National Book Festival

Today was the National Book Festival on The Mall. Kim, Allie, and I knew we wanted to go when we found out...

Suzanne Collins would be there! We had to get our books signed. Along with a lot of other crazy people. Maybe we should be more embarrassed about the population of people who were also waiting in line. And maybe we should be more embarrassed about how excited we were, and about how many pictures we took. The line was LONG. They made an announcement that each person could only get one book signed...er... stamped? Luckily between the three of us- we got each book in the series taken care of.

(Please note the Mockingjay necklace she is wearing)
Here she is signing(stamping) MY BOOK! I don't blame her for wanting to stamp instead of sign. Her hand would not have made it through that line. The stamp was actually really cool too. Plus, it was stamped BY SUZANNE COLLINS. What more could we ask for?

Hunger Games - Catching Fire - Mockingjay
We were super excited!

Many of you may know that I will likely be getting a masters in reading/literacy next year. I love children books. This festival was right up my line. While Kim and Allie stood in the Suzanne Collins line I ran over to the Rebecca Stead line. She wrote the Newbery Award book, "When You Reach Me." I waited in line hoping to get a copy signed for my mom (The avid Newbery book reader). Unfortunately I was literally the NEXT person in line when they cut the line off. So, Mom, you won't be getting a personalized copy of this years Newbery book at Christmas time. Sorry.

Here's to reading, books, authors, crazy fans, and living in DC so that we were able to attend THE NATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL!

To the left, To the left, Everything you own in a box to the left...

.... if only everything I own could fit in a box to the left.

Unfortunately the moving process was much more than a simple, "box to the left."

Luckily we all had plenty of help, and we got it done in two days! It was long and terrible while it lasted, but we had a lot of good laughs.

Presenting... our new townhouse! #2325

Seriously, we look out our family room window and see this beautiful building. I feel like we live in Colonial Virginia. Our view is one of the big highlights of the new place. Not to mention the extra 1,000 square feet. And 2 fantastic new roommates: Allie, and soon-to-be Lindsay. We owe Amy big time for finding a great fourth roommate.

The infamous colorful dishes, with a new glass cabinet.

Allie got these great chairs from PB.

We have a fireplace, a garage, and a deck, we almost feel like adults.

Watching Dave and Steve carry my unexpectedly heavy and awkward bed frame up three flights of stairs was hysterical. I owe them big time.

A special THANK YOU to:
Team 1: Natalie, Joe, Dave, Tim, Ryan, Steve, Scott.
Team 2: Heidi, Jamie, Emilie, and Natalie.
Sunday dinner team: The Powers
And, Taylor for making the whole weekend more fun!

I tried getting as many visitors as possible at my old apartment and I ended up with lots. However, if you liked visiting my old place, you will like my new place even more! There is more space than we know what to do with. So, come visit soon.

In other news: I really wish everything I own could fit in a couple boxes. I need help downsizing.