Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler

"Let the good times roll!" As in crescent roll. That's right, don't stress your local bakery's oversight in stocking King Cake today. Simply follow this easy instructions to create your own Mardi Gras confection. (If you are from Louisiana, I beg your forgiveness. But something is better than nothing, right?) And get this: crescent roll, crescent city. Eh?? It was like it was meant to be!

This photo was taken Saturday night during the annual Mardi Gras shindig at the Brandtmore. This year was an extra treat since we had family visiting. "Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!"

Seven

He woke up on his birthday with balloons and a bagel. Breakfast in bed was what he wanted and breakfast in bed is what Dad delivered. When I went to snap his photo he groggily asked if he could do 'this' and raised his fingers like so (top photo). No matter how Dad tried to get him to put down his thumb and hold up his index and middle finger he wouldn't. That's just not how he counts. It is one of the tiny traits he picked up living in Italy that hasn't slipped away. (Don't believe there is a difference? Take the cultural test.)

Afterwards he found the tower of presents (stomp rocket, angry birds card game, Where the Sidewalk Ends, a pillow pet, Transformers, more games...). And then it was time for the Birthday movie madness. The inside of a theater does not allow for photos which is probably a blessing as it was insanity trying to sit the kids (and keep them seated) so that we could do a count for pizza and drinks (and wine..I did mention that we went to a Cinema and Draft House, right?)

The birthday bash will culminate with today's Mardi Gras party in his classroom. The purple, yellow, and green cupcakes are at the ready and the beads and masks are waiting in the car.

Happy Birthday, Mahlon. I Love You (to the Moon-- and Back!)

Behind the Scenes

There is a fancy-schmance children's boutique in Georgetown (well, to be honest there are quite a few) that I had never heard of up until last week (again, no surprise as most of our clothes come from the land of hand-me-down and Old Navy). I got to know this particular boutique rather well over the weekend because Lizzie was asked to model their new Spring line. It sounded like fun so despite the snow we headed out to the owners home, a horse farm in Virginia, last Saturday. Lizzie was a pro. And by that I mean a total DIVA. She had it down pat when it came time to smile for the camera (head to the side, twirl the skirt, flip the hair). And when she was done. She was done. I was very proud of my girl. I was nervous, but she was not. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the setting, she sought out a doll house and new friends. I was intimidated by the french stylist and photographer team, she took it all in stride. There is a lot to learn from this four year old of mine.

And a Happy Valentine's Day To You!

Valentine's Day card creativity courtesy of Pinterest. These were a very last minute (as in 3:30pm Feb 13th kind of last minute). But alas, fairly cheap and quick to come together. You should "pin it" for next year (hahah). Ok, off to peel my sugared up children off the ceiling. It's going to be a long night... and not in that romantic kind of way.

My Kind of Theater

Last weekend we (finally) saw the Muppet Movie. The movie was good fun but the real stand out  was the venue, the Arlington Cinema 'n' Drafthouse. The inside of this place is like a dinner theater: low cocktail tables flanked by 4 plush swivel chairs (these things you can really sink into). Right when you get super comfortable the most pleasant waitress arrives to take your bar and food order. It's pure bliss, surely the way movies were intended to be viewed. Mahlon had such a good time we decided to host his upcoming birthday at the place. This year his big day falls on President's Day (Federal Holiday = No School). Monday also happens to be Dollar Movie Day. Oh joy! More $$ for screen-side cocktail imbibing and popcorn munching. Everyone's invited!

Wintering in Washington

Thus far winter in DC has been pretty good (although I would prefer not to tempt fate...). One of the best cold(ish)-weather activities we've done to date has to be skating at the National Gallery of Art. You can't beat the location, the Gallery's Sculpture Garden across from the National Archives. And this winter, no jacket required.

More details here.