It's quite the journey.

Baseball that is.  It's quite the journey that not a lot of people "get."  People in the game of baseball, whether it be players, wives, coaches, or media, share this unique lifestyle that brings us all together as one, big family.

Our baseball journey brought us back to Baltimore a couple weekends ago.  A city where it all started and became a reality for the hubs.  It's been home for him, and for our family for a long time now.  Going back felt a little weird, especially wearing green and gold.  And for the record, we wore a lot of it!

Camden Yards is a special place and will always feel like "home" to us.  We were welcomed back by staff, players and families, and the fans in the stands.  It was amazing!  There were a few times when not even realizing it, I cheered for the O's.  Just comes naturally I guess ... even for the kids.  Abby asked if it was okay to cheer for Mr. Nick ... of course, Abby... we'll always cheer on our friends.  (unless it's the World Series) :)

It was extra special catching up with such friends from Baltimore.  Abby and Levi were beyond excited to play with their baseball buddies that they have been missing! In a sense, these kids have all grown up together since they were babies.  It was also great to catch up with our Hines family friends and perfect timing since they head out on their next adventure VERY soon!

Of course my family came to the games, which always makes it more fun!  Levi was in his happy place, even more so because Grandad was there.  Levi sat on his lap as my Dad explained the game of baseball to him.  The boy is infatuated with the sport and everything about it.  He had so much fun that it wore him out, literally.

After our fun weekend in the city, it was time to head down to the country for a visit with Gramma and Grandad.  The kids love it there - chickens, tractors, a porch, a hammock .... keeps them busy for hours.  Of course, they love being spoiled too - ice cream anyone?! 

Racing cozy coupes on the porch, bowling, and playground fun.  We also managed to get into the old Halloween costume box and into my old Barbies.  Tons of FUN!

We also took a trip to Build-A-Bear while we were there.  This was a big deal because Levi officially became BINKY free!!  The transition was started back home in Florida with the "Binky Box," where Levi was only able to have his binky at nap and bedtime.  When he woke up, he would put his binky back in the box until next time.  Then our trip came ... and the Binky Box stayed in Florida.  And surpisingly, Levi didn't seem to mind.  The first two nights he asked for it, but easily went to bed without it!  Woo HOO!!  Now Levi has a cute little doggie that HE made and can snuggle with him instead. :)

The first part of our summer adventure was so much fun ... here's to the rest of our journey!!

Let's Rewind ...

I guess now is a good time to push the rewind button and play a little catch up.  After all, it's summertime and things aren't as busy, right?  Ha, I'll try anyways.

First, back to Memorial Day ...  

Main Street in LWR hosted a special parade in honor of this holiday.  My kids love a good parade, so we loaded up and headed to our little "downtown."  Sue and Mike joined us, along with the Barbour gang.

The kids waved their flags high in the air, shook hands with military men and women, and cheered for the firetrucks and horses.

They danced, collected candy, and put red, white, and blue necklaces around their necks.  It was a great parade for our small downtown and we were happy to show our support for past and present troops that serve and protect our country everyday!

Next up ... ladies night out to celebrate Baby Girl P!  These lovely ladies are a part of Jim's and my life group at church.  It has been such fun joining a life group - the fellowship, the deepening of our faith, and the friendships we've made have been amazing!  The girls of the group met for dinner one night to celebrate Tara and Bill's baby girl.

We picked a favorite restaurant amongst us ladies, got settled in the back corner, shared a bunch of appetizers (and entrees!), and those of us that could drink indulged in some yummy wine and sangria.  Tara was just as happy to have some fun, fruity non-alcoholic drinks!  We talked about our babies, our hubbies, swapped stories, and shared A LOT of laughs.  It was such a FUN time!

Love these ladies! Happy Shower, Tara and Baby Girl P! 

Then it was time to leave Florida for our two month adventure.  Lots of "see you soons," lots of hugs, and a few goodbye tears.  It's not always easy to pack up and leave such great friends.  

My kids have such sweet friends and it's even better that their parents are just as awesome!  The summer will pass quickly and the best part is that our friendships will all pick up right where we left off, as if no time was lost.  I cherish these friends and thank God for them everyday! 

Happy summer everyone!

Summer Adventure starts now :)

A summer of new adventure starts now!

First stop ...

Baltimore & Galesville!

My BABY is officially a Graduate :)

It's all about the Mamas.

Take a look at these cuties, would ya?!

I'm one blessed Mama.  I don't need Mother's Day to know that, but it sure is nice to be thanked, appreciated, and loved on such a special day.

