Carless

For a long time of have romanticized the idea of living without a car. In Edmonton, I was never really up for going through with it, lousy bus system, sprawling urban center, oh yeah and freezing, freezing cold most of the time. But we have decided that while we live in DC there is no reason to have our own vehicle. The traffic is nuts, I mean really, really terrible and since I usually have only a vague idea of where I am going, it is truly unpleasant driving here. Not to mention the repeated buckling and unbuckling of two car seats.
So public transit it is. And I am happy to report it is fantastic! Instead of screaming about who gets buckled up first (or last or too tightly or whatever!!!!) we have been making salad for squirrels at every bus stop- this led to some interesting discussions about what squirrels like to eat- they do not like to eat cigarette butts, even if they add more flavor, at least that is my story and I am sticking to it.
Ngila hops on the bus like a pro and asks the bus driver if he goes to her desired stop, and today she mastered standing when the bus is crowded and seatless. Beatrix is not as talented at standing on the bus, as she prefers to cuddle up on Mommy's lap and sleep.
We get to walk to the bus stop, which usually leads to a snowball fight when Daddy is with us and skipping when he is not, then chatting with interesting people who find you adorable (Ngila and Beatrix favorite activity) followed by more walking and snowball fighting. Beats the car hands down.
Of course I will be driving when we head back to Alberta, all this fun loving bus riding stuff would die a quick death the first time I had to wait 20 minutes for a bus in -20 weather, I don't care how much squirrel food the girls might make while we wait.