Farwell to Seneca

On Saturday we headed, one last time, to Seneca Creek State Park. When Jim used to live in the DC area he was a regular to Seneca and we have been there several times in the last 18 months. Seneca is a great park with a great 3 1/2 mile trail around a beautiful lake.

They also have a great recycled tire playground. We started out in our usual fashion thinking that we were going to walk a bit and then retrace out steps back to the car...

Yes...Abby is wearing a dress...it wasn't worth the drama!

 ...but, this time was different. The girls were walking so well that we decided to take a chance and walk the whole trail. To our great surprise Abby made it the whole 3 1/2 miles without complaining. It took us about 2 hours to complete the hike. Another nice surprise is that Kera walked for an hour before she started asking to be held...that is at lease a mile and a half! I did end up carrying her in spurts with her walking for 10 minutes every time I put her down. Proud of my little hikers!

It was a beautiful day and we saw some great scenery!

Threw some pebbles into the lake...

...and some amazing animals.

Beaver...

...oh wait, that's Jim.

Two beautiful bucks...

 

We also saw a small rat snake and a baby deer with her two fawns.

 

After the hike it was time for the playground and a picnic.

 

We all had a great time, including Chewy!

 

 

By the time we were ready to head home we had some tired girls on our hands.

 

 

Fun family outing! Goodbye Seneca Creek State Park.

Not A Baby Anymore!

Last Friday Jim bought Kera a brand new big girl car seat booster....

She is beyond thrilled now that she has a seat like Abby and can "touch the floor". i.e. the seat.

Weekend Visitors

On Saturday, September 10th we were able to see Jim's parents. Actually, they were able to be with us until Monday morning. They drove to town to deliver some home goods to Gwen's brother Tom who lives in Thurmont, MD...about an hour away from us. On Saturday we made the drive to Tom's to his beautiful 3 acre property. He even has horses for neighbors.

At Tom's we were able to have a great picnic with some of Tom's friends, a few of Tom's kids, and some friends of Gwen's from Pittsburgh. While we waited for lunch we explored the grounds...

...played soccer...

...played on a scooter I found...

...and even found a few minutes to relax.

After a lunch there was more time for fun!

 



It was a nice day with some very nice people!

After the picnic Regis and Gwen come home with us. We had a nice evening watching a movie and snuggling with Grandpa.

Unfortunately, I was ill on Sunday so Jim was responsible for showing everyone a good time. After cooking everyone breakfast he loaded everyone into the car...

...and took them to Centennial Park. At the park they had fun at the playground and then went for a nice walk partially around the lake.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing at home...

...and eating Sunday dinner together.

Monday morning Gwen and Regis drove Jim to work and then they continued down the road back to Florida.

It was a short but nice visit...Abby and Kera LOVE their grandma and grandpa!

Blanket Fort!

On Thursday, August 8th the girls decided to make a blanket fort.

 

Great job for their first solo build!

Howard County Fair

On Sunday, August 4th we decided to head to the Howard County Fair for the afternoon. It had been a while since I had been to a fair and it was exactly as I remembered!

We saw lots of farm animals...

Went on the farris wheel...

My favorite, eating corn dogs while watching pig races!

At this fair I say a new type of race...a DUCK race. It was so fun to see! Unfortunately, I was not able to get a picture due to a camera malfunction.

We finished our time at the fair with a few more rides and, of course, lots of people watching!

It was a fun but expensive afternoon...the farris wheel alone was $20 for us all to ride. I am so happy the girls were able to experience their first county fair!