Brammer Beach
This post was a little picture heavy, so I tried something new. HB, LB, and I headed down to Tidewater on Friday. After a long drive, a playdate, and a couple beers, we called it an early night. The next day we had some delicious biscuits (LB had her first taste of sweet potato biscuit), and then enjoyed a beach all to ourselves. Lil Steve dropped by with Jess, and then Thom came by as well. The weather, company, and location were perfect. It could not have been a better day. Sunday morning we enjoyed a hearty brunch at No Frill. We watched the highlights of Bobby Light’s Canaries spanking my Black Cats. The girls said their goodbyes, and then we hit the road. Thanks again to the Brammers’ for their hospitality. It was a great weekend. Jess made a great first impression and felt like an old friend right off the bat. And as for Thom, see if you can spot his first vista pic below, and also, the glare from his body in his little draws. The gauntlet has been thrown down HW…
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Savannah’s 1st birthday
After a long drive, we made it to Savannah’s first bday.
In a lot of ways, its still like old times.
It was a little hot, so I was worried about LB, but she had a great time.
Rob helped CW stayed hydrated.
Hey EF, you know how I know you’re a redneck…
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Parenting ain’t easy
The other weekend Pam-ela, Ryry, and WinnDixie had us over for a day at the pool. We enjoyed good weather, great company, and lots of delicious food. WinnDixie hooked me up with a 45 minute smoke…
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The Beach DC at The National Building Museum, Rosa Mexicano
Last weekend we tried to take LB to The Beach exhibit at The National Building Museum. Its been all over the social medias, so it was insanely crowded. This past Friday, we thought the wait might be shorter, so we tried again. It took me about 30 minutes to park and walk over after I dropped off HB and LB, but after I got there, we only waited about 30 more minutes and we were in (Readers, if you’re looking for some birth control/trying to delay having a child, bring your significant other to the line at the The Beach. Seriously, it was loud, crazy, and this kid grabbed the velvet rope which guided the entrance line and started screaming, “This is just like a giant wiener!!!” while his mom just texted away with a dead look in her eyes).
The superchunk was about the youngest baby we saw there, and definitely the youngest baby in the ball pit. She was a little weirded out at first by the noise, commotion, and balls flying around, but she settled down and enjoyed it. 
If we hadn’t kept a good grip on LB, she would have sunk below the surface. It was also very difficult to stand. It may have been a little reckless, but EF seemed to get a lot out of it, and we had a lot of fun as well.
After getting bowled over by a big wave, and about a half an hour in the pit, we figured we’d pressed our luck long enough. EF really enjoyed it and never cried, but kids were jumping in right around her, throwing balls, flailing around, and we decided to end on a high note. We went up to the second floor to get a picture of the chaos below. As it turns out, there is a really interesting exhibit about unique architecture around the world lining the rail. We walked around the atrium and enjoyed it.
After the museum, we stopped for a late lunch at Rosa Mexicano. Despite being a chain, I really like Rosa’s food and drinks. It was a little overcast, but not hot, so we dined al fresco.
The Beach exhibit runs until September 7th, and really is worth the wait. On Wednesday nights, 5-9, its more adult focused with live music and booze.
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Crab on crab on crab
After having some of HB’s soft shell crab pad thai the night before, we went out to Pizzeria Orso and had crab pizza (and a negroni). We did this despite knowing we had plans to get crabs with Lil’ the next afternoon.
Taylors hooked us up as usual.
We went to see the O’Gs before their lil girl was born. Notice HW’s cool hat made specifically for shooting (no nub on the top for when one wears ear protection).
We went to Ted’s Bulletin with Lil’ and then again with CK. I can’t get enough of that place. The chicken and biscuits are delicious.
After watching a little world cup while HB was in Target, we smoked some very interesting cigars that constantly changed. Practically each puff tasted different; it was wild. Later, I made some coconut crusted tilapia, and we had a very delicious rose.
LB was given her first kids menu.
She had her first taste of meat.
While I was doing the stay at home mom thing, we had a picnic.
And I finally got around to hanging the last of her nursery decorations.
Now we’re headed out to Tim’s Rivershore for more crab.
Updated to include more crab:
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Catch up
CK had us over for some steak, and we had sugar shack for dessert. Delicious, and her back patio is awesome.
On Saturday I went rowing, but the wind was up, so I had to settle for a walk and a nice cigar.
We continued to take advantage of the great weather.
The next weekend was the company family picnic. We had some good food, played some bingo, and had some characters done.
After a few beers, the bounce house looked pretty enticing.
We had a little too much fun…
Then the butt had her first taste of real food (not cereal). She loved avocado.
Monday, I had to run over to Urban Angler to get outfitted for Memorial Day weekend. It turned into a family affair. We grabbed lunch at Eamonn’s Dublin Chipper.
After some amazing fish and chips (with tartar and curry sauce), a Guinness, and a fried mars bar for dessert, FJ and I headed over to Urban Angler. While we waited for our rods to get set up, we grabbed a beer at Murphy’s. I highly recommend Urban Angler for fly fishing gear. Alan gave us a lot of help and really good advice. I wouldn’t have caught any fish this weekend without his guidance. Also, thanks Chris for the advice at the company picnic.
Later in the week I discovered that the VA ABC now has a cool system for showing you which products come from Virginia.
