Part I: Getting comfy in Baltimore

After a longer than expected trip to MD, we were met by Grandpa & Grandma Heck at the airport with open arms. After a short drive to their house and scarfing down some dinner - everyone 3 and younger was fast asleep. The next morning, the gang was up at the crack of dawn ready to start their vacation. The beautiful was so beautiful... only a high of about 82 degrees. Unheard of during a late June/early July time frame. As you can see... most of the day involved being outside and having a great time!

The day kicked off with new squirt guns... oh did this elicit some squeels of delight!

Even Mommy didn't mind getting soaked by her munchkin!
Grandpa inflated the new pool for the fun to begin... can you tell a certain someone is so interested that he has to try out all the "bells & whistles".

At the same time, the new sprinkler game was hooked up. Thomas picked up on it very quickly - insert 4 balls in the top hole; watch the balls make their way through the maze and then shoot up in the water through the top. Oh, did he love it. I will try and post a video of him in action!

Getting cozy & warm with Grandma after getting completely soaked in his PJs.

Meanwhile, after lunch, Abby showed everyone just how much she is standing & walking. Her new toy crab (attached to the fridge) certainly kept her interested & standing for quite awhile!

Sparky... the little licker. Funny how Abby can handle Ziggy (70 lbs) in her face, but didn't know what to do with Sparky (maybe 12 lbs) who was just her height. Needless to say, we had a little girl who was frustrated with all the slurping going on.

What's a vacation without daily naps? Brian took full advantage of a dark room and a big couch each day while the kids slept.

There is a first time for everything. Thomas & I got to experience our first ever Baltimore Snowball. Sure, they sell "them" everywhere but Brian has been raving about the ones in his hometown for years. So... we tried them.

Waiting for ours to be made...

Look Daddy...

Thomas got Blue Skylite flavor (very yummy) and I got Orangcycle with marshmellow on top (apparently a must in Baltimore). I have to admit... they were very good. So much so that we went back the next night for more.

3-generation picture:

Thomas, Grandpa and Daddy

Abbigail walking all around the front porch (and playing peek-a-boo)

Aunt Kady (and future-Uncle David) arrived the 2nd night to spend time with us. What a treat it was to catch up and visit!