More Apple Picking

This afternoon at Homestead Farm we picked twenty-six pounds of Fuji, Sun Crisp, Jonagold, Braeburn, Granny Smith apples.

This evening at our own little homestead my sister made the best apple pie we have ever eaten. 

Travels with Pacy: Washington, D.C.

Pocket Pacy and Grace Lin!

I had the very exciting opportunity to spend last Friday with Grace Lin! Yes, Grace Lin! She graciously did a special school visit for An Open Book  with a group of very appreciative students. I brought our Pocket Pacy along and towards the end of the visit pulled her out to take a group shot with Grace and the students. It was a fun little reunion. Grace noticed Pacy's faded features (that's what happens when you travel the world!), whipped out her fine tipped Sharpie, and gave Pacy a little make-over. You can see more pics here from her fabulous school visit and below are a couple of pics of the newly spruced up Pocket Pacy at the National Book Festival. A huge thank you to Grace and her family for making last Friday such a memorable day!

The National Book Festival

It was the perfect day for curling up with a good book. The kind of day that is rainy and grey and has you yearning for a cup of tea and a cozy homemade quilt.  But we ignored those urges, hopped on the metro, and immersed ourselves in a different kind of book experience: The National Book Festival. Soggy and surrounded by fellow book-loving strangers we eagerly plunked ourselves down in the children's tent and spent the afternoon listening to Matthew and Jennifer Hollman , Kevin Henkes, and William Wegman. 

Matthew and Jennifer Hollman made us all laugh with stories of their sibling escapades and funny drawings. Kevin Henkes made me tear up when a fifteen year old girl stood up to express her love and admiration for his work and he subsequently became flustered and touched by her declarations. We also loved the drawings and letters he shared from admiring young readers through the years. And Willam Wegman showed lots of amusing photos of his beloved and famous canines while also taking the time to answer every single question that was asked of him including some from very young audience members. It really was a wonderful way to spend a rainy afternoon. 

Sadly, we can't return tomorrow, but the weather is supposed to be better and there are a ton of good authors appearing tomorrow. And there are beautiful posters by Suzy Lee. And it is all free! So if you are in the D.C. area, head to the National Mall for this very special festival. Rain or shine, it really is worth the trip!