Little Days with Friends on the Water

When we were visiting friends over Memorial Day weekend, I swapped Hudson for the three big kids and piles them all in my new Phil&Ted's stroller. Our friends live in a neighborhood with water access and it was fun to take the kids down to see. Our adventure tested the limited of stroller versatility as well as my own ability to wrangle three near danger. When the kids clamored up to this bench, I was sure to make them pause for a picture. Being familiar with their moms snapping pictures, these three rascals all started rocking back and forth. The result of many of the pictures were a blur, but two turned out well enough to share.

I am grateful for friend with kids who live on the water. I am also grateful for these friends for a a lot more reasons, too many to mention.

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Chestertown Tea Party

For about ten years, we have joined our friends on the Eastern Shore for a Memorial Day BBQ, many coming from the famed Chestertown Tea Party. As newlyweds, we were always too busy to set aside the time to go. Two kids and a much busier life later, we made the trek and we won't ever look back. The festival boasts music, puppet shows, craft booths, and food stalls hosted by nearby churches selling everything from funnel cake to crab cakes. Throw in a historical reenactment and the ability to walk around, beer in hand and its a win in my book! We spent the unseasonably cool and windy day supporting local artisans and catching up with old friends. We had so much fun, we hardly noticed the weather.

Sunbun from Evergrain = honey + cinnamon sugar goodness.

I love the sweet little flowers above all bunched together. They were all over the festival.

And a bagpipe drum circle? Amazing!

The muddy Chester river. 

Funnel Cake. The End.

Weekend Festivities

This little guy has been getting stronger, so we kicked off our weekend with child-proofing.  We lowered the crib mattress, losing prime storage real estate.  But safety is worth it right?

I stood in line outside of Anthro in Georgetown to see Grace of Design*Sponge!  She is just as charming in person as she seems on her blog.  The book looks fabulous.  Can't wait to sit down and look through it.  Ritzy Bee Events threw a great event and I met some fabulous DC bloggers.  For more pictures of the event, check out my calligraphy blog.

We gave Behr his first official lesson in pickin' crabs at Mike's Crab House, just outside of Annapolis.  One of Mark's college roommates was in town, so obviously crabs were on the agenda.

A bit about this picture of Behr: He is rocking his new smile, and I can't get enough of this silly wide mouth grin.  LOVE!  I might also be a bit obsessed about his Bruce Springsteen t-shirt from zulily.

We took advantage of the beautiful weather and met up with friends at the Maryland Wine Festival.  Behr was happy gnawing on an apple to soothe his gums.  He is cutting his first tooth, and handling it like a champ!

We plan to bike to work today.  

Wanna know how it goes?

I will give an update or two on twitter.

Oh, and before I forget, I am a complete idiot spaz klutz

Thursday I dropped and shattered my cookie jar lid, cutting the top of my left foot.

Saturday I pulled a rookie mistake and sliced my left thumb open with a crab claw.

Sunday night I accidentally burned the ba-jeezers out of my right pointer finger on the stovetop.

Excuse me while I go buy stock in BandAid.

Let's just hope my string of calamities doesn't extend to my bike commute with Behr!

Eastern Shore Crabs

Maryland Blue Crabs, nothing beats them...well except for maybe when you get to catch 'em right out of the bay and steam them within a few minutes!  All you need is some vinegar and Old Bay.  Yup, that is living life right there.  Good ol' Eastern Shore crabs.

Incredible view from the dock.

Crabbing is SERIOUS business.

Pulling up the traps - they look full!

8 crabs in a single pot!

I have always found them beautiful!

The little suckers were clinging to the sides making it quite difficult.

Mark bravely grabs them with his bare hands.

Half our catch.  Now we head back to the house to cook 'em up!

Look at those blue claws!

Steamed and Covered in Old Bay.  Perfect.

Carey School of Business

Mark has begun his MBA! On Sunday, I dropped him off at the Mt. Washington Conference Center for his first week-long residency. While I cannot detail how his week is going, I can assure you he is working hard! (because we have barely had the chance to talk!) When we do get to chat, he has been thrilled with the program which has affirmed his decision to attend the Carey School of Business. He hasn't stopped studying before mid-night, but I ams sure each minute is worth it. Mark is truly in his element! I cannot wait until he gets back so I can hear all about it!

Here is a snowy picture of the beautiful conference center where they have their residencies. The picture doesn't quite do it justice...we will have to wait for spring colors to show Mt. Washington in its full glory.

There was snow on the ground when I dropped him off, and judging by the weather reports, there will likely be new snow when I pick him up next weekend!