Deep Creek Family Vacation

Owen and I are "super buddies", and of course, I love our closeness and time together. But our daily summer routine of sword fighting, soccer, and Minecraft playing hasn't left me with much free time to upload pictures from our summer escapades, much less post them here.

But today, Owen is happily ensconced at my friend Missy's house, overjoyed that her kids are back from an extended trip, and after some much needed housekeeping I'm stationed in the office, bowl of yogurt, blueberries and granola at hand, ready to share. So here we go, highlights from our annual family vacation!

We rented a fabulous mountaintop perch at Deep Creek Lake Maryland called "Ski and Glee" (highly recommend it if you are looking for a summer or winter escape - skiandglee.com). Indoor pool, huge game room with tons of arcade games, mini golf course and horseshoes outside, and plenty of room to spread out and enjoy it all, or just cuddle up with one's cousins to read and play electronics.

Who do you think won?

We were right around the corner from Wisp Ski Resort, and the children's ropes course and mountain coaster (rumor has it Uncle Jeff didn't use the brakes the whole trip down!) provided a great afternoon of fun. All the kids loved the zip line; I'm going to be sure to try it out next year!

Love the determination and concentration on his face

Next we came down from the mountain top and headed to the water. We rented a pontoon boat at Deep Creek Marina and cruised around the lake for two hours, enjoying the gorgeous day and beautiful setting.

Our captains watching the mandatory safety video

The ones who make it all possible! Thanks mom and dad!

Some of us found our zen ...

and some of us found the boat REALLY relaxing!

My future Deep Creek home

July 14th was Owen's 8th birthday, and I was thrilled to find a local bakery that could make this Minecraft cake for our game obsessed boy. He loved it, and thankfully I got a few pictures before I dropped it - frosting side up - on the floor. Not exactly how I planned that celebration.

One day Pop-Pop, Bob, Cearra, Owen and I went the National Park located in Deep Creek. Loved this beach - calm water and hot sand ringed by towering trees. We rented kayaks and had a blast paddling around the lake.

Side-by-side kayak selfie

And of course, what's a summer vacation without a fire and s'mores??

It sure was a super sweet time!

Oh Yes, We Touched. And Twirled, Tapped, Tended and Tea'd!

Since our last visit to Philly's Please Touch Children's Museum in 2009 (you can see the cuteness from that visit here), cousin Samantha has been asking to return. So on Tuesday we loaded up the van and drove to Wayne with Nana, Pop-Pop and Sam for a quick visit to my hometown. 

We showed Sam and Owen our old house and elementary school, and took them to one of my favorite late night hangouts back in the bar hopping days right out of college, Minella's Main Line Diner. The decor has changed but the french fries and gravy are still mighty good!

Weds. morning we headed into Fairmont Park and the museum, and spent a great day exploring and having fun. 

Doctors in training

Sweet bedside manner by Dr. O

Nana checked out OK

A girl after her mama's heart

My heart

Pinkies up!

Concentrating on the bongo's

Very cool sculpture

He loves to pose as Ms. Liberty so was
thrilled with this shot!

Goofballs

He had to ride the cat on the carousel