Visiting the Maryland and DC!

This year, I decided to make an annual trip to Maryland to see Kai, Sarah, Reagan and Campbell.  While visiting, not only did I get lots of babysitting time in and enjoyed great family time, but I also spent one night in DC and loved my days wandering around.  What an incredible city!

Museums!

DC has many cool and *free* museums, which feature so much of our nation's blood. At one small museum, I enjoyed an exhibit called "The Art of Gaman" and featured art from several Japanese American internment camps.  The art was often made of whatever materials were available- wood (for carvings), wire (for making small miniature flowers and sculptures) and many hand crafted sewing projects.  The exhibit was truly moving.  (Unfortunately, pictures weren't allowed- oops, but I got a few).  Not only did I find an emotional place in my heart for these pieces, but I was again, reminded of the great struggle that my grandparents and so many others endured during WW2.

In this photo, a montage of Martin Luther King Jr's work was represented.  I could have stared at this piece for hours!

In the National Museum of Art Gallery, there was an entire exhibit dedicated to the Virgin Mary.  While I am not necessarily religious, I consider myself spiritual and the expressions of the various Mary's was engaging, rich and so beautiful.  I took many pictures of Mary with or without child, but here's one that really spoke to me:

I took so many pictures, I can't load them all...  I ended the day wandering through one of many outdoor art sculpture parks.  I stumbled upon the "Tree of Wishes"

Kai's place of employment

United States Chamber of Commerce

The same day I visited DC, Obama was having a meeting with the Russian Prime Minister in the same building.  The building was on security lock down the afternoon. I asked the friendly security guard if I could wait for Kai on the steps, as we planned to have lunch together.  He happily chatted with me and told me some funny stories.  Apparently, Greenpeace has tried some naughty and unsuccessful tactics such as dressing as crazy characters and attempting to climb the building with ladders, etc.  Of course, it's just a matter of time until they all get arrested.  Brilliant!  I guess it's all about the press they receive from the stunt. 

Gus, the security guard was very professional and when I took off my sunglasses, he said "I know your brother! It's Kai Hirabayashi. He wear's the bow ties!"  Kai is a legend!  We lunched at Old Ebbit Grill, across the street from the White House, where political chat was all a flutter (I think I imagined that last part).  Delicious salad, lots of old charm and various DC workers just trying to have a moment of calm. 

Later that day, I met up with Kai again to enjoy a World Cup soccer game at the Sony offices.  Japan vs. Denmark and the Japanese fans were nuts!  The food was spectacular and I was fascinated, discreetly nosey and utterly impressed with Kai's networking skills.  He is one of the smartest men I know and I felt so lucky to get a tiny peek into his professional life.  I love you, Brother!

National Smithsonian Museum

At the National Geographic Museum there were many fascinating exhibits but this one struck me with great intensity.  It illustrating how 90% of the world doesn't live like I do in Seattle or you do in your comfortable home. Water, food and shelter- all necessities that we take for granted are missing from so many people's lives.

In this photo (I took this with no flash, but really wasn't supposed to be shooting.  How much time do women in our day to day world spend transporting fuel, food and more?

There were several examples of current prototyped solutions that help find and fulfill needed resources.  Many solutions and ideas were really cool.  This one I particularly liked- it's a handbag!  The solar panels will create enough energy to light a small light that fashionably hangs as a tassel.  Clever!

Babysitting...

Family picture at the National Sculpture park

After a day of exploring in DC, including lunch at my most favorite cafeteria in the Native American Indian Museum and seeing so many fascinating parts of our nation's cultural, historical and art history, I met up with Kai and the fam at the weekly summer jazz night at the National Sculpture Park.  Sarah found a great spot in the shade and we snacked and goofed around for one hour.  That's about all of time Reagan has before he needs to move around more- I don't blame him!

We tried to take several family pictures and this one was the best, except for the weird look I'm making- Why?  But, here are three of my most beloved and coveted males in my life (Simon is on that list, too).   I am a lucky Auntie and Sister.

Liz's House

Sarah's, co-teacher Liz, has this beautiful home in Maryland.  To beat the heat, she invited us over for some pool time.  I could spend so much time in her backyard!  Since becoming a homeowner, I've began paying a different kind of attention to other people's yards!  She has a lovely, naturally themed garden with interesting flowers and bushes.  I am very impressed.  We played and played.

Serious

Pool action!

Watch Reagan Jump!

 

Save the Apple Tree of Love!

When we first moved into our new home, it was interesting to assess each plant, tree and overall yard.  One tree that comes up often in discussion is this one, the Apple Tree of Love, I named it:

This tree wasn't looked after for years and toxic ivy grew all over it, easily bugs began to eat at the trunk and it's now hollow and rotten.  Since this picture was taken, Simon removed the ivy and we are just letting it live.  It's been proposed that the tree be cut down and the Buddhist within me feels that it's just not right.

Since the summer season has begun, the tree is now producing small apples and pretty apple blossom flowers (not shown).  I think we should let it live on and not let us decide when it's time to go.  Save the Apple Tree of Love!  It's now my favorite tree.

Emerson

Simon and I have our own little family, so to speak.  Our close friend, dL lives near by and has been such a part of our lives.  Her pug, Emerson, is also a big part of our lives.  Just recently, he had a sleep over while his Mom was away.  We went for walks, ran around our home in circles, practiced sitting for treats and he sat at our front door protecting us from others with his friendly bark.  He did run outside unattended just once, when I left the front screen door open a crack.  I panicked for just about one minute as I searched for him.  He quickly ran home when he heard the calling.  We love Emerson!

Kai's Family Visit!

Kai, my brother and his family, Sarah, Reagan (3) and baby Campbell came home to Seattle for a much needed visit.  Not only did I get to meet Campbell for the first time and fall in love with him, but I also got to catch up with Kai and Sarah.  Of course, spending time with Reagan was really wonderful, too.  He's an extreme TALKER- talks about everything- trains, his brother, his Daddy and Mommy, how he feels, and really just any part of the general conversation.  He's very social and quick.  What a boy!

Family dinner at the Peterson's

During Kai's family visit, not only did I up my Auntie time with his two nephews, but I also watched in adoration as the little "cousin" network grew and bonded in our family.  As we all get older, start our own families and mesh in a different way, I am reminded of how special these beloved children are and how fortunate I am to be a part of it. 

In this picture (L-R) Kai, Mark Peterson, my grandpa Fudge and Uncle Mike sit together and chill.  

Brothers Reagan and Campbell

My beloved nephews!

Treehugger... er climber!

Uncle Simon (in the background) encouraging adventure!  Amalia can climb trees- what a clever little one. 

What was that?

Uncle Tyler practicing his Daddy skills with Campbell.

Action!

The "Anti" Marcy is such a great playmate, as Amalia and Reagan swarm her with delight!  This backyard is extra special to us because it's the warm, intimate and inviting location of our wedding reception.  Imagine all of the trees glittering with lights.

Love of an uncle...

What a smile!  Was lucky enough to capture a "still" moment of Reagan playing ferociously with Amalia and the other family.  Reagan loves his Uncle Salmon!  Belated thanks to Debbie and Mark for such a wonderful evening of food, fun and family!