OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA AND CANDI'S CANDIES

We blitzed over to Old Town Alexandria for a quick escape from city livin'. While we were wandering around, we stopped by Candi's Candies, where you can find fun displays of vintage candy and huge barrels of salt water taffy. We loved watching our parents wonder at candy brands they hadn't seen since they were children, and each of us picked up a little treat. Our choice, an outrageously delicious peanut butter cup, was devoured by the water. It was the perfect end to our lovely trip.

THANKSGIVING

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."
{Thorton Wilder}

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

THXGIVING SHOPPING

We made an early morning grocery store run to pick up last-minute items for Thanksgiving dinner. Countdown to meal time...

NAT'L ZOO WITH THE PARENTS

We're not sure if it's just a Smithster thing, but when we see our parents we start acting like little kids. So, when they asked us what we wanted to do today, we begged them to take us to the National Zoo.

(We adult-ed it up by getting coffee afterwards. Kind of. Sarasmith drank cocoa. Oh Gawd.)

SNEAK PEEK: MAMA + PAPA SMITTS!

Look who's in DC for Thanksgiving!

{CLICK HERE} to vicariously live a year in new york.

MAZZONIO COMES TO WASHINGTON

One of Sarasmith's nearest and dearest from Australia, Alex Mazzoni, made it state-side for a Capitol visit. It was the perfect excuse to get dorky-touristy and take a midweek getaway to Baltimore.

{THE HIGHLIGHTS}

• A Sunday in Eastern Market | Brunch at Ted's Bulletin, flea market browsing and getting lost in the organized chaos of Capitol Hill Books.
• GWU Basketball Game | Raise High the Buff and Blue!  GWU emerged victorious against Bowie State in a Sunday exhibition game.  Added bonus?  Betsy's mini tour of her alma mater!
• Touristy DC Day | This is (obviously) only a fraction of the touristy photos.  The monuments never cease to amaze.
• Baltimore Getaway | A visit to the best aquarium in the USA, a firsthand look at Occupy Baltimore, and delicious seafood in Annapolis.

Come back soon, A.Mazz. There's a you-sized hole here.

{CLICK HERE} for proof that birds are actually composers.

DALLAS IN OCTOBER

Halloween weekend was costume-less for both the Smithsters. Betsy was in Maryland chaperoning a student retreat (the only frightening part of her weekend was judging a chubby bunny contest and being legitimately concerned that someone would choke) and Sarasmith scooted off to Dallas to visit the Smithsters' best friend from home, Rachel. She is one of the most delightful people in the universe and the very talented blogger behind Sincerely, Rachel Christine.

{THE HIGHLIGHTS OF DALLAS}

• Introducing two of Sarasmith's favorite people in the world: best friend for life, Rachel, and best Sydney guyfriend, Matteo.
• Spending time with Rachel's main man, Jared.
• Annihilating some seriously delicious Texan cuisine.  
• Top Golf driving range: the perfect excuse for public embarrassment. 

Katy Trail Ice House

The Stoneleigh

Fuzzy's Taco Shop

Top Golf