My heart goes out to all those suffering in the hardest-hit parts of the country, those that lost power, flights, valuables, homes, businesses, or loved ones. Those that are still suffering though Hurricane Sandy has died down. Watching the devastation play out on the news is gut wrenching and I feel just horrible for all those facing tragedy.

It makes me feel all the more fortunate that we missed the storm. Hardly a limb has fallen in our neighborhood, just many many leaves litter the Old Town streets. On his Tuesday morning run, Stu saw first hand the two feet of water covering the lowest intersection, just a few blocks from our house, but it had receded by lunch time and we haven’t heard of any major damage in the area. Some homes in the Northern Virginia area lost power…hopefully it will be back on soon.

Otherwise things were pretty calm here. We even ventured out for some puddle splashing on Monday afternoon.

The storm past, just drizzly gray skies in it’s wake, we were still stuck in the house on Tuesday. Stu was on his second day off work as was much of the NOVA/DC area. When the Metro line is closed, the government closes, and so does almost everything else. Museums, aquarium, zoo, Gymboree, and most of the stores. I know this because my mom and I grabbed Ethan and headed out—we couldn’t be cooped up any longer.

After driving around and finding most places dark, we stopped by the Pentagon City mall. It was open and nearly empty…a perfect place for a toddler to explore. And it didn’t involved a TV or a couch = perfect.

You know those little kiddy rides you never even consider stopping at? We rode one twice. A dollar well spent! And the escalators and elevators provided plenty of entertainment. Drinking fountains, full length mirrors, manequins, window displays—all toddler friendly.

Nordstrom was open so we stopped for coffee and gazed at the over-the-top-expensive clothes, then slowly other shops raised their gates. Before we knew it, the place was bustling. The Apple store—the one place I actually needed to go—was packed in about five minutes. Of course.

We do much (any) shopping, but it was worth the trip. Ethan was tuckered out and ready for his nap while Mom and I had staved off cabin fever…success.

Now today, Grandma and Grandpa’s last day here, we will hit the Natural History Museum (Ethan’s favorite) and possibly make a Shake Shack stop. Man I need to get my butt to the gym to counteract the excessive caloric intake that has been October.

Our thoughts are with everyone hit by the storm. Thank you to all the people who checked on us! We appreciate your concern and are so pleased to report we are OK.

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