Back Home in Maryland: Part 5

We hadn't been to my hometown of Frederick in three years, just prior to our move to Amsterdam. I was really excited to visit to see old friends, see how things had changed and to show Jude and Maeve the place where I grew up. We stayed the first night at the Quinn's and were grateful for the pool, political discussions and delicious fajita meal!

We spent the following day in downtown Frederick. I loved coming here as a kid to go first to pre-school, then church and my high school job. The downtown is so charming and really has a European feel. The Carroll Creek project that was originally designed to prevent flooding of the downtown (and Pops was on the planning committee!), has blown up in recent years. It was fun to check it out and meet aunt Rach for a yummy lunch at the Wine Kitchen.

Baker Park swings

Bell tower

Along the creek 

Beating the heat. 

Walking with Aunt Rach

The kiddos passed out hard so we escaped the heat at Brewer's Alley and walked through the gardens at Evangelical Lutheran Church where Rach and I realized we both went to pre-school together! Jude starts pre-school in a few weeks so it felt very full circle! We got some treats at the Candy Kitchen before driving to the house I grew up in. My parents have this great picture of my sister and I as toddlers in front of the Japanese Cherry Blossom that they planted in the front yard. I wanted to recreate the picture, but settled for some sweet shots on the stoop.

From Frederick we drove to Ellicott City to visit Jessica, Matt and Naomi in their beautiful new home. We arrived before they returned from work/school so the kids had free range on the impressive toy collection.

The following day, Rach came down and we spent the day together. The kids started the day trying out tricycles. Rach captured greats pics this day as usual.

Then we went to a local splash park followed by lunch at Panera (fulfilling all of our American food dreams on this trip :)).

That night, Jessica and Matt hosted a mini reunion of some high school friends. It was so great to meet Addy, Cora and Bo, who I feel like I know from stories and social media. Again, the kids played so well together and it was wonderful to catch up with old friends. Thank you to the hosts!

Caught stealing fake apples and being ridiculously cute. 

Maeve and Bo

All together in the play room dreams are made of.  

Jude, Naomi and Addy- Three 3-year old musketeers

Trying to hang with the big girls

The third place we stayed this trip that had their own bounce house!

Dress up time! 

Carney Time in Virginia (with a side of Bateman): Part 4

We were headed South on Amtrak headed to DC on what was meant to be a smooth, 3 hour journey. And then our train hit an "object" and the three hour trip turned into 6 with two train changes and all of our stuff. Not a good start to our visit to Maryland and Virginia. We were so happy when we finally arrived at Curtis, Nancy and Penny's house! They had had some drama of their own that day so it was drinks for all! The big kids have changed so much in the last 2 years! 

Sunday was a bright, new sunny day. We walked through charming Old Town Alexandria to the farmers market for treats and to let the kids run wild. Curtis and Nancy moved to their new house later that week and we were so grateful for their hospitality in the midst of such a busy time! 

We continued South through Virginia to the highly anticipated Carney Family Reunion. All members of my dad's family were present except for one cousin and his family who had welcomed a baby boy just a few weeks prior. There are now 12 great grandchildren (1 born since the reunion!) under the age of 7. They all played so well together. Jude quickly made buddies with 3 year old Beckett and between their cheeks and baseball hats, people couldn't tell them apart! The uncles and Andy slaved over the grill on a hot, hot summer day and served a delicious shrimp broil. 

Sweet niece Peyton embraces uncle Pete. 

Nana and Peyton

Jude, Beckett and Pops (but who is who?!)

There were tons of fun lawn games for the kids, and access to the pool, which was clutch with the heat! 

Grillmasters

Photo cred @dechant.michael

Photo cred @dechant.michael

Photo cred @dechant.michael

Brielle told us she'd like to switch Maeve for her brother Beckett and I think all parties would have liked that! 

Photo cred @dechant.michael Poor Maeve

Photo cred @dechant.michael

Photo cred @dechant.michael

The four hour reunion passed way too quickly and I was really sad to say goodbye to my aunts, uncles and cousins. Plans for next summer's reunion seem to already be underway and I hope it is longer! We were glad to continue the party at cousin Katie and Justin's, our gracious hosts for the night. Jude loved spending more time with the big boys and loved all of their toys and basement bounce house! Colin read the kids stories and Evan was so sweet helping Maeve get ready for bed. 

From Ashburn, we caravanned further south to Massanutten, a mountain resort where my dad's family has a timeshare condo. We had a few days to spend there with Nana, Pops, Leslie, Andy and Peyton. My childhood memories are of going in the winter ski season, so it was fun to see what it offered in the summer time. Lots of pool time to beat the incredible heat.

Nana and Pops were loving all of the grandkid time and gave all of their energy as usual to the trip. Peyton and Jude were so adorable playing together. For all of his bossy requests, her sweet voice would reply, "ok!" We were just glad Jude didn't pick up on her second favorite expression: OMG. On their last night together they did the greatest ballet routine to swan lake!

I have a sweet photo of toddler me curled up with my Grandma Carney on this sofa so I'm grateful for this sneaky picture Pete took!

We went to the large indoor/outdoor water park and had a lot of fun with the kids. Jude loved the lazy river and there was a great little baby play area.

Maeve had all of her flirty moves for uncle Andy

The best we could do for a family photo. Fail! 

Cuties on horseback at the Mexican restaurant in Harrisonburg

Some final cousin time before their early morning departure. 

We had a final day with Nana and Pops at the resort before heading to Maryland for the remainder of the week. We loved checking out the local wildlife- ground hogs, dear and squirrels. We let Jude stay up late enough one night to see fire flies for the first time, too. 

  Jude's first putt putt experience was a wild success. With Nana's help, he got 3 holes in one!

Hole in one! 

That pool felt so good!

Waiting for our delicious BBQ to be ready!

We broke up the drive to Frederick with a stop at Luray Caverns with Nana and Pops. I remember visiting as a kid, but had forgotten how amazing it is down there!