he's trying to defeat StarTropics. He has bonded with his dad by reading Paul's old Nintendo Power magazines from when he was a boy.

He's quick to smile and laugh, and loves to make others do the same. Here's hoping he does so for many years to come!

Hello, New Tree!

Exactly 11 days after our large old maple was chopped down from our front yard, we planted a new red maple to take its place.

I didn't want to waste any time. Our yard has looked so empty since the former disappeared. Even though  we won't get the full benefits of the shade and height of its replacement for many years, I couldn't bare to see such a large empty space for long.

We planted a Matador maple on Sunday, which already stands taller than we do. It's on the opposite side of our yard, so it will change the entire look of our space. One of its key features is long-lasting red, red leaves in the fall, so I'm looking forward to having something to look forward to as the weather grows colder!