Wednesday the 2nd was bike/walk to school day so Nina brought her scooter while I chased after her, then had to lug it home. Friday we got to see Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory on the big screen. It was presented by the actors who played Veruca Salt and Mike Teavee, plus Nina got to bring a friend. It was a big hit (plus Jill and I got adult milkshakes). That night Jill said “someone was very excited to wear her new mermaid onesie pajamas on the first cool night of the season!”
Saturday we headed to Fairfax for show #38: Disney On Ice, probably for the final time (“that part’s just for babies”). An always interesting look at Disney’s priorities. Jill said “The real reason I knit huge shawls…. cuddle time watching Disney on Ice. I think it’s our last one; N felt a little too mature at this one. At least she’s not too old for a warming snuggle yet.” Later that night we watched Hocus Pocus for the first time for all of us.
Sunday we went over to the Fall for Fairfax KidsFest so Nina could ride all the rides and do her first backflip. Plus she insisted I put her on Twitter so she could get a branded candy bucket. Tuesday I was excited that Eagles announced their Hotel California Tour because I was super jealous of the 3 shows they did in Vegas, but bummed they weren’t coming close (but I’m going anyway).
Thursday the 10th we were at The Barns at Wolf Trap for concert #39: Lucy Kaplansky. Always a good show from her, the sound was great, and a tasteful collection of covers. Jill said “I got to have a fangirl moment with Lucy last night; after front row seats I met her and got to gush a little. Her music hits me right in the solar plexus. I always cry at her shows, I’ve learned not to wear mascara and just let the tears fall. Thank you, Lucy!”
Friday I went to DC for concert #40: Katy Perry and Mavis Staples at The Anthem. I was late and missed Norah Jones, but hadn’t seen Katy Perry before. It was great as The Celebration Gospel Choir joined both of them, plus a good dinner at Todd Thrasher’s Tiki TNT and dessert at Milk Bar. The reason I was late was dropping Nina at a friend’s house – Jill picked her up when she got off work. She said “you know it’s been a long and exciting day and you’re completely worn out when you are upset to the point of tears when you find out your favorite apple may not be in season to pick tomorrow. Whew.”
Saturday the apple picking went off without a hitch. Jill said “Continuing the fall traditions. N was really excited to use the apple picking rake this year and was pretty good at it! She also told Benjamin Franklin invented it?”
Monday the 14th Nina and I were both off for Columbus Day. I took her and a friend over to Cox Farms for the day. Tuesday I had just told Jill that it was nice to not have any appointments that week for the first time in a month. The deer on South Lakes Drive had other ideas (nearly broke through my windshield), and my car went in the shop for two weeks (a Hyundai Accent was better than the SUV I got stuck with last time, but I like my Civic the best). Thursday Nina earned her yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Friday Jill joined me for lunch at Brain Drain while Nina planned a surprise birthday party for her teacher at school, then that evening we all went to see Pat McGee Band and (almost) Everything at Barns at Wolf Trap for concert #41. Nina’s first show for both, and she had a great time dancing. Good seeing our friends Susan & Jen. Saturday we watched Mystery Science Theater 3000 at the National Theater (Joel’s last tour!) for show #43. Nina had a fun time, and I learned a lesson: if the drinks they make are basically a double, don’t finish your wife’s drink as well. That night was Ninja night (aka Tae Kwon Do watch your kids night), so Jill and I celebrated my birthday early with a little Wizards Unite action in Vienna, then dinner at Clarity. Nothing super special, but we thought we’d come up with quite the blow out for the next week, as the World Series lineup was set and Jill asked if we should go.
Tuesday the 22nd was my birthday – I knew it because first thing that morning my daughter asked how many centuries old I am. We had a quiet early evening with takeout sushi from Ariake because Jill was still working nights through the end of the month. The next night I noted that 5 night games in 5 nights is deadly on the sleep schedule (as the Skins played in between World Series games). Friday I walked with Nina and the rest of the Terraset crew in the South Lakes High School Homecoming Parade as she tossed candy to spectators, then went to the Halloween party at Tae Kwon Do.
Saturday the 26th we had my dad come over to our house (where we put on the matching shirts I made), then we drove to East Falls Church and took Metro over to Nats Park for game 4 of the World Series. I’d found reasonably priced tickets on Stubhub, but was still pretty anxious until we got into the ballpark. Nina was delighted the playground was still open, and we all got food while she played. We got into our seats (way up high next to the top) in plenty of time to watch the opening ceremonies, and it was definitely a great night even with the loss. Jill said “even though it would have been the icing on the cake if we actually won… we had a fantastic time and there were still smiles at the end of the night.”
Sunday our rebuilt pontoon boat was finally ready to set sail. Jill said “Just in time to get it ready for winter. At least we took advantage of the unseasonably warm day to see some lakefront fall foliage …with my new addiction, pumpkin spice cold brew.”
Wednesday the 30th was Jill’s final night shift. She said “I’ve learned so much and advanced my skills on the night shift this past year but I will be happy to be back on days permanently. I think Kerry and Nina are happy about it too.” Later I watched the final World Series game (the last couple innings in stunned elation) and the postgame nonsense. I wish I could have said I was going to bed at a reasonable time the next night, but concerts await.
Thursday Jill joined me for Wizards Unite at a sponsored fortress to try their Halloween event, then we had lunch at Stone’s Cove. Later Jill took Nina out trick-or-treating with a neighbor and her son while I made dinner, then I went to the 9:30 Club to see Jukebox the Ghost for Concert #42. I’ve been wanting to see their HalloQueen show they’ve been doing for 5 years with one set as them and one set dressed as Queen and playing Queen covers, but this is the first time they brought it to D.C., and it was everything I hoped it would be. Also loved during “We Are The Champions” someone on the floor had a hobby horse they’d attached Trea Turner’s jersey to and was waving it like a flag.
