Ashley and Nora's Trip East

Yea for visits from Aunt Ashley and Cousin Nora!!! We made the most of our time by getting out and about- blueberry picking, swimming, Harper's Ferry, Cape May Point, 4th of July fireworks, the beach and Wildwood boardwalk!

Summer Begins!!

Since we have membership to our neighborhood pool, I decided we would spend the first day of summer break there. I got our bags ready, the kids in their swim gear, myself suited up, and lathered us all with sun block. I even packed a picnic lunch. Not an easy fete! Right as we were walking out the door, Afton turned to me and said, "I think I am going to throw up!". She then proceeded to barf everywhere.

Our summer was off to a bang. 

So we went with plan B. I dug out the sprinkler and water toys, and the kids who weren't throwing up had a party in the back yard. Not a bad start after all.

So far this has been a pretty relaxed summer. I have loved not having a structured routine! We are a lot slower in the mornings, and often aren't out of the house before 10 or 11- right when the pool opens. There has been lots of pool time, library trips, reading snuggled up on the couch, backyard fun, and some downtown trips to places like the National Cathedral and National Zoo. Hooray for summer!

Baltimore Excursions

It only takes 30 minutes for us to get to Baltimore, so we have taken to exploring it more. Fort McHenry (War of 1812 and birth place of our National Anthem) is always a favorite with us.

Following Ft. McHenry we went to the Inner Harbor where we saw smoke billowing across the water. Never a comforting scene. Thinking for a split second that this could have been an attack, I was relieved to discover this was simple a boat fire.  

And now that we have a yearly pass, a trip to Baltimore isn't complete without a stop at the aquarium!

And it is a good thing we have been getting out while we can, because we have been having lots and lots of rain!!

Spring Break- Charleston

Oozing with southern charm, Charleston, SC is now one of my favorite places. Boasting a beautiful historic district, lovely beaches, plantations to tour, horse carriage rides, Civil War historic sites, and southern food, Charleston has the whole package.

Isle of Palm

Fort Sumter- where the first shots of the civil war were fired. We met up with Grant and Jen who were vacationing in Hilton Head, SC.

Magnolia Plantation

Cyprus Gardens- spotting alligators in the swap

Blossoms 2014

Forget Christmas, THIS is the most wonderful time of the year. The blossoms have sprung and the girls and I had the special treat of seeing them during their peak bloom! All is right in the world.