Zara at the DC Nats game with the Tiska's!

Matt got great seats for three of us behind the dugout, the rest of us just snuck down to join them after Zara and RoRo took advantage of all the kiddie features the new Nats Park has designed for children.  It really was so kid friendly.

The Ballerina at the Montgomery County Fair

I was surprised to realise that Zara loved the Petite Ballet class.  She paid close attention to the teachers; and even other moms remarked to me how well she did for her first visit; particularly as she was the youngest.  I was worried she would slip alot, but she was just fine.  It was a good education for her too; to have to wait her turn to run and do her "jete".

 The day we opted to see what the Montgomery Agriculture County fair was all about, Daddy showed up and shocked us both!  We saw roosters; and bunnies and a three day old calf.  All is a days work for traveling Zara- after all 10 stamps in her passport isn't chump change at the age of 2!  Next stop SINGAPORE!

As Pool Party Approaches tons of action!

So many sudden visitors to see Zara at Brithday time.  Hoyt cam ehome from Greece and stopped by on his way to Kabul. Janet visited with her sister to see the baby Zara she used to watch over when i was working.  And We spent some nice days at the pool with Sitina and Florence.  Here is Florence with her Mother Gabrielle at the Glen Echo Carousel!  Zara loves the horseys- and me thinks as long as she doesn't bet on them we are in good shape!

The Tiskas arrive in town for baseball and parties!

My college roomie, Jen and her three kiddies came down to DC from The Hamptons to see the Nats play in their brand new DC stadium, and happen to be in town for Zara's pool party too.  RoRo and Zara are quite close in age, Rowan almost three is a character; and Zara found herself in a battle for her toys.  In fact she suddenly became interested in items I had long given up on; hmm typical girl!

 The day we picked them up from Union train station their train was so late that Zara  and  I booked rezzies at the Palm and Smith & Wolensky's to see our fan club.  zara got prime seating on the curbside and S& W and David happened to notice her when I was gone retrieving the car!  Amanda, the AGM there, kept Zara from giving out her number to every boy that passed! 

Zara at her 2 year check up

Zara hit her 2 year check up at 32 3/4 inches tall and 23 lbs!  I still remember wondering if she'd ever hit the 20lb mark!  Go Zaza!  She took her bloodwork like a champ. My friends from Clark University were on the way to the OBX and stopped in DC for lunch with us!  Their daughter Sammy and son Nate were so sweet with Zara, what a great little visit we had!  And the next day, we were about to see another Sammy!  ( Jenn Leone Tiska's Sammy arrives!)

The Cooey visits the Munch!

Jeff & Coo-bear came down for a day trip to DC to see Zaza.  We zipped all over town, and had a great brunch at the new Patisserie walking distance from our house.   It serves all organic & offers community tables; which are such a nice idea.  Years ago I went to this chain in Bruxelles while visiting Hoyt in Belgium; so its so nice to see the chain come to the US!  Zara was flirting with the manager too; hmmm ... what's new?

Grandpa Rock took us all out on a boat

Zara, old sea dog, loved the boat!  She was loving the wind, as you can see below.  Megan & I both had a blast tubing.  Here I am waving at Zara as grandpa Rock is trying to throw me off the tube!

Boats and toys

Zara playing with everyone and her new birthday toys!

Selection of Snaps

Zara was giving out massages on the beach and Megan and I got reprimanded by the life guards- for swimming out too far- all 30 feet i think.   Jimmy and Becky even made it too.   Grandma Rock & Megan made a homemade oreo ice cream pie for Zara; just fabulous!  By the time Zara's birthday pool party rolls around she had better be a pro at blowing out candles!

With the Rocks at Deep Creek Lake, Md

A picture i scanned from circe 1912

My great grandparents, Zara's Great Great grandparents, Mary and Abraham Jarger are shown here I believe for their wedding day.  They were both from the same small village in Lithuania, but were introduced to each other in Worcester Mass.  My Great Grandfather, Gramps, was a tailor.  

Among other reasons; Zaza will one day find their picture significant because I am wearing my Great grandmother's engagement ring and her 50th anniversary band as well.  Funny to think Bubbe must be wearing the ring that is on my finger now in this photo almost 100 years ago!  Maybe someday Zara will be wearing it...