Family Fun in Maryland

We spent a long weekend in Maryland and were able to take part in lots of fun activities.

Piper was willing to lend a hand with packing, although she ended up wearing more clothes than ended up in the suitcase!

We drove half way Friday after work and the whole family, including Tucker, stayed at a hotel together Friday night. We weren't sure how it would be putting Piper to bed in her pack-n-play with us there and Tucker milling around the room. But she did great, she stood up and watched us watch TV for awhile, sucking her thumb. Then Ger and I watched as she got sleepy, so she started to lean against the back of the pack-n-play and finally we watched her slowly slide down the back of it until she was out for the night. It was pretty entertaining to watch. Tucker was on patrol all night, so many new noises that he felt he needed to be up patroling to keep us safe.

We got an early start Saturday and arrived around lunchtime. Here's a couple shots of our backseat passengers.

Piper figured out how to loosen the straps on her carseat and get her arm out during the drive. We had to do a little adjusting to keep the curious one from completely letting herself out of the seat.

Tucker just sat beside her quietly and periodically would put his front paws up on the armrest, which would roll the window down and he'd take in all the smells.

Our first stop when we got there was Dale's to get some of his delicious chicken and ribs. Next it was off to the Charles County Fair Grounds. They were having a hunting and outdoor show. Here's a shot of Piper and Bube at the entrance, Piper's first time at the county fairgrounds.

Right when we got inside, there was a petting zoo and Piper was fascinated by the goats, sheep and ducks. She and Granddaddy ("Dan-Daddy") had fun checking them out and walking around together.

It was a beautiful afternoon and was nice to be outside. Here's a few other shots.

Next it was on to Piper's first trip to a Maryland crab house.

We had a great dinner and Uncle Timmy, Aunt Theresa and Kricket were able to join us too.

Sunday, we got up and went to church with Grandma Hitch and Aunt Rae. Then it was back to Bube and Granddaddy's house to have folks over for brunch. Grandma Hitch, Aunt Rae, the Klines (Jill, Roy, Kricket, Alyssa), and cousin Eric all joined us.

After an afternoon nap, it was off to little baby Ethan's baptism. Here's a shot of the guest of honor with his parents, Mindy and Rafael.

And a shot of the whole group.

Piper had a blast playing with all the kids at dinner afterward. And her cousins Caroline ("Car-O-Wine") and Thomas ("Nomas") took great care of her and she enjoyed spending time with them as well as Brooklyn and Parker.



After all that fun and playing, we took a tired little lady back to get some rest.

Piper also had a great time playing with Bube's doll, Sarah. She would try to change her diaper, put her shoes on, take them off and carry her around the house. And what better way to care for your baby then topless while wearing your favorite hat!

Monday morning we headed for home. Piper did great on the ride. She also enjoyed playing with the cheerios holder that Grandma Hitch gave her, it provided a good bit of entertainment, as well as nourishment, on the way home.

We also played her favorite CD of songs a lot on the drive (Mommy and Daddy can sing all the songs by heart now!). I got this video of her listening to the start of her favorite song on the CD, The Wheels on the Bus. Be patient, the good part is when she starts rocking out when the song starts, just takes a bit for it to get there. This is her new favorite dance move. The girl's got rhythm!

When we got home, Piper wanted to help with unpacking and then the suitcase became her favorite place to hang out for the night and it proved to be just her size.