Along with seeing and being with family while back in Maryland, we were also able to reconnect with friends. Fortunately, we were able to spend lots of time with one of my best friends and her family. Our kids get along great, we get along great, and we always enjoy ourselves...
even if the events we plan don't go so well...
The Sunflower Fields
Last year we took our first excursion to the sunflower fields, and it was great!! The kids were great, the day was great, the pictures were great! This year we thought, "Let's do it again!" So we did. Only, this year was not so great. The mosquitoes were a-swarming, the bees were a-buzzing, and the kids were a-screaming. :)
Of course, we completely forgot the bug repellent - oops! But no worries, we can get in, grab a few adorable pictures, and get out! The walk there was mellow, and then we got to the flowers, and they were all turned away from us in the wrong direction, so we had to walk into the fields and then turn around to get a better shot. In came the bees! To us adults - no problem! Ignore them, they ignore us! Easy! To the kids... this apparently was not an easy concept to grasp. The further we got into the fields, the more frequent and loud the screams became. It was one of those moments where you knew that they were not in danger, or in pain, so we had to try really hard to keep the incredulous smiles and laughs to ourselves.
Asher was pretty good - he was a bit confused as to why the other kids were screaming so much :)
So as the kids are screaming, we are trying to get them to take deep breaths and smile for at least a shot or two. And you know what? While they weren't the shots we were expecting, and the experience wasn't the same as last year, the comedy of it all made this misadventure very memorable and fun. One of the highlights of my trip so far. Couldn't have gone through it with a better person :)
Here we have the few pictures that turned out well!
Our friends brought an umbrella, and while her kids were having their bug inspired melt down, we held onto the umbrella, and Asher had a lot of fun with it.
Hiding from the bees :)
Not going to lie - I have not so secret designs to arrange a marriage between these two when they are older, provided that the dowry is sufficient :). Look how adorable they are!
This is after they escaped the sunflowers by literally running through the fields trying to avoid the bees and other bugs.
A few mosquito bites and shed tears later, we made it back to the car. Even though the experience was slightly traumatic this year, I think we will try again next year, because the sunflowers are so beautiful!
Our next adventure was to the lake at Greenbrier Park, north of Frederick. This was my first time, and I loved it! There were trees that provided shade close to the beach, and the water and beach were perfect for little kids. It was a great day of fun for all!
Three little monkeys, having a lot of fun.
One handsome kid.
And sweet little girl :)
Cute & Goofy
Babies' day out
July 11th
This was a day filled with free (or super cheap) food. Being a true American, I couldn't pass up free fast/sweet/junk food. Three places had super deals that led those of us who needed the excitement (and possible stress) to "herd" our children around the city to get awesome food deals.
Promotions #1:
Chick-fil-A
Dress like a cow - get a free meal.
Garbage bag. Black & Pink Paper. Paper Plate. Black Sharpie. Scissors. Tape. 3 year old who does not know any better.
Cow? Check.
A little dignity lost?
Of course...
A Free meal?
Absolutely worth the lost dignity!!
Promotion #2:
Krispy Kreme!
Buy a dozen, get a dozen for 77cents
Happy 77th Anniversay Krispy Kreme!
We love doughnuts!! You can almost literally see the sugar taking control of Asher in the photo below.
Promotion #3:
7 Eleven
7/11 = Free slurpee day!!
Mmmm, it may be almost 7pm, and the kids may have just had Krispy Kreme for dinner, so what better way to get them ready for bedtime than to wash all of today's junk food down with a delicious sugary slurpee??
Trifecta = Achieved!
A great day with great friends :)
I love Maryland!!! I'll be somewhat reluctant to return to El Paso/Ciudad Juarez :(
