Baltimore - Inner Harbor

Scheduling family vacations is much more challenging once kids start school.  We have to work everything around the school schedule, which isn't always convenient for everyone else (i.e. Parent work schedules).  But, we love to take the girls to new locations so they can experience new adventures.

 

This spring break we decided to do a long weekend in Baltimore for Katie's spring break.  Over the course of the trip we hit the Aquarium, the MASSIVE children's museum, the Inner Harbor with its historic ships, a fun dragon boat ride, the ubiquitous crab cake dinner, and more.

 One of the girls favorite parts of the trip --- the hotel.  They love sleeping in the same room with mommy and daddy, free breakfast cooked by someone else, riding the elevators (this one on the 12th floor), looking out the huge windows at the city lights and harbor below, and of course the hotel pool.

We had a great trip to Baltimore and are now looking forward to our next adventure.  Nana will hopefully join us on our next trip!

Jenna Turns Two

Dear Jenna,

And just like that, you are 2!  This past year has been a turbulent one for our family.  We've all been coping with change and loss.  Despite all the chaos, you find happiness in each day and are rarely without your captivating, mischievous smile.   With you, there is a constant cheerful and carefree approach to life, which is amazing in a house full of serious sorts.

This past year we have watched your personality grow.  You can now communicate --- and oh, the things you say!  You are hesitant around new people, but far from shy.  You are a daddy's girl and rarely cry.  You are a cuddly, loving little girl, with a strong sense of independence.  You love reading books, playing outdoors, all forms of water, and everything to do with sports.  Crafts, not so much ---- but hey, big Sister's got that one in spades.  

Speaking of Big Sister --- you watch, observe, mimic, and virtually idolize all things Katie.  Each day we drop her off at school and you say, "I ride bus too?"  I always answer with "Some day soon, when you are a little older."  And you reply "Yeah.  When I'm older.  I ride bus too."  Then you wait diligently each afternoon, anxious for the bus to start up our street so you and big sister can play together again.  Your desire to be "older" like Katie is a constant push forward.  Your growth, both physical and developmental, feels lightening fast --- an accelerated pace I wish I could slow down.

It is so odd for me, this second time at mommyhood.  With Katie, I could not wait for her to reach her next milestone --- and borderline rushed her on to the "next thing."   I pushed and waited for each stage of development thinking we would never get there.  I look at you now, and realize such a short time ago, Katie was your age --- doing the same things.  I know you will only be little, for a little while longer.  So, there is great irony that now, when I want things to slow down, I have you who refuse to do anything slowly.

I've taken fewer pictures of you, and as this blog can attest ---- the documentation of your life  milestones is seriously lacking.  But maybe that's a good thing.  Because I've spent more time just cuddling and enjoying you.

Sweet Jenna we love you so!  Happy 2!
Mommy, Daddy, and Big Sis Katie