Weekend Fun

One of the first places I've wanted to go since moving here is REI (Recreational Equipment Inc)- a store that has been one of my favorites since I was a child. My dad was one of the early co-op members, back when we lived on Whidbey Island, WA, near Seattle, in the late 70s. There are REIs all over the place now, but the nearest ones when we lived in Mobile were Houston or Atlanta. We took the kids to the one in Falls Church and they loved it! What kid wouldn't when there are colorful bikes and backpacks, shoes and tents, kayaks and carabiners to be investigated. I bought some fruit leathers (a yummy hiking snack with good potassium to ward off cramps) and a book with some hikes in this area so we can get ready to hit some trails. I scoped out some great Merrells and Tevas and Keens too.

On Sunday we had a picnic down by the Potomac River. There is a great 18 mile paved trail for biking, walking, running etc. that runs from Mt. Vernon to DC. We live basically around the corner from Mt. Vernon, so we can easily access this great trail. We ate dinner and then strapped the kids into the strollers and walked for a while. We saw people of all ages, including some way too serious bikers that could really kill a man- they come around those curves so fast. Ruthie and Mac loved it, and we saw some wildlife- a heron out in the water, a groundhog munching on the grassy shore, and several birds and squirrels. Jay and I are so excited to be so close to this wonderful trail and the parks to which it connects. I also keep thinking how beautiful it is going to be in the fall. They have fall here.

(see the little man popping out of Jay's head? Must be his conscience. I know you can't tell, but this picnic table was on the side of a hill and it was slanted- we called it our lopsided picnic. This gave me an idea for a children's book...)