New Jersey and Amish Country

 We wanted to take Nic to NJ while he's here so we took a long weekend to go to Marie's.  Beautiful fall there as well!  Love this little path from here backyard to the lovely green golf course ahead.

 We went into Atlantic City.....

 Sometimes you have to be incredibly lady like and graceful in order to get just the right photo angle...

Creepy nautical mannequin boy

Weirdo

 While we were cutting through the casino we happened upon this AWESOME store!  Seriously SO many cute things in there....I could have stayed all day.

 Can't go to NJ without a walk on the beach.  Even if it is a little cold.  Good for my soul.

 There happened to be a big fight that night at the historic Boardwalk hall in Atlantic City.  I'd rather throw myself off a building than watch a boxing match so Tom and Nic went.  They went at 5 (when the tickets said it started) but they had a BUNCH of fights leading up to the big one that didn't start till like 11 PM.  They got to wander around a lot.

 We went for a walk the next day and ended up on a pathway that wound through the woods for 3 miles!  We know it was three miles because the markings were still on the path from a 5K run they'd had there.

 It was beautiful though and so worth the long walk!

 We left the next morning and headed toward Lancaster County, PA and Amish country.  Quick drive by of Philly on the way.

 Short visit but had some good food and enjoyed some good shopping.  Love that place!

National Community Church

One of our greatest blessings during our time in DC has been our church family.  I've talked about it before but I'm just always amazed at the wonderful people we've met and who have become dear friends.  Funny Katy who is Pastor Joel's assistant so spends several hours with us on Sundays.  She and her husband Dave (the English butler) are just some of our favorites.  Yes, we showed up to church one morning dressed exactly alike.

 There have been a lot of exciting things happening at church.  Our friend, Ernest (Dylan's dad) was baptized on a night that a whole bunch of people were.  Great music, messages and just an amazing spirit.  So glad we were able to be there in beautiful Lincoln Theatre to participate.

Little Dylan was pretty excited to see his daddy up on stage!

We've been leading the Connection Table team so we were invited to a one day leadership conference lead by Catalyst.  SO many awesome speakers and just faith promoting.  Not training or anything, just building us all up.

Pastor Mark was the opening speaker

 Again, great music and it's just wonderful to be in a theatre with so many people filled with the love of Christ.  A great blessing.  Nic also stayed with Dylan for me and they both had a great time!

 We sat with Katy and Dave and then grabbed lunch across the street from the theatre during the break.  They're a blast to hang out with.

 This is our friend James who meets us on the corner every Sunday morning on our way to church.  Not homeless exactly but must reside in some sort of group home because he said there is someone there who cooks for him.  Just a sweet natured man and always glad for a hug and a dollar bill )and tissue when it's cold out).  He comes to church to use the restroom and grab coffee and a donut and most the staff and leaders know who he is.  He had a medical emergency a few weekends back and collapsed on the sidewalk.  Several of the NCC-er's ran to help him and he ended up spending a few days in the hospital.  Nic and Tom were able to stop and visit him one day.  We just love our church here and admire their outward look to help others and give back to our city.

New Work Out

 Nic has spent a good portion of the last year focusing on health issues.  Lots of reading about eating, working out, mental health, etc.  He's found himself leaning towards personal training as a possible career and as we don't have a regular workout schedule with the triathlon finished we thought we should be his guinea pigs.

What I've discovered is that no matter how much you may have run, cycled or swam all summer long.....once you switch to weight training it's a whole other can of worms.  Will just keep working......

While Tom stands and looks on.

Nic

As anyone who reads my blog knows (that would be me and maybe a family member or two) Nic has had a rough year so we're very happy he's here with us.  Transitioning back into real life takes some time so we're just taking it easy.  Halloween night we hopped on the metro to do a little shopping.  Went to the Fashion Centre Mall in Crystal City to walk around a bit but headed across the street to Marshall's where the prices were better.  Ended up getting him some a few things as well as a casual warm coat for Tom.  Just feel blessed that he's here, that he has so many people lifting him in prayer as he continues in recovery and hoping we can help him get a firm handle on the rest of his life.  Love this kid more than I can say.

Worst Blogger EVER

So yeah, I have not been on top of this for nearly two weeks.  Lots of stuff happening but not that warranted a lot of sharing.  Yet.  Nicholas arrived but we spent his first week here mostly just hanging around the apartment and playing with Dylan.  Having a blast with this little one I tell ya!  So he's discovered his hands so sitting and clapping is a favorite activity.

                            Then we moved on to leaning against the couch and clapping!

 After Dylan got used to Nic's beard, he thought he was awesome.  Loves hanging out with him.

 We finally found our way out one night to take in the Jefferson Memorial.  It's especially awesome at night as are most the monuments.

 This Fall has been SO INCREDIBLY GORGEOUS that we've tried to take advantage of as much outside time as possible.  Blessed with a walking path near our apartment that goes through the woods so that's where Dylan and I head.

Cute little punkin' head

Sacred Grove...right?

All Church at Lincoln Theatre

 Last Sunday at church the weather had cooled a bit so I went with my trusty (and warm) black tights, skirt, boots and striped sweater.  What are the chances that Katy shows up in the exact same outfit?!!! Pretty good apparently!  LOL

 That night we went to All Church at Lincoln Theatre which is a night of live music and baptisms.  Our friend Ernest (Dylan's dad) who is a staff member at National Community Church said it had just been on his heart that he wanted to get baptized.  He was raised Catholic but felt that he needed as an adult and leader to re-step out and publicly declare his love for Christ.  Several of the young men he mentors at the Southeast Whitehouse were baptized as well.  The whole evening was awesome.  The music was amazing, the speakers were motivating and the whole service was very moving.  So glad we went.