18/52: Siesta

Is there anything better than having a sleeping baby cuddled up on your chest?

Owen and his Uncle Andy, Bedford PA, April 2012

As always, linking up to:

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens- Vienna, VA

Out in Vienna is a great botanical garden. We actually went there to see some cherry blossoms because I wanted to avoid the crowds and traffic in DC.

There's a good sized parking lot right out front of the welcome center, so you shouldn't have an issue with parking.

Inside the welcome center are brochures, etc, and several aquariums with local wildlife. Plenty of snakes, some frogs/toads, and some turtles.

This little guy was super friendly.

Casper had to show his car to his new friend, naturally.

Owen was less than impressed with the snakes.

A bird skeleton.

There are a few bridges going over the creeks that feed into the large pond in the center of the garden.

Gorgeous flowers everywhere.

Tons of cherry blossoms.

Happy geese.

It seems like my kids never smile!

There is a cute gazebo in the center of the pond.

Now he's smiling (even if he is out of focus)!

There is a Korean garden with a cool wooden wall, this bell pavilion, and some Korean totem poles (I'm sure they have a correct name but they looked just like Native American totem poles).

We really had a great time and would love to go back sometime for a picnic.

9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 255-3631

Back to the Work

So, Monday was my first day back to work in nearly a year. I haven't worked since I was put on bed rest in late May last year, and I've been on maternity leave since October. Wow, that's nearly a year.

Today was the first time I have had a chance to update the blog this week (or since sometime last week, actually). I hope I have time to keep up with this blog and my photography, but it's going to be hard with two little kids and a full-time job, and a DC commute. 

Anyway, I came home on Monday completely overwhelmed and on edge. Being away from the boys all day, especially since I usually nurse Owen several times during the day, was killer. Dealing with all of the boring administrative things that come with starting a new job was less than exciting. And dealing with the DC traffic, while it could have been worse (no major traffic delays), still wasn't fun. So I was pretty tired when I got home. I think I am going to enjoy my new job, but I have LOVED being home with the boys and am going to miss it a lot, naturally.    

On Sunday, we went out for a little drive and then met some friends for lunch. It was a blast!



<>

The Washington Monument from across the river



George Washington Masonic Temple in Old Town from across the river



Capital Building and Smithsonian