My black cats avoided relegation!
And we had some delicious crabs at the Quarterdeck.
On a cold and rainy Wednesday, HB and I had a nice fortifying Irish meal at Ireland’s Four P’s.
The superchunk used her high chair for the first time.
We dined al fresco and enjoyed more good weather.
EF did her best Founders Breakfast Stout impression…
EF handled her shots like a champ.
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Taking an infant to the National Gallery of Art in DC, Derby Day at RP and Jodi’s
I’m about as excited as EF that its finally Spring. On Saturday, we woke up and headed to DC.
This was EF’s first trip to a museum, so we were a little concerned about logistics, bothering others, etc. As it turns out, things couldn’t have gone more smoothly. EF slept on the 1.5 mile walk from our friends’ place to the museum. Then she was up and alert for the museum. The National Gallery of Art let us use our own stroller, so we didn’t have to worry about checking it and carrying EF’s bag. The staff at the National Gallery of Art were incredible nice and accommodating. When EF was crying and wouldn’t take her bottle for a moment, a security guard approached us. I assumed he was going to tell us to take her outside or to a bathroom, but instead, he pointed out a bench HB could rest on while she fed EF. EF was very well-behaved overall (and HB did a great job keeping her happy and quiet), but the staff at NGA were very cheerful, helpful, and seemed sincerely happy to help us even when EF was momentarily fussy. I doubt that EF disrupted any one individual’s enjoyment of the gallery for more than 20-30 seconds, and I didn’t notice any dirty looks or expressions of annoyance. It seemed ambitious at first, but the trip was a huge success. We’ll definitely be back soon.
The last time I saw paintings of Venice, Rome, and other similar beautiful locations, I hadn’t been. Its really amazing to see how well the overwhelming scale and detail of a place like St. Peter’s Basilica can be captured in paint. The basilica is staggering in person. I’ve never seen a photo that begins to do it justice, which makes Panini’s painting all the more impressive.
HB’s favorite artist is Mary Cassatt. I call the photo below Mother and Child on Mother and Child.
I didn’t think EF would get much out of the trip, but I was blown away by how much she seemed to enjoy and appreciate it.
I was in the room below, thinking that it must be one of the most beautiful places in the world. Then an older and very well-dressed couple came in. The man turned to his companion and gushed, “This room! ” His expression was one of joy and bewilderment. The woman, never taking her gaze from the walls, simply said, “I know…” I was having a moment of my own, and then really enjoyed seeing others have such a similar reaction.
After about an hour and a half of wandering the gallery, we had lunch by the waterfall. HB had an affogato.
The tunnel between the two buildings may have been EF’s favorite part.
EF loves a mobile.
After our great adventure, we walked back to RP and Jodi’s for a derby day party.
EF was jelly of my burger.
My horse didn’t come in, and my trifectas didn’t pan out. However, we’d had a great adventure at the art museum, and enjoyed great food and company at the party. EF was tuckered out, and we headed home.
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White House garden tour, cocktails at the Round Robin
We left la ragazza grassa with nana, and headed to DC. Jodi got just some tickets for the white house garden tour.
It was a very spring time, with very fall weather. I’d been on a white hour tour before, but I’d never seen the gardens.
We saw the Andrew Jackson magnolia.
Bees on Beaze.
HB found some dogwoods that Hilary may be back for.
After the tour, we headed across the way to the Willard.
We enjoyed a round of Cherry Jubilee Mint Juleps (special for the Cherry Blossom Festival). It was a great time, and thanks again to Jodi for scoring us those tickets.
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Birthdays, Old Friends, Easter
Last week, EF had a great time at Fred’s 87th birthday.
Then we got another short glimpse of spring.
Over the weekend, we went to VA’s 1st birthday party. O’G made some CSS Richmond Punch (which means three of his punches have made the blog. Perhaps its time for a punch blog HW…) I throughly enjoyed it, and think I might prefer a rum-based punch.
EF was over served, so she passed out…
…and then yaked on a balloon. Jodi held the balloon for EF and asked if she wanted to touch it. I joked that EF was more likely to barf on it than touch it. Not a few seconds later, EF serendipitously went for it.
After the party, the Humm and Lamb clans joined us for some big beers and salsa blanca.
On Sunday, EF had a playdate with Crosby.
Monday, we celebrated Easter early, as LeBeef is bound for Morocco.
We let EF open the first prezzy of Easter. Despite the Amazon reviews, I was skeptical about the gazillion claim, but it delivered and she loved it.
Then the adults enjoyed some tinier bubbles.
EF donned her bonnet and Easter dress.
Superchunk made out like a bandit with her basket.
It was quite a weekend. Now my girls need to rest their bodies.
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Daddy Day Care
Right now I’m taking one day a week to watch EF. This past Wednesday was my first day. HB gave me a bunch of instructions, and then rolled out to work.
EF was exceedingly well behaved. After a bottle, she went down for nap. I ordered myself a burger, and it came right after she woke up.
She let me eat the whole thing uninterrupted (either you already know how big a deal this is, or will).
There were lots of bottles and diaper changes, but we made some time for some books and fun.
EF also enjoyed sitting up like a people.
I was a little nervous, but it was a great day. I feel very fortunate to be able to spent so much time watching baby girl grow up. Since I didn’t break her, I rewarded myself with a hot toddy when HB got home.
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