A Deep Creek Vacation

For as long as I can remember, my family has been going to the Jersey shore for vacation. A week of salty air, sandy feet, sunny days. I've always loved it. But this year we tried something new and packed up for the mountains of Maryland. Of course for the first time we also had Owen (as well as our nieces Samantha and Mackenzie) in tow, and there were quite a few differences ...

Vacations in Sea Isle City

1. Daily activities - working on tan while lazing on the beach
2. Reading tally for the week - 3 books
3. 10:00 am rise and shine - ah, the pleasure of sleeping in!
4. Main items packed in suitcases - flip-flops, shorts, t-shirts

5. Enjoy every minute

Vacation in Deep Creek Lake

1. Daily activities - feeding, diapering, playing with, chasing Owen
2. Reading tally for the week - half a book
3. 6:45 am stumble out of bed
4. Main items packed in suitcases - diapers, swim diapers, toys

5. Enjoy every minute

Our fun week started out with a visit to Nanny's house, where we were joined by Todd, Maria, Hannah, and then Kris, Jeff, Sam and Mackenzie (straight off their overnight drive from Wisc.!). As always, Nanny outdid herself with a yummy brunch spread and beautiful decorations for Owen's birthday, and what we dubbed the "Dr. Seuss" cake! Owen was a little hesitant to plunge in at first, but with Sam's able guidance he quickly learned sugar is good!

He also received lots of great presents, including an adorable watercolor painting of his beloved cups by Nanny (for those of you who don't know, my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law are both incredible artists).

After the festivities, the Mommaerts and us loaded into our packed cars and headed off for Deep Creek Lake. There we met Mom, Dad, Aunt Cathy, Uncle Rich, Aunt Sue and my cousin's daughter Nicole. We all settled in, enjoyed a pizza dinner on the deck and then gathered around again to sing Happy Birthday to our little guy. This time he dug right into his cupcake and chocolate icing!

We are so happy that we could share Owen's first birthday with family and thank everyone for the great presents and most of all your shared joy. Cearra couldn't join us because she had a previous commitment - being the maid of honor for her big sister's wedding! - but she did call to wish O "happy birthday" and send her love.

The rest of the week flew by. As always we had theme dinners ... this year was Toga Party, Penn State Night, Wisc. Country Fair (complete with carnival games), Pirate Night which featured a treasure hunt, and our last night tradition, Mardi Gras. We also enjoyed an evening out at Bunnies, Pap and Charlene's restaurant.

The guys played golf, the girls took in a lake side art show and the movie "Ratatouille", and Bob helped Aunt Sue, Mom and Nicole catch their first fish! Owen took his first carousel ride (and didn't think much of it) and there was a fierce go-kart race underway until some kid wrecked Aunt Sue! We played many games of Hand and Foot and Loaded Questions, ate yummy ice cream every night, and enjoyed the antics of Sam, Mackenzie and Owen.

I'm already counting down the weeks until next year ...