Writing this blog actually takes a lot of planning -- and it sometimes happens that we just stumble upon something great without being prepared to blog about it, no camera, no advance prep work. It's been happening a lot lately, so right now I have a ton of new experiences to write about but sadly not enough for a full blog post. It seemed a shame to not share, though, so I thought I'd stitch a few of our latest greatest experiences and discoveries together in one post here. Here goes -- a few snippets of stuff we've been up to around town lately.



Brunch at the Cyprus Grille (Hampton): We meet up with friends regularly for brunch; this month we decided to try out the Cyprus Grille, located inside the Embassy Suites hotel in Hampton. Cyprus Grille's been getting a lot of press lately because it  recently placed in a state cooking competition! Chef Kyle Fowlkes's recipe for Nana's Buttermilk Fried Chicken came in second in the contest and after tasting it, we're wondering what could have possibly topped it. I highly recommend their chicken and waffles -- the waffles are crisp, the orange-black pepper syrup is unlike anything I've ever had before, and the cheesy grits it's served with are great, too.



Rose Garden at the Virginia Zoo (Norfolk): Recently, we went to the Virginia Zoo with our playgroup and discovered a previously undiscovered corner of the zoo (at least, to us).  Beyond the kangaroo exhibit, all the way at the south end of the zoo, you'll find the Victorian gazebo situated among a host of rosebushes, all in full bloom this time of year! Bonus points: you can see the zoo's beehives  (which I didn't even know existed) and stone steps nearby are a nice place to put on a show with friends. Read more about what to see in the rose garden here.



Atumpan African Dance (Norfolk; various locations): Speaking of the Virginia Zoo, we saw the Atumpan dance group at the Virginia Zoo's Arts Are Wild celebration last weekend and they were fabulous. Such a sense of humor, passion, and vibrancy from all the dancers and musicians. They know how to work a crowd, and how to deliver information in a way that's fun for all age groups. Anouk got up and did her best to follow the steps while the rest of us played along with the traditional West African instruments the dancers passed around. Atumpan offers regular lessons (drop in or recurring, ages 2 to adult) at the Attucks Theatre in Norfolk or you can catch them at one of their local events.

 What have you been up to lately? Any new discoveries (here in HRVA, or in your neck of the woods?)

I've been meaning to post about Lakewood Park for a long time now, but haven't because until recently, I never had the opportunity to take photos to go along with it -- every time I would whip my camera out, Anouk would try to strangle herself on the monkey bars or eat a handful of mulch. But with the challenges of Two also come a few added benefits, one being that she is now much more confident and sensible about appropriate park behavior, and I don't have to hover like a hawk like I used to.

So, finally, here is Lakewood Park. It's across the street from a nice library and also around the corner from Naa's Bakery, hooray! After our trip there a few weeks ago, Anne and I met up with our friends for a playdate under the twisted live oaks, to give the kids a chance to run off some sugar. There are some seriously old trees at Lakewood, gnarled and twisted and providing copious amounts of shade, which means that there is always a cool spot to sit, even on hot and humid summer days. Add in a picnic area and some age-appropriate playground equipment and you've got yourself a practically perfect park.

Did you know that Lakewood Park is also home to Norfolk's Dance and Music Center? Anouk has been asking for dance lessons a lot lately, so we're going to look into the Creative Movement classes for toddlers this winter and spring. If you've ever taken a class at Lakewood I would love to know -- or if you have a recommendation for elsewhere in the #HRVA area that offers toddler tap or ballet.

Hope you had a good weekend. Now get out there and enjoy this gorgeous weather before it's gone!