Beards, snow, and other randomness from the Machak home

This is just a collection of random shots from daily life, some downloaded from the iphone.  David spent about three months this fall growing out his beard, which he shaved shortly after Christmas with a gift certificate to The Art of Shaving.  But, he misses it so don't be surprised to see a redux sometime soon....

Homage to the beard:

Hanging out at home:

Claire has been getting out and about--the library, the Community Center, and her new Music class are weekly favorites.

This shot is from the Farm that I blogged about a few posts ago (Everyday Fun)

This was a trip to Eastern Market.  We hadn't been in years but it was very productive--Christy got a necklace and wrap for the Inaugural Ball, a birthday present for sister Katie, and the family got gnocchi, fig and gorganzola ravioli, and pinenut-basil pesto.  We did not get the glasses but Nicholas had fun :-)

                                     We found an indoor play place called Mobu Kids; both kids had a great time.

We find going out to breakfast a lot easier than going out to dinner now that we have kids.  Cheaper, informal, less rushed, more family-oriented, not interrupting other couples' date nights....With waffles, pancakes, french toast, eggs, fresh fruit, and more, the kids are always able to fill up.  Here's our cool dude filling up on some waffles!

We actually got snow in Virginia this year!  Nicholas woke up, saw the snow, and thought it was Christmas, since that's the only other time he remembers having snow.  He wasn't disappointed for long, though--since school was delayed for 2 hours, Mommy and Nicholas got to have a snow play date, and hopes of Santa coming back for a second visit were soon forgotten.

Nicholas enjoyed warming up with hot chocolate.

We've been looking for things for the kids to do inside since it's been so cold and yucky outside.  Gotta love technology--learned from a Foreign Service spouse on a group Facebook page about another FS spouse who blogs and writes about stuff to do in DC for Huffington Post, and she featured an article about the Playseum. So, last Saturday after Nicholas' Tai Kwon Do class we made another trip back to the Eastern Market neighborhood, and enjoyed some indoor fun:

I think the fire truck was Nicholas' favorite.  Mom liked the wall mural.

The musical instruments were a big hit too.  Claire played supporting drums while Nicholas rocked out to Queen's "We will rock you".

One of our Christmas presents to each other was to finally get a nice duvet cover for our bed, to go with our bedroom set (ordered President's Day 2012 and received, oh, July 2012... but that's another story)

Inaugural Ball

We had not one but two formal events in January--I think we've filled our quota for 2013!  We had the opportunity to get tickets to one of the Inaugural Balls--the State of Ohio "Celebration Gala" at the Mayflower Hotel in downtown DC.  David wore his tux and Christy got a new dress... sure to be worn again at future Marine Balls, as well.  We were excited to see David's former boss Congressman Ryan, as well as many of David's former colleagues and our good friends Eileen and Joe.  

 We opted not to attend the Inauguration itself this year.  Christy had to work afternoon shift, and it was a bit cold for the kids.  We attended in 2005 and hope that we find ourselves in DC for future Inaugurations so that Nicholas and Claire have the opportunity to experience such a historic tradition when they are a little bit older.

the obligatory "before" picture

Christy had two opportunities this month to wear Mimi's (her grandmother's) fur coat.  Mimi was a stylish lady--Christy is also wearing her gold bracelet and carried her black beaded clutch to the wedding earlier this month. 

The University of Miami, Ohio marching band paid a visit, and also marched in the Inaugural parade the following Monday.

Running into our friends was a great surprise!

We took home commemorative mugs and great memories!

Everyday fun

We are off to a nice start in 2013.  The first weekend we attended a beautiful wedding (see our last post).  Nicholas started going to school 5 mornings a week instead of just 3 and taking Tae Kwon Doe on Saturday mornings.  Claire started a weekly Music and Movement class for babies.  It's been cold but last week was more mild than the previous weeks so we've been able to get out for some walks in the neighborhood and even went to a local farm with our friends the Hetricks.  A sampling of pictures:

 Mommy and Claire enjoying the matching pajamas we got for Christmas!

Nicholas loves his Jake pirate telescope and headband.

and his "Superstrong, just like my Dad!" Superhero shirt

 Claire showing off her slippers and legwarmers on a walk

 Nicholas brought our his car

 Nicholas is having a blast with his new rug, lining up his Hotwheels around the track.  

 Frying Pan Farm Park

 Nicholas, our friend Cora, and Claire (in the wagon)

 Our work is done!  With the diaper bag and Claire in the wagon and Nicholas pulling, Mommy and Daddy had a rare hands-free moment.

Winter Wedding

January is a big month for us with two occasions to dress up!  The first was the Jahncke-Isaacson wedding on January 5th.  The bride is the daughter of close friends and neighbors in Berlin.  It was a Jewish ceremony at a very nice hotel in Georgetown and absolutely beautiful.  

 on our way out

the ceremony

reception photos:

They had a photo booth!  

White Christmas!

It snowed a lot on Christmas and the day after, so the kids had a blast playing in it!