DC + the beach

this post could also be appropriately titled "wanting to document and remember all the things we did right before we became a family of four" or "beginning of summer iPhone photo dump" so bear with me while I try and accomplish both...

Knowing that travel will be limited following the arrival of 2.0 later this summer, we have tried to squeeze in all of our summer travel plans in the span of about a months time.  Two weekends ago we drove up to DC to visit Erik's family and celebrate his Uncle's 70th birthday.  The trip up was probably the most uneventful travel with Arlo thus far - six hours in the car and he was so good we didn't even have to break out the iPad or DVD player we brought along in case things got rough.  Somehow he was completely entertained by a few toy trucks, books, and his open view out the back window of the new mom-mobile.  If the new view is enough to keep him that entertained on future road trips then that alone was worth the price of the new car, ha!

When we arrived on Friday we went immediately to the pool at his Grandparent's place.  Arlo has become quite the little fish and loves every opportunity he gets to go for a swim! 

probably saying "I not smile at camera mommy" or something like that, ha.

Saturday morning we took Arlo to the spash pad right down the street from his Grandparents.  It was a hit last year and equally as entertaining this time!

not a drinking fountain, Arlo!

fountain levitation!  also, he still fits into last years bathing suits!

Saturday afternoon was the birthday party.  Arlo napped for much of it, and Erik and I got to lounge poolside in the laziest way possible.  That evening, Memere and Papa watched Arlo while we went on a double date with Scott and Caitrin.  We ate at the most amazing restaurant in downtown DC, called Busboys and Poets.   I ate so much food I literally thought about pushing out the baby to make some extra room in my belly.  We will definitely be going back on a future trip!

Sunday was Father's day, and also the day we headed home.  We spent the morning in the city at the National Air & Space Museum and I don't know who enjoyed the planes and rocket ships more - Erik or Arlo!  This museum was one of Erik's favorites as a child and it was pretty neat that he can now share in the experience with his own son.

The following weekend my parents came to watch Arlo while Erik and I took a weekend beach trip.  It will be our last vacation as just the two of us for probably at least a year.  We went to Kure beach, which is a pretty short 2 1/2 hr drive from our house.  We had been looking forward to a quick getaway just the two of us, and while it was actually very relaxing and just what we needed, at the same time we spent an awful lot of time talking about how much we missed Arlo and how much he would love it there.  Good thing we have another trip planned to go back next week, this time bringing the little man along for the fun!

Erik taking pictures of me without me knowing.  no belly here...

but definitely a belly here!  31 + 1 weeks

Erik being silly when I told him to pose, haha

my view for most of the weekend

total beach bums.  this will surely not be happening during the next trip when we have a toddler in tow!

vegan hot dogs at Island Hots!!!  satisfying a very strange pregnancy craving.

vegan doughnuts at Wake and Bake!  also the best name ever for a doughnut shop.

While we were having fun at the beach, Arlo was having fun with "Nama" (Grandma) and "Dampa" (Grandpa), having back deck picnics and swimming in his little pool. 

...and when you are two years old and the Grandparents are in town, you can get away with pretty much anything - including swimming in your Micky Mouse undies and PJ shirt  ;D