Beautiful weather and beautiful people

Olaiya and Anita cutting flowers

It's nearly fall! Today was literally a breath of fresh air - we opened all the windows in our low-story apartment and it was wonderful. A trip to the park actually felt like a good idea and I suggested it to the girls (v. the typically begging and reluctance in reverse). So there's that. I also wanted to share the beautiful faces of some people that have made this transition so much easier and even joyful! with their generosity and friendship.

Kim was my best friend in 6th grade. Then she moved to Slater (for you non-ISU folk, that's just South of Ames) and the last time I saw her was 10 years ago for less than 90 seconds as freshmen in the MU. Grace would have it that she found me on Facebook (so 2007) literally days before we left Iowa...and guess what? She lives in DC! We went to dinner and picked up exactly where we left off decade and a half before. What sweet solace to hang out with someone with common ground. All this and she's the epitome of a DC gal - part of presidential campaigns and lives right downtown. Could I have a cooler 6th grade bff?

NCC is the name of the church we've begun to call home. And we walk across the street to get there. I thought they lived across from Macy's? You betcha. Let me give you a hint: their website is www.theaterchurch.com. Yep, we go to church at the theater in the mall. Anyway, church hipness aside, I've connected with the NCC Mom's group and have met some lovely women. We meet every Wednesday a.m., one week for Bible study (with childcare!) and play group the next. These women have been faithful in praying for us and checking in to offer help and social outlets :)

Beyond the Mom's Group, there's also a larger NCC Moms Yahoo group. I sent out a random "we're new to town looking for housing, any wisdom on where to live?" One mama responded and her name is Anita. Anita lives in Alexandria, in Del Ray, one street north of our* street. Before I even got to meet her, she was offering to watch our children, and did, whether while looking at the house, during inspection, while writing an offer, the whole nine yards. She's one of those rare gems that unflinchingly offers actual, meet-you-where-you're-at, service. Fortunately we've also been able to hang out, and we love her. And it's looking like we might get to be her neighbor...!

At Lincoln Park with moms and babes
Mamas Stacey (crawling Millie) and Anna (sitting Grace)

DC icons (seriously, double click to see a handful) as the
backdrop for a cool Labor Day weekend world music concert held
near the larger than life United States Marine Corps War Memorial


And we took it all in, including a BK by the Metro, with Kim.

Two happy little babies.