It looked like it might be a calm and peaceful week. Dave had finished his last final (horray!) and returned home to a bunch of balloons, a bottle of sparkling clementine juice, and my parents and little sister all waiting to surprise him for his birthday! SURPRISE!!
Thursday we headed out to Annapolis to see the sights and eat the food. I’m glad I googled for a restaurant ahead of time. The GPS led us straight to Cantler’s which would have been impossible to find otherwise, as it sits charmingly in a quiet waterfront neighborhood. The food was sensational. We tried it all. Annapolis was cute and the harbors are really intriguing. My dad is a sailor, and if we hang around these parts for a while, I think Dave and I may follow suit.
Friday we packed a breakfast picnic to eat at the Mall. Little did Dave know that waiting at Mr. Lincoln’s feet to surprise him further were his parents! Come to round out the family birthday celebration weekend! He was thoroughly surprised and so happy to see them.
The calm, restful weekend was transforming into a fun and family-filled adventure! We loved having a full house!
Saturday was Milo’s big #1. Somehow he knew it was his big day and he began taking real steps…like on his own, out of dad’s arms! He’s still working on standing up on his own, but for the most part is walking around! What a big boy! We ate eibleskievers, then spent the day celebrating with friends.
That night we enjoyed a birthday fiesta for both Milo and Dave at Los Tios Grill in Del Ray. I’m a pretty tough critic when it comes to Mexican food. I was pleasantly impressed by Los Tios. Granted, I chose to eat Salvadorian food (pupusas and tamales) but the fare was fantastic. And both birthday boys got to sport sombreros for the song.
Dessert was at The Dairy Godmother down the street. We left a little early to put Milo to bed, but we heard the pineapple cilantro sorbet was amazing. Here is Milo on Mamo’s shoulders showing me how big he is…(sooo big!)
Sunday brought out the grille master in my father (Sunday’s tend to do that, to my family’s delight!)
The men manned the grill while the rest of us chatted and finished the fixings. It was a wonderful Sunday dinner. Felt a lot like home.
Monday was Dave’s big day! We enjoyed traditional eibleskiever breakfast (again!) then hit the town. We showed off Old Town and ate a picnic lunch outside of the Torpedo Factory. In the afternoon my family visited the Spy Museum, Dave’s dad took his leave, and Milo napped.
We met up again for Dave’s requested birthday dinner: a half-smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowl…with chili cheese fries on the side. Disgustingly delicious.
This is turning thirty in style!
He blew out thirty imaginary candles at Georgetown Cupcake. We’re obsessed and can’t seem to stay away. He had a wonderful birthday.
Tuesday we explored the National Zoo. It was so funny to see Milo react to the animals for the first time! He was so excited to watch the meerkat dig a hole right next to the glass. Fascinated. In the evening Melanie treated us to delicious Two-For-One Pizza (on Tuesdays!!) from Whole Foods, then we watched a movie and played Scrabble. Wednesday we waved goodbye to my family, Thursday to Melanie. Whew!! What a way to party!
So, these last couple days I have been left to myself with the two loves of my existence. Both growing up on me! Milo is my smile, Dave the sparkle in my eye. Milo is my busy, Dave my calm. Milo is my branches, Dave my roots. Milo is my unknown, Dave my sure anchor. Both keep me balanced. Both keep me going.
Happy Birthday Boys!
