Port Discovery Day

Took a day last week to head into downtown Baltimore to visit Port Discovery.

Cearra, Owen and Samantha enjoyed playing with cars and dominoes; while Nana was very happy to help load some freight on the toy train.







Cearra was climbing the walls after listening to a few hours of screaming kids,


and Owen got a little giddy upon discovering the giant bathtub and wonky toilet.



We confirmed that Samantha is a star,


and that it's likely Owen will pursue a career in engineering (if the John Deere thing doesn't work out).




Then we all went home and had a Butter Beer.


OK, no, not really. Just thought the HP fans would enjoy!

WILW

Great vacation with the family last week, now home and the unpacking is done; five loads of laundry washed, dried and put away; and the fridge and pantry are restocked. Time to settle back into life - and blogging - in Westminster.


I'm loving that the NFL lockout is over!! I love football and can't wait for the season when we all dress in our Ravens purple, set out a spread of yummy munchies, and cheer on our Super Bowl bound team!


I'm loving this picture of my Mom, taken on a 3 masted schooner off St. Lucia in April 1975! Isn't she cute?! Love the prep style too - the Keds, big glasses, hoodie and scarf are all classics.


I'm loving my latest bargain shopping score at Goodwill. For a little over $18, I got:

* four long sleeve shirts for Owen (OshGosh, Gap, Lands End and Green Dog)
* jeans for Owen (Calvin Klein)
* two long sleeve shirts for Cearra (Gap, Prince)
* sweater for Owen (OshGosh)
* fleece for Owen (Children's Place)
* windbreaker for Bob (Cutter & Buck)
* board game for Owen
* two books (one hardcover, one soft) for me!

Going to Goodwill on half-price Sundays is like a treasure hunt for me. I am super picky - I never buy anything that is stained or worn looking; I only buy quality brands - and I always find some great clothes!


I'm loving this shampoo. It makes my hair really smooth and soft and shiny - so much so that most days I don't even need to condition. And there are no sulfates, which is better for your hair and the environment. Good stuff.

Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Beachwalk Vacation 2011 - The Photo Album

Our home for the week, Grandma's Cottage (also known as the purple house by the kids).


A gaggle of cousins ... Kenzie, Owen, Samantha and Riley.


Off to the pool!





Owen was a real fish this vacation; going underwater and jumping in.


So was Riley!


Our big 5-year old ...


... about to be in big trouble with his big sister!


Still so sweet.


Me and my "pardner" ready for Cowboy Night!


Isn't it great that grown woman still dress up for theme nights?!


That's one pretty cowgirl!


Bob's office away from home.


Owen, Pop-Pop and I went to the zoo.


It was super hot - this tiger had the right idea laying on top of the waterfall to cool off!


And this tiger looked hungry. I think he was eyeing up Pop-Pop as a potential snack.


My idea of a bobcat sighting ...


... and Owen's idea of a bobcat sighting!


Feeding the birds.


In the otter tube.


Love this kid.


Sam was excited for Fiesta Night!



As was Cearra, aka "Miss Margarita"!


Pretty Kenzie with a flower in her hair.


The hombres ...


and Senior and Senorita Kaufmann.


Ole!



Bob and Cearra went fishing on Lake Michigan ...


... and reeled in quite the haul of salmon and trout!


Our annual photo op. Lots of goofiness, but not too many great shots this year!


"Hey - we match"!


Almost ready for Pajama Night!


Looking like a princess in her tiara and pearls!



We kind of combined PJ night with Mardi Gras night - hence the beads.


Dinner included chocolate chip pancakes ...


... I think it was easily the young sets fav theme night!


Nana and two of her snuggle bugs in Mars, Pennsylvania.


Rocky got into the Fruit Loops somewhere in Ohio.


Kenzie - this one's for you!


Ah, the mark of a truly great vacation - a nice long nap on the way home!