I have some catching up to do. I've been down with a stomach virus and unable to post. Happily, I am starting to feel almost normal again. (I need to send a huge thanks to Nicole who took Meg and Clare on a pancake and bookstore adventure yesterday while I slept off my fever.)
I am looking out the window and seeing snow yet again, which is absolutely unbelievable on March 25. However, when I look at our pictures from the last week I am reminded that we've had little hints of Spring.
Last Friday, rather than taking off on a grand adventure, Meg and Clare decided to take advantage of the green areas we have by our home. The green areas are one of the major reasons we chose the particular community in which we live. Prior to moving here, we lived in a high rise. There were grassy areas and parks close by, but the girls wanted a yard. My husband and I, however, knew we would not be good at caring for a yard. Besides, if we were to remain in Arlington, a large yard was not likely. Plots of land are small here. The larger the house, the smaller the yard. So, we chose a row-house community that was built around parks, playgrounds and green space meticulously cared for by the homeowners association (that's right, no mowing or hedge trimming for us). We have our own patio, but the girls mostly play in the shared front yard that is much larger than we could ever have in a single-family home. Also, when they go out and play, usually two or three of their neighbor friends join them.
Right after we moved here, our neighbors told us about the courtyard-type green space just up the path from our backyard. What a magnificent surprise when we walked over there. There were benches where I could sit while watching the girls run and run in a huge open area. I was immediately reminded of the shared garden in Notting Hill.
I am looking out the window and seeing snow yet again, which is absolutely unbelievable on March 25. However, when I look at our pictures from the last week I am reminded that we've had little hints of Spring.
Last Friday, rather than taking off on a grand adventure, Meg and Clare decided to take advantage of the green areas we have by our home. The green areas are one of the major reasons we chose the particular community in which we live. Prior to moving here, we lived in a high rise. There were grassy areas and parks close by, but the girls wanted a yard. My husband and I, however, knew we would not be good at caring for a yard. Besides, if we were to remain in Arlington, a large yard was not likely. Plots of land are small here. The larger the house, the smaller the yard. So, we chose a row-house community that was built around parks, playgrounds and green space meticulously cared for by the homeowners association (that's right, no mowing or hedge trimming for us). We have our own patio, but the girls mostly play in the shared front yard that is much larger than we could ever have in a single-family home. Also, when they go out and play, usually two or three of their neighbor friends join them.
Right after we moved here, our neighbors told us about the courtyard-type green space just up the path from our backyard. What a magnificent surprise when we walked over there. There were benches where I could sit while watching the girls run and run in a huge open area. I was immediately reminded of the shared garden in Notting Hill.
On Friday, the girls decided to use the big green area to work on their tree climbing skills. To my surprise, it was three-year-old Clare who really did some serious climbing.
On Saturday, we headed to the Glen Echo Park Puppet Theater for a showing of Sleeping Beauty. Meg and Clare had never seen marionette puppets before and, considering they love Sleeping Beauty, I thought this would be a great introduction. It was a wonderful experience. They were able to sit right at the front and the 45 minute show was just right for their attention span.
By Sunday, the cold weather was starting to return and so our outside adventures were not quite so fun. We went to Green Spring Gardens for a short visit. Small flowers were starting to bloom (I'm trusting those flowers were covered before this new round of snow hit), but the garden definitely had a desolate winter feel to it.
I so look forward to posting pictures of Green Spring Gardens in full bloom. I do hope Spring will be here soon. Having just had a stomach virus, I desperately want to open up the windows and let fresh air into the house. Unfortunately, today that would mean letting in icy cold winds and probably a little snow. Please let Spring arrive soon.
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