Dumplings & Beyond, Glover Park

We first sampled Dumplings & Beyond at Glover Park Day. It is a new restaurant in the 'hood and we hope it survives! Located at 2400 Wisconsin Avenue (202-338-3815), the atmosphere is quaint with excellent service and excellent dumplings, of course. Huge portions! We talked about all things OSU! Ordered the "extra-long-will-only-fit-our-mattresses" sheets, mattress pad, and allergy cover. Will she have a mini-fridge? Will her eating plan be enough? Our dinners are numbered before Julia jets to The Ohio State University. Many exciting times ahead for us all.

Cumin Beef

Shrimp Spring Rolls

Ordered two kinds: Beef & Onion and Pork & Napa

Father's Day and Anniversary, Surf-n-Sweet

Happy Father's Day! It also happens to be our anniversary too--13, wonderful years! While we considered another fancy, steak dinner… instead the old favorites won out: Surfside and sweetFrog!

Jeni's, Columbus, OH

Jeni's = delicious, gourmet ice cream and frozen yogurt! The flavors we tried included the milkiest chocolate in the world, ndali estate vanilla bean, bramble berry crisp, pineapple upside down cake, and cultured key lime pie. We visited the Short North and North Market (original) locations. Going back as much as possible, for sure!

Rusty Bucket, Columbus, OH

Second time in Columbus, OH--very different weather from four months ago. It was nice to see the Ohio State University green and beautiful…with a lot less students. Orientation was well organized and enjoyable. The staff, faculty, and student leaders did a great job of making everyone feeling welcome and informed. Julia made connections with many students and is confident she'll be happy come move-in day, August 23.

The Rusty Bucket was good; it definitely oozed that college, lively (bar) scene. It was conveniently located right across from our hotel. We talked mostly about the upcoming orientation…Julia was nervous.

Blackened salmon salad

Asian tuna wrap

Thai steak salad

Morton's Steakhouse Graduation Dinner

Celebrate! First time experience for Julia, Mom, and I; a great way to honor Julia's accomplishments. Ahi tuna tower was delicious! Filet mignon, yummy! Porterhouse, phenomenal! Service was exceptional and the menu and photo were a very nice touch. Thank you, Steven, for arranging and Morton's for delivering.

Senior Daughter-Parent Dinner at Holton

We love Holton-Arms School. The school motto, Inveniam viam aut faciam, "I will find a way or make one," aptly represents an institution where girls are engaged in learning--a rigorous, dynamic and challenging program in a nurturing and compassionate environment--and guided in developing self-esteem and competence to lead the fullest life. Their mission is to cultivate the unique potential of young women through the education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit. They delivered.

The parent dinner was wonderful. There was an adorable video of the girls through the years, a short speech by a favorite staff member, and a welcoming into the alumni sisterhood by the class of 2013. We are so thankful that Julia will be embraced and supported by this community for the rest of her life. Thank you Holton!

Senior Prom!

Whirlwind weekend for the poor child that just stepped off a plane from Athens, Greece. She is going to crash at some point, but somehow made it through a packed weekend of fun with Chris and her friends for their senior prom at Lima Lounge. Julia wore my wedding dress...I hope she felt as beautiful as I did almost 13 years ago.