Maryland - Day 2

On Friday, the guys had to go to work so the kids and I took a slow start to the morning.  We ordered room service for breakfast and watched a show.

And then we began our trek over to the National Aquarium.

This adorable park was on the way

We only got to play for a few minutes because we had a specific entrance time (thanks to some tips from the hotel staff).

As we continued on our way we passed this giant crab.

The aquarium was pretty amazing.

This was probably my favorite part.  We could look down and see all this aquatic life.  This big tortoise was a rescue one with a damaged flipper.

The girls are at a fun age where they can read the signs at museums and learn more on their own.

This was an amazing jelly fish sculpture in the jellyfish section.

These tiny jelly fish were my favorite.

While we were staying in a very pedestrian friendly area, we were not staying in an area with tons of kid friendly food options.  As we left the museum there were some definite meltdowns happening and I didn't have any great options for kid friendly restaurants.  We ended up at Cheesecake Factory.  It was super tasty, the kids did great, and I think the fun drinks made it better for them - that flavored lemonade with sugar rim was a definite distraction from the mood!  I got annoyed with Kayden's hand being in the picture and said I was going to take another.

She's a sneaky one.  I didn't see this one until I put them on the computer.

As we were walking to the restaurant we'd passed some paddle boats and I told the kids we could go back.  So fun!  Not maybe the best decision to take 3 kids out on a paddle boat as the lone adult.  Especially not with a 3 year old.  But I'm definitely glad we took the risk!

After the museum, the restaurant, and the paddle boats all by myself and all walking around, I needed a rest.  We headed back to the hotel.  I ordered myself some hot tea, got the kids cleaned up, and got them a snack while they watched a movie and I read my book.

It was a great first day but we were definitely excited to explore with Dad the next day!

Maryland - Day 1

Daddy, Granddad, and Uncle Brent had a work trip in Maryland and we decided to tag along.  Not sure what I was thinking taking a 4 day trip the weekend before school started!  Before we left I had to get all of the school clothes and lunch supplies figured out and set out so we could jump right into the school routine.  We sure had fun though!

On the shuttle to the airport.

Cute, cute family.  Keeley was a super big help through the airport.

My seatmate!

Once we landed in Maryland we found some place to eat, played at a park, and then headed to a grocery store to get a few snack type foods for the hotel.  The relaxed with a video while we got the room set up and figured out the plan for the next day.

Braces!!

Our first baby in braces!  The orthodontist recommended starting braces now because the gap in her bite was causing her back teeth to be worn down.  I asked if she wanted to start school with them or get them after school started and she said she wanted to start school with them so we hurried to make it happen before we went on our last minute get away.

She chose heart shaped brackets and alternated blue and purple for her colors. Look at that sweet face! Adorable!

More summer fun and the Bake Shop

This morning we had a playdate with a friend in the neighborhood.  She invited us to swim and have lunch.  The girls really wanted to ride Kayden's scooter but I was certain that we wouldn't make it all the way there and back on the scooters without a meltdown so Killian and I rode in the car.  The girls amazed me and did great there and back!

Once we got home the kids holed themselves up in the art room to do more "baking"

I love how much time they put into everything.  The colorful balls at the front are Killian's contribution - they are the "energy balls" that I make.  Love them all so much!

Sci-Tech Discovery Center

Another item on our list for the summer was the Frisco Sci-Tech Discovery Center.  We headed out first thing and, again, the first stop was the tornado simulator.  I have no idea why the kids love this so much!

We tried out lots of sound activities in the main area.

After we'd explored that area we headed off to a more gravity centered exploration area.  By that time though we were definitely on our last legs of patience and I spend most of the time putting out fights and keeping up with everyone.  This museum is a great size but was hard to do with all three kids.  I will try it again sometime with just Killian or just the girls and see how we do!

Fort Worth Fun

On our "Summer Fun" list was to go to TCU and the Fort Worth Zoo.  Today we loaded up and headed out!

First stop - the Fort Worth Zoo.  The kids wanted to go in the tornado simulator.  Well, only 2 of the 3, and it really only looks like one is enjoying it!

Stealing my hat

All three of the kids touched the snake!

Another touch tank with sea life in it

Ice Cream!

And more hat stealing...

We headed from here over to TCU but nothing was open and the kids were way too hot and tired (not friendly) so we made a quick stop at the book store and headed back across town.

One the way home we stopped at Gloria's to eat.  Not sure what my boys are doing here...

I'm glad we got the trip in before the summer was over but it was very, very hot!!