Catch up time: Road Trip v.1.3

Back to last weekend in Annapolis....

A Busy Sunday

We had thought of a trip to the ocean on Sunday; after all, Jack has been talking about visiting "Gavin's house by the ocean" all year.  Turns out that despite it's proximity to saltwater, the Baltimore/Annapolis/DC corridor does not have a lot to offer, beach-wise.  Caution won out in our decision to not let our children swim in the Chesapeake Bay, so our journey was to take us 2 hours north to Delaware....

The day dawned sunny and hot hot hot and after some deliberation the assembled company decided against beach time in the midday sun, and spending 4 hours of our visit in the car.  The suggestion of a quick trip to a playground evolved into a visit to the wonderful Kinderpark, about 30 minutes away.  This lovely spot is part giant playground, part farm, and all delightful.

In spite of the heat, the kids had a great time playing together; climbing, wandering, exclaiming over goats and chickens, walking the dog. 

I have no idea what Ivy is doing in this picture.

We picnicked and played until we were thoroughly melted, before fleeing to the air conditioned van.  It was midday, hot as blazes, and Ivy needed a nap.  Plus, there was the whole "seeing the ocean" thing. So, our group decided on a quick drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Our quick trip ended up being about an hour and a half due to some unexplained traffic that left us immobilized just before the toll gates onto the bridge for a good 40 minutes.  Good times. 

But, a great view!

 Our boy got to glimpse some ships and the girl got a nice nap and we still made it home in time for the ladies to run off and see some of historic Annapolis.

We toured the Hammond-Harwood house and browsed in charming boutiques housed in picturesque storefronts from the 18th century. Downtown Annapolis is utterly charming.

Nat, Steve, and the kids joined us for a seafood dinner and a repeat of our ice-cream-at-the-waterfront experience from the night before.  Why mess with perfection?

It was a wonderful day; tired but happy, we packed and prepared to leave bright and early Monday morning.  After all, Nat had his final to give at Lakeland at 5:45 that evening.  We figured leaving by 9 gave us plenty of time... but little did we know that the day of travel would bring us both the Wienermobile...

... and the unexpected opportunity to change a flat tire by the side of the Pennsylvania turnpike.  Good times.

You know, actually it was pretty wonderful to watch the way Jack relished in every moment of this opportunity to help his daddy....

And, miracle of miracles-- Nat got home in time to make it to class!  And didn't even get  a speeding ticket!  

A good road trip, all around. 

NYC was pretty great too, by the way.  Working on documentation of that one....As it will contain no pictures of the children, I suggest you tune in to the 30 days blog.  Eventually.  Laundry calls...