"I only want a baby SISTER."

Did you ever wonder what it would be like if there was a carbon copy of your best friend? Well, it turns out that it's really cool. Drea came to visit with her daughter Zala, also known as "Cutie McBooty". Zala, who's almost 4, and Kasper got along pretty well with just a few "Clash of the Titans" moments.

We checked out the zoo (we finally saw the baby panda while he was awake!) and the Museum of Natural History (dinosaur bones and sparkly princess jewelry - Zala is a girl of many interests). It was fun to see how our friendship has moved from quarter drafts to kids' meals.

Best line of the trip:
Drea to Zala on Friday, "Remember, how you asked me for a little brother or sister? This is what it would be like. It would be like being with Kasper all the time."
Zala "Unnnhhh, I think I only want a baby SISTER."

Time to toss the snowsuit? Think again...

Well, the powers that be must have heard my comment on the nice weather around here. We got about a foot of snow Saturday night. In Northern Virginia, the first report of the POSSIBILITY of snow means everyone freaks out completely. I spent 15 minutes in line at the grocery store Friday night at 10:30pm (normal waiting time: 30 seconds). Yikes!

Kasper thought the snow was cool, but was primarily interested in the bigger kids who were throwing snow at each other. He also wanted to play in the street, in the storm drain and on other people's patios. There is no place for me to bring this kid where I don't have to say "No!" repeatedly.
Thankfully, Patrick came home from work and Kasper was outnumbered.
P.S. A thirsty Kasper figured out that sucking on your mitten works in a pinch.

13 days until pitchers and catchers report

We're getting his hat broken in anticipation of spring training. We've also found some fun stuff do in the city during the recent stretch of 60+ degree days. During January and February. Some things about this area are worth it...