First trip back to Maryland after moving.

Let’s hear it for last-minute decisions to visit friends and family!! Ken and I decided that the kids and I would make a trip up north when we realized that Jake had a week OFF classes and Ken had a week FULL of classes (and an all-important test for his FL contractor’s licensing). A quiet house for Ken and a busy week of social engagements for the kids and me turned out to be a win-win for all!

We had a wonderful time in MD, and the bonus was Ken joined us for a couple days when it turned out that he needed to get a truck and trailer up to Maryland. It was a long drive for him, especially to turn around and drive back with us two days later, but it was so nice to see him earlier than we thought, and he enjoyed the chance to [briefly] see family and a couple friends.

We had a super busy and fun week, and packed our days with activities and visiting. It was fantastic to catch up with grandparents, BFF’s, cousins, aunts and uncles, and bask in the cool fall weather. We hit a pumpkin patch (where it rained the whole time!); joined in on a tradition of making apple cider with my family; got a glimpse of the Chesapeake Bay with Ken’s family; celebrated my birthday (several times over — thanks, everyone!!) and generally just had a blast. Here are some pictures to prove it:

I have to say, the drive up was very pleasant – it’s an easy-to-navigate route and the kids were wonderful (most of the time!) There was that moment when some unmentionable liquid spilled a bit on a family member’s backpack. There was also the normal sibling bickering and of course, the restlessness that kicks in at about the 11^th hour. We drove through rain the last couple hours. But all in all, I have no complaints and would do it again! Thanks to all our Maryland friends and family for making our visit such a memorable one. See you again soon! 🙂

–Beth