Baltimore & Buffalo

After Bill flew back to Atlanta to work for 2 weeks, while we staying in Baltimore for my mom's help, we tried to keep the girls busy, but it was hard to do when it was in the mid 90s and humid everyday. We went to different playgrounds and Target is always a favorite, especially when Grandma buys each girl a new toy. We also tried the Irvine Nature Center, but they were in the process of moving to a new location, so there wasn't too much inside and the hike outside wasn't much of one as the path wound in a small circle, but it kept Kaitlyn and Lauren busy. Papa and Nana also took Kaitlyn and Lauren to their club to go swimming, but Lauren was exhausted and by 5:30pm we were taking Lauren home to go to bed. I don't know if it was the heat, the new surroundings, a growth spurt or what, but Lauren seemed to be tired all the time and was always taking naps or going to bed early. One night Kaitlyn and Lauren stayed up late to see and catch fireflies with Alicia (yes even Kaitlyn did this, but we didn't bother to tell her that she smashed one). We also went to the aquarium again with Alicia and Michelle, and Kaitlyn and Lauren loved showing all of their favorite things and seeing the Dolphin Show again. Even though it seems like Kaitlyn and Lauren did everything, Alexa was always there, but just not ready to enjoy everything as much (soon enough).

On July 16th my sister, Michelle and I drove to Ellicottville, NY with the 3 girls and we actually had a pretty decent drive. We were worried about Alexa, but she slept most of it, which always makes things easier. We did have a little crying fits, but all in all, not too bad. My mom and dad got to enjoy a nice peaceful drive in their own car. My aunt and uncle, Kathy and Danny, bought about a hundred year old house in this ski town and let us stay there. The girls loved having room to roam and play, and it was wonderful being 2 blocks from town. We did have a 45 minute - 1 hour ride into Orchard Park and Hamburg to see family, but it was great to have a place to stay. Kaitlyn and Lauren loved going to my old club to swim with all of our cousins, friends and Alicia and Katie on Thursday and Friday. I wasn't allowed to swim yet, so thankfully my sisters helped me out. Lauren couldn't wait to swim with her cousin, Luke, but I think Kaitlyn had a better time with him than Lauren. Lauren even took a swim lesson with my old teacher, Carol. Saturday we went to my Aunt Jeanne's house to swim with her kids and had a great time as well. Sunday we had the girls' cousin Aidan's Christening, and the party afterwards was at their house. So another day of swimming and playing, and luckily, the rain held off until we were about the leave. Then Monday was our drive back to Baltimore, this time with Grandma instead of Aunt Michelle. Another decent drive for Alexa, although there were moments as she just wanted to be free to crawl and roam.

Then before we knew it Bill was back in Baltimore, so we only had a few days left. Thursday the 24th we drove down to Washington DC for a personal tour of the White House by Billie Gingrey, wife of Congressman Phil Gingrey. It was the same tour as everyone else, but she was full of amazing facts and pointed things out that we never would have seen or known. Kaitlyn and Lauren weren't too keen on this tour, so afterwards we headed to the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum for some dinosaurs and jewels. They both seemed to really enjoy it, but they were worn out from getting up at 6am. We then walked through the Sculpture Gardens and then to the Smithsonian's American Art Museum. Kaitlyn loved doing a Scavenger Hunt there, and after seeing more pictures of the American Presidents, we were headed back to Baltimore since there was just too much walking for 3 and 5 year old girls, even with a stroller and a personal carrier (Daddy).

Friday was our last day in Baltimore, so Daddy took the girls away for the morning, so I could pack and get ready for our drive home. We packed the car that afternoon and barely fit into the car. 3 weeks is a long time to be away, but my mom seemed to keep trying to get rid of things and giving them to us. So we were all excited to be heading home, but not really looking forward to our drive. Luckily for Kaitlyn and Lauren, they love watching movies, so we could keep them busy for most of the trip, as long as they were also well fed. As for Alexa, she would sleep a little and then wake up and want to explore. We had to stop at 1 rest area to just let her play for about 20 minutes, but it was well worth it. Alexa also enjoyed having lunch in Wendy's since the service was absolutely horrendous that it took 20 minutes to just place our order, so she had lots of time out of her car seat. Kaitlyn and Lauren weren't too happy about Wendy's since it wasn't McDonald's or Chick-fil-A, but they did love the Frosty. I guess I need to open them up to new places to eat. So all in all, we arrived back home safely and everyone was thrilled to be out of the car after almost 12 hours.

I do have to thank my parents for being so amazing and putting their lives on hold for a month to help me out. I really don't know what I would have down without their help. Our daughters did have a great time in spite of all their complaints.