Tom’s sister left our house early Monday morning. On Wednesday, I battled I-want-to-poke-my-eyes-out Philly traffic in order to pick up my sister Kari and her son, Will. We had a week together and after a brief detour of almost driving to New Jersey, we made it home and had one night of rest before starting her portion of The Great East Coast Adventure, hosted by yours truly.
We started in Baltimore, with lunch on the harbor. (Helpful hint: if you ever go to the Cheesecake Factory and order the strawberry shortcake, get ONE – not TWO. It will serve a minimum of six adults.) It was hot and humid. Pink cheeks and sweaty baby curls were abundant.
Off to the train museum. I had planned on taking my nephew here ever since our first trip, last year. The entrance fee is a bit steep – but this face made every penny worth it.
The museum was almost completely empty so there was lots of running around, giggling, and comparisons of people height vs. train height. We agreed that this one was definitely taller than all of us. Just a smidge.
The next day we went to my favorite Amish farmer’s market, the Green Dragon. I once again, did not buy a fake Louis Vuitton, even though I really wanted one. I also didn’t buy a handmade dining table, even though I really wanted one. I did however buy pretzels, jerky, an old silver platter, a Christmas ornament, and two very delicious hot dogs. I did not take pictures. I’ll blame the humidity.
I did take pictures at the Arts Fest the next day. Mostly of Sophie, who was really happy when we took a break after looking at over 200 vendor’s wares.
She did not, however, like Momma holding her still for a joint close-up.
She got over it though, when I bribed her to stop screaming with my sunglasses.
Will and Ella’s favorite part was the magician. The really bad, oh-so-corny magician. I was chasing Miss Princess during most of it, so no pictures, but I did get this one of Will watching a wave-runner as we were crossing the bridge. I think he wants one.
We came home tired, happy, and toting some lovely new treasures.
We chose the next day to visit the park. Not such an awesome decision considering it was the hottest day of Kari’s entire trip, along with some wicked humidity. We lasted about 20 minutes. I think the ride in the topless, doorless Jeep made it worth it for Will and Ella, though. (Don’t let Will’s face fool you – he loved it.)
Back at home, we decided it was more sprinkler weather, than park weather.
Sophie, though, didn’t seem to agree.
She was much more interested in Auntie Kari’s camera.
We spent the next few days with our Fabulous Friends, laughing, talking, staying up late, and doing less-adventuresome-but-still-fun things like playing at the indoor mall playground. Where we attempted a group shot.
And Will showed me his “frustrated face.”
All too soon, the week was over and it was time to drive back to Philly. We headed out early so that we could spend the morning at the children’s museum, where we got down to business with kid-sized adventures. Like shopping.
Working on cars.
Pretending to be Uncle Chris.
And attempting another group shot – which totally did not turn out creepy.
When we dropped Kari and Will off at the curb of the airport, I was really proud of myself for holding my you-know-what together as my nephew wrapped his arms and legs around me in a death-grip hug. It only lasted until I pulled away though, because I already missed them.
I’m glad you got one of Will’s hugs-o-death because the first thing he did when he saw me was jump up to give me one. Maybe he brought me an extra hug from you. 🙂
I’m gonna be sad if that kid ever stops giving hugs. Such a fun trip with lots of things Will is already asking to do again. I think that means it was a success 🙂