Not sure if folks are still checking this blog or not, but wanted to let you know this one has been retired, not forever, but just for a little bit! In the meantime feel free to check out http://vlpindc.blogspot.com/ for the latest updates!

Retirement.....

I'll have to go back and check, but I am pretty sure this January starts year six of the blog.  Wow, that seems like a long time to be keeping this thing going!  But with that said, I do think it is time to retire for a little bit of time.  So many life changes over the last couple of years, and I am finding it harder and harder to find my inspirational  creative posts.that once seemed to come so easily......I am sure one day, hopefully in the near future, that will change, but until then it may be a little quite around here!  Thank you all for those that continue to check in.....and I promise i'll be back again!

VLP

It Was a Pumpkin Patch Picking Sorta Day!

While Stacy and Mick were busy settling in with the new baby, I grabbed the kids and headed out to the pumpkin patch....one of my favorite things in the world to do!

The feeling of fall is always so overwhelming this time of year (at least on the east coast!). Fun colors and falling leaves....life couldn't be better!! Thank you Emma and Luke for such a wonderful day!!!

Welcome Keegan Dunne

She wasn't born with a name, but it came quickly!
On October 9th at 8:20 AM,  Mick and Stacy gave birth to a beautiful baby girl 9lbs 11oz!!
Welcome to the world baby Keegan!

Fat Tire Comes East!

A dream come true, perhaps!  One of my favorite beers in the whole wide world now available on the east coast!!  Thank you to whomever made that happen!

Prince Edward Forest

It had been almost a year since we last visited Prince Edward Forest, and that was way to long.  This is one of my favorite areas near the DC area.  A beautiful up and down, windy trail..... Its still really hot and humid these days with a lot of rain, so we were pretty soaked by the end!  Fun nonetheless!

Arts at Midnight

Tonight was one of my favorite nights possibly ever in DC.  It was surprising to see, behind all the blue collar pressed suits and stuffy uprightness, this amazing creative underground scene exists.  I realized, I need to explore more....

Galleries stayed open till 3 in the morning, exhibits crossed the town, and 1,000's came out to support the event.  Some art was displayed in parks, while others on the side of building walls (see above), the library housed a funky live/manican fashion show, and a couple of row houses had been gutted allowing spray painters to go to work.  My favorite was the Wonder Bread Factory -- an old building with lots of character....various artist worked (see top photo) throughout the building, while music was deejayed in the back with a crazy light show and tons of dancing (see below).

Patagonia Field Day

I have found working at Patagonia to be one of the best jobs EVER!  I feel very lucky to work with such a great bunch of enthusiastic, motivated, and creative people. Patagonia, with its brilliant work ethics, gave us a day off to go play outside, and that is exactly what we did.....a slack-lining, hiking, climbing, and eating sort of day (Sarah's pie was the best)!  It was great to be out of the store and hang with the crew.  I love the shot above, as it captures each persons unique personality.  Thank you Patagonia for being so amazing, and special thanks to the staff for making my work life that much more enjoyable!

Andrew's Segway Birthday Adventure

I did my best to surprise Andrew with a DC Segway tour....  I'll be honest, I personally did not have much interest in Segway's, but now I have a new perspective!!

I can't believe I got Andrew to slow down enough to take the above photo....

The experience was truly comic....Segways get a lot of attention....positive and negative!!  But we all had fun shouting Yeha back to anyone who showed interest!  

And clearl,y as the above photo illustrates, Andrew had a blast!

Thanks to everyone for joining in the fun, and a very happy birthday to Andrew!

A weekend with the parents!

My parents came to visit and we packed it all in!!

Eastern Market, Fragers, Hello Cupcakes, Cuban food 

I LOVE it when I can get my parents to do a jump shot!!

One of the great things about our new place is we can walk to baseball and soccer games!! Tonight we hit up the Nationals baseball game.  Our great seats allowed us, a birds eye view of the stuffed presidents that run the nightly race at the games.

Thanks for your great visit!  Hope to see you again very soon!

Rocks State Park

Matt was leaving for NYC, but we squeezed in an afternoon of climbing out at Rocks State Park.  Beautiful splitter crack that we didn't get to - Strawberry Jam - is worth going back for!  Thanks for the great day!!

Congressional Cemetery

I am so glad my paths have crossed with Alison and her family!  She knows so much about the area, and is always willing to show me around....this adventure took us to the Congressional Cemetery, which is pretty much in my back yard.  The cemetery was founded in 1807 and numerous members of congress, vice presidents, and locals were buried here.  Super cool area to run around and explore!

Off to Boulder, CO and a Vist with the Allen's

We spent the second half of the week in Boulder, CO hiking around and exploring all the things that town has to offer!  We hiked up to the Flatirons and watched some folks climbing....and then made our way to this cool arch, with great views of the city!  (yep, always time for a jump shot!)

It is always a treat when we pass through Denver and are able to hook up with my old college buddy!  We had dinner at the mobile food trucks....so hard to choose!  Followed by icecream at a local shop.  So much fun to see the kids growing up!  And as always, thank you for your hospitality....I hope we can do the same for you one day soon!!!!

Hello Colorado!!

Andrew, once again, was heading to Keystone for a conference.....and once again I went along!  This was the second trip to Keystone -- and i really don't mind if it becomes a yearly tradition!

It was a busy week, but did make it out for one long link-up day.....Cameron, Bross and Democrat.  I was still a little PTSD from the Alaska trip, but did just fine.  Although, right off I got us lost and was wishing for a GPS......but it turned into an awesome rock scramble to the top!!

We got to see my friend Brett for a night, who once again has inspired me to do the Leadville 100!

Summer Fun Surf Camp

Ever since I moved back east, learning to surf has been on the list.

We took a lesson with Michelle Summers

(http://www.sommerssurf.com/about_michelle)

who was an amazing instructor. And recently was voted one of the Atheleta athletes of the year! The day went well with lots of falls, crashes, and swallowed sea water,

but everyone got up at least once!!

I was so glad Alison and Eric's family could join us, as well as my Salisbury friend Katrin! An awesome day in Assateague