A Day at the Park

Murphy is big. And energetic. And playful. The combination of these three traits can be overwhelming when he's been cooped up too long. So, in an effort to help provide him with an outlet for some of his energy and playfulness, Anastasia and I have started taking him to a dog park on the other side of Capital Hill. Our friends Nathalie and Abby and her dogs Roxy and Boston are regulars there, and joined us on our first visit last week. There were the usual doggy introductions, followed by some serious playing.





Anastasia got into the action, too, teasing Roxy with a stick for a long time.





The fact that Murphy is three times the size of either Roxy or Boston did not stop him from pouncing on the two little dogs like they were his size.





The dogs weren't the only ones having fun. Abby taught Anastasia a time honored tradition of writing your name in dirt with a stick.



After all this playing, the dogs were thirsty, so when I poured some water into an old cup, they all dove in.





We spent a little over an hour there, and throughout the whole time, I don't think Murphy ever put his tongue in his mouth. He was so amazingly happy!



When we came home, Murphy was a much more relaxed animal. Still happy and occasionally playful, but chill and relaxed. Sunday was very much the same. Considering the outcome, I think we've found a new Saturday morning activity.

Photos courtesy of Nathalie Rothert

Student of the Month

My name is Anastasia Hitzig. I am 4 years old. I am the citizen of the month in Mrs A. Jackson's class. The people I live with are my daddy, my mommy and my grandma. The pets that live with us are Basil, Murphy and Chase (dogs). My favorite color is yellow. My favorite foods are spaghetti and macaroni and cheese. Some activities we enjoy doing together are playing Connect 4, puzzles and putting stickers on paper. My family has taught me that to be a good citizen, I should follow directions and always go to school. I feel I was chosen by my class for the citizenship award because I am focused.

Look Ma, No Cavities!

Anastasia was very excited for her 6 month check up with the family dentist, Dr. Silveus. This was her first time sitting in the dentist chair by herself. Up till now, she's always sat on Orlando's lap, which is not the most comfortable thing for either of them. This time, she took her big horse to sit in the chair with her, and she did great!



After the check up and cleaning were finished (with no cavities, of course), it was off to our favorite chinese restaurant to celebrate.

Daddy Daughter Day

We're lucky that Orlando's job offers some flexibility for his day off. He's often able to to schedule days off to coincide with days that Anastasia doesn't have school, but the rest of the world is working, like parent teacher conference or teacher professional development days. We've taken to referring to these as Daddy Daughter Days.

Orlando usually tries to plan an activity for the two of them. Something that will get them out of the house and give Orlando a chance to treat his little girl to a fancy lunch. A couple weeks ago, it started, as it usually does, with a ride on the Metro. She was pretty excited.



Anastasia had put in a request for a visit to the "car museum" which is really the Smithsonian Museum of American History. It didn't take her long to find a computer.



Then she posed for pictures with several historical vehicles. Anastasia took over the camera to take a picture of Daddy in front of his favorite mode of transportation.



Then she posed for a picture with a typical commuter.



After the full tour of cars (and trucks, trains and motorcycles), Daddy took his little girl across the Mall to the carousel.



The day's last stop was a visit to 701 Restaurant. Orlando's workplace for many years, this is a favorite destination for special lunches. On this particular day, Anastasia enjoyed a poached 1/2 lobster, and Orlando indulged in tuna tartare and a glass of wine. A happy end to Daddy Daughter Day.