This weekend I realized that the standard route we run is only 3.8 miles, not 3.9, so I had to adjust my numbers in the database for the past 20 runs or so.
Tonight we extended our run a little bit, to make a nice round 4 miles. Nora definitely noticed -- she's not crazy about changing the route and of course the run took a little longer. Since we also started late at 6.45 pm it was very dark outside. The lights on the stroller work well. The last remaining lights just arrived today, so we'll try them on our next run.
We took Utah from Fairfax Drive to go back towards Washington, a next time we should probably take 2 streets over since the sidewalk on Washington is quite narrow.
Today we went to the open house of Heidelberg bakery, a German store on Lee Highway in Arlington.
The weather was beautiful so we walked. It's a nice route through Cherry Dale, about 40 minutes each way. We saw the first Halloween decorations.
The open house was nice. We met the owner, Wolfgang Büchler, who immigrated from Germany in the 1970's. There were several machines on display and we saw the big ovens they use. There were also several cookies and breads to try out and take home. A very nice gesture.
This morning we went to Clarendon Day, where we had a a great time.
Nora received two balloons, but the highlight was meeting a parrot character -- the mascot of a local bank. This enormous "papagaai" made a deep impression Nora but she was brave enough to give him a high five -- which she kept referring to the rest of the day.
She also saw her first puppet show. She got very excited about all the animals, and when Spot (Dribbel in Dutch) made his appearance she said: "hondje!" and took him off the hand of the puppeteer and hugged him.
In the morning we went to Clarendon Day, and after Nora had lunch and went to bed, I decided to go for a run. It was the first time in many weeks that I ran without Nora and it was a little bit sad! When passing our usual highlights, there was no little voice yellow "ven-ti-la-tor" or "motor" or "Wash, Lee!". Anyway, she'll be awake in two hours and I'll give her an extra hug... but I won't tell her I ran without her!
It's faster though, running without the stroller. The weather is also great for running today.
Yesterday we had a social event at work and we played broomball. This is a simplified version of ice hockey: you wear normal shoes, not skates, and the ice is prepared to provide more traction than usual.
We played in the Kettler Capitals Iceplex, an ice rink on top of the parking mall in Ballston, very close to our office. It's the place where the Washington Capitals do their training.
We played two 20 minute games; we won the first but lost the second.
Queen Máxima is in New York City today for the formal opening of the renovated Delegates' Lounge at the United Nations.
The room was recently remodeled by a Dutch design team, lead by Dutch designer Hella Jongerius. A website by the Dutch consulate in New York has more information about the redesign, which is part of an overall update to the 60-year old United Nations building.
Yesterday Queen Máxima presented a report on micro-financing to the secretary-general of the UN, Ban Ki-moon. She serves as the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development.
We celebrated Julian's birthday this weekend. The trip to Secaucus on Friday afternoon took longer than usual, and Nora was getting a little annoyed in the car, but once arrived we all had an excellent time.
On Saturday Julian and Ilana went to see Spiderman on Broadway, a great experience for them. Nora had a blast with her cousins. She was sometimes a little scared of all the energy and noise and jumping... but she kept saying "Julian! Ilana!".
On the way back Nora slept the entire trip, she woke up 20 minutes before we were home.
Today we went to the open house of Heidelberg bakery, a German store on Lee Highway in Arlington. 
This morning we went to Clarendon Day, where we had a a great time.
Yesterday we had a social event at work and we played broomball. This is a simplified version of ice hockey: you wear normal shoes, not skates, and the ice is prepared to provide more traction than usual. 
Queen Máxima is in New York City today for the formal opening of the renovated Delegates' Lounge at the United Nations. 
We celebrated Julian's birthday this weekend. The trip to Secaucus on Friday afternoon took longer than usual, and Nora was getting a little annoyed in the car, but once arrived we all had an excellent time. 