While I was in Boston, Sue helped the kids make very special Mother's Day gifts for me.  Beautiful flowers, but even better footprint butterflies! :)  On Friday, Abby's class hosted Muffins for Moms ... a time for just Mommy and Abby.  

On Mother's Day, the kids and I cuddled together in my bed before church.  Following church, we met some friends at Starbucks for cake pops and frappuccinos.  We lounged around the house in the afternoon and then went to a friends house for some swimming and dinner.  It was an amazing meal, with a nice A's win (and Johnson save) to go along with it!  I'm thankful to have such wonderful friends that live so close.  Their thoughtfulness is appreciated! xoxo

Here's Abby's class singing ... doesn't get much sweeter, does it?!

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mamas out there.

(Miss you, Mama!)

Boston, what a nice surprise!

For as many times as Baltimore played Boston, I'm not really sure why I never made the short trip to the city.  This past weekend made me wish I had only made the trip more often.  Boston was a nice surprise ... a beautiful, clean city with a lot to offer.

Planning this trip started off as a "well ... maybe" kinda thing.  It all came about when our pastor asked me if Jim had filled me in on his wife's (also our pastor) fiftieth birthday celebration.  Apparently my hubs is really good at secrets so I had no clue.  The celebration included a surprise trip to Boston, meeting up with longtime friends, and taking in an A's game at Fenway Park!  He asked if I'd be making the trip so maybe we could catch dinner one evening after a game.  Boy did that put a bug in my ear!  I hadn't planned on it but it sure sounded FUN!

So ... on a whim, a couple of weeks ago ... I booked my trip (sans kids) to Boston!  Sounded perfect to me ... a new city, new ballpark, great friends, and some alone time with the hubs.

It started off a bit rainy, but once the bad weather cleared out we had some beautiful days.  Not the warmest, but they were gorgeous nonetheless.  Flowers bloomed, giving a glimmer of hope that Spring was here!  The hotel was super nice, right across the street from the Public Gardens.  Lots of green space, the swan boats, and the pond from the book "Make Way for Ducklings."

Jim had an off day on Thursday .... we walked around the city, did some sightseeing, tried on goofy hats (although Jim really wanted the one he tried on), and had time to just relax.  Reading and Starbucks, two of my favorites! :)  That night we had dinner with one of Jim's teammates and his wife, along with their friends.  Super nice people ... we had a wonderful time!  The night continued with our friends from Florida ... having everyone together felt like we were home again.

The next day, I did the Duck Tour.  Maybe a bit cliche?  But ... it was interesting to hear about some of Boston's history.  It was nice having friends in town so we could explore Boston together, instead of solo.  

Of course we tried Georgetown Cupcakes and yes, they were as scrumptious as you would think!

Next stop.  The legendary Fenway Park.  It proved to be a beautiful stadium, with the old fashioned feel.  We had a great time ... and it was absolutely wonderful surprising Pastor Catherine.  She had no clue Boston was playing Oakland, and no clue she would run into me! :)

After a fun game (despite the loss), we ended up at Jim's favorite restaurant in the country.  Strega.  We enjoyed some of the best food that night.  Food that just kept coming.  And coming.  Seriously, we didn't even order off a menu.  Carlo took very good care of us!  We enjoyed the time together with great conversation and it was so special to be a part of Catherine's big celebration.  Carlo fed us way too much ... dinner, desserts, wine ... so what better way to get back to our hotel, but in a limo.  Wow. What a special evening!

Now that I know what Boston has to offer, I'm sure it will be a city I'll return to.  Seems like a lovely place to have the kids in tow. Maybe next time. :)

Let's hear it for the girls!

Well mostly girls ... Levi was a part of all the fun too.  :)

A couple of weeks ago Heather, Emily, and her friend Jodee came to visit us - just the girls ... for a whole week!!  Having just the girls here was extra special and it was the first time I felt like I was also on vacation.

We had fun at the beach, the drum circle, and spent time outside in the beautiful weather.

Abby danced her heart out ... showing off her new moves, including the fanciest footwork I've ever seen.  Levi danced along, but ultimately decided a game of beach baseball was more fun. :)

Quality beach time, pool time, Easter egg dying, Palm Sunday, and lots of family cuddling made the week extra special.  

Not to mention cupcake baking (thank YOU Heather for working' it!).

And can't forget about Disney ... the most magical place on Earth, right?! It sure was a long day, but so much fun!

Thank you ladies ... what a wonderful vacation! :)