Fort McHenry

 

Now this place is cool, really, really cool.  Troops at this star-shaped fort successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from and attack by the British on September 13/14, 1814.  After witnessing the events of those days, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the Star-Spangled Banner at Ft. McHenry in 1814.  We caravaned over to Baltimore with about ten families to tour this historic monument.  When you first go in, there is a short movie about the history of the fort and at the end, the giant screen rolls up and the glass behind it overlooks the enormous 15 star, 15 stripe flag that flies there.  It will give anyone chills.  The scouts completed the Junior Ranger program, complete with scavenger hunt, and earned a certificate and a pin (and a ton of historical knowledge)!  At 3:30 they retired the large flag for the night and we all got to participate in catching the flag as they lowered it to the ground and folding it up.  There must have been 50 people spread out around that flag to ensure it did not touch the ground!  They were interested in checking out all aspects of the fort and we were there for 4 hours.  Even Abby enjoyed her time at Ft. McHenry!  Learning how to load and fire the cannon was everyone's favorite part and the park rangers who run that program should be commended for their patience and enthusiasm!

Under the Big Top

I'm assuming this was the theme of Brad's work picnic this year because it was complete with a big top tent and acrobats, magicians, contortionists, etc.  There was plenty of fair food to eat, raffles, carnival games, inflatables, a Mad Science presentation, and the kids couldn't get enough.  Brad helped out on the planning committee and I think they nailed it!  It was about an hour away in Clarksburg, MD, which was a beautiful drive.  We were there all day and it wiped us out...until the following morning when we headed back to Maryland for a scouting field trip.

Alexandria

 We always try to save some light mending for the Grandmas when they visit.  Abby worked on her lacing cards alongside Grandma Eileen this time!

 At Alexandria Cupcake

 Grandma Eileen and Abby outside of Alexandria City Hall

During my Mom's most recent visit, she, Abby and I took the Metro up a few stops to Alexandria, VA.  There's great shopping, a plethora of restaurants, and a scenic waterfront area where you can ferry across to National Harbor, MD.  We walked from the Metro station down King St. to the Potomac and took a free trolley back up.  There is a great kids bookstore nestled in between the restaurants and clothing stores that had a great variety of books and games for the kids.  These Gamewright games are fantastic and the kids go back to them again and again.  We have Feed the Kitty, Scrambled States of America, Snap! and Take the Cake...all four entertain both kids, although Abby needs a partner for Scrambled States. 

Over the weekend while Grandma Eileen was here, we had the big popcorn festival for Alex's pack and were most thankful to have an extra pair of hands that weekend so we could help out! 

Hollin Farms

For the first time ever, we went apple picking as a family.  Usually I wait too long and all the apples are gone.  These apples were delicious at Hollin Farms!  They had so much to pick there: apples, pumpkins, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, cucumbers, a variety of flowers and other veggies, dig your own potatoes and peanuts (fascinating and next time we will bring a shovel for this), and I believe you can buy beef and pork there too!  Various months of the year feature different produce to pick. 

Delaplane, VA is our go-to spot for beautiful scenery, wineries, and now, pick-your-own fruits/veggies!  Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains the views are just phenomenal and we love spending time out there.  It helps that Jackie works in that town and the kids like exploring!

First Day of Preschool

Little Miss Abby started preschool this month!  She goes to our church two days a week for four hours at a time.  My guess is if I could get her into a 5 day program, she'd enjoy that just as much.  She loves EVERYTHING about preschool!  Abby packs her lunch just like her brother does and loves to tell me all about her day.  These sunglasses they passed out on the first day were a big hit as she wore them for the remainder of the day.  Also, on her second day of preschool she wore this exact same outfit, because it was her "school dress".  Hopefully the teachers didn't notice!  

They must be teaching the kids about whispering in the halls because in the library Abby told me to "whippser".  I love that she is happy there and that the teachers are loving towards her.  She is making friends and sees a few of the kids at Sunday School as well. 

Visit from Grandma Kathy

Early leaf raking...oh if only she could see the yard now!

 Sweet Frog

  First day of gymnastics

 Holding Alex up to the mustache mirror

Scout Mob app, mustache fun

Brunch

  

Burke Lake Park

Working on the attic fan...Brad and his crack team of experts!

Grandma Kathy came to visit in early September and got to experience week 1 of school/extracurriculars in action.  We were just getting into the swing of our fall routine starting with gymnastics, tennis, scouts, etc. so there was lots to see and do!  The kids had been asking to try out Sweet Frog frozen yogurt, which has quickly become a favorite treat around here!  We popped into the city on Sunday to see Jackie and Scott for a yummy brunch followed by a trip to the zoo (men and kids) and a little girl talk about the wedding.  They even have a fun mustache mirror in their apartment that we took full advantage of while visiting.

Proud Sister

Abby insisted on wearing her new teeshirt as soon as it arrived in the mail.  She is a proud cub scout sister!