Ready for a long post? Here are some pictures from our one and only weekend trip of the summer. Dow has an air shuttle from Midland to Philadelphia a few times a week and employees and their families get to fly on it for free. So in August, we took advantage and went to the east coast to visit some loved ones and have a cheap little getaway.
When we got off the plane, we hopped in a rental car and drove straight to Baltimore to hang with two of Matt's very overworked classmates, Sam and Lincoln. (Actually, they're much more than classmates. Does "soul mates" sound too femme? We'll just say they're like family!) Their internship was killer! Luckily, they were able to take a couple hours off that night to have dinner with us. AND those two busy boys even provided us with a place to stay. It was lovely!
After checking out Baltimore's cute little harbor, we set out to find the famous bakery that inspired our cake making hobby. Charm City Cakes is the place where all of Duff's magic happens! Ever seen the show "Ace of Cakes"? Their creations will blow your mind. Unfortunately, the bakery was closed for a few weeks, so we couldn't even sneak a peak at the awesome weirdos who work there. Still, we felt pretty cool to have found our "Mecca".
Duff's new-ish delivery van. (I think.)
"You don't have an appointment?! Be gone! Off with you!"
Josh had the right idea trying to peek inside. But everything was closed off and covered. They must be remodeling or something.
Our next stop of the day was in Alexandria, Virginia. This is where Matt's aunt, uncle, and two cute cousins live. We actually lived with them in the summer of 2006 while I worked as their nanny and Matt completed an internship in DC. I can't believe it took us four years to come back and visit! The kids have grown so much!
Ryan has so much energy! He and Matt have always been good playmates.
Lizzie was so good with Josh. She made sure he had a wonderful afternoon!
Next stop -- to see Klysta and Dave! This is my beautiful, fun, wonderful, PREGNANT college roommate, Klysta!
Josh seriously considering a career in street drumming.
After we picked these two up, we drove into DC and checked out the natural history museum. Then we ate at Red Hot & Blue, one of Matt's favorite BBQ places from years ago. Ahh...memories!
The dinosaur exhibit, which Josh was not nearly as excited about as we had hoped.
Matt showing our friends a YouTube video that he believes is very important to everyone's cultural development. Basically, it's a silly news report from Oakland about whistle tips that explains why Matt wants to name this baby "Lil Sis" if it's a girl.
When Josh saw this picture more than a month later, he told me he was "looking for Smarties". Which, oddly enough, I think he was!
Josh couldn't possibly see this many steps and not climb them. I still can't believe how huge that National Archive building is. We look so tiny!
Eating blueberries before bedtime at Dave's parents' house. It was so nice of them to let us stay the night! They are such a wonderful family!
These pictures make me miss my college friends so stinking bad. Klysta and Dave, we love you so much!
The next morning, Klys had to work at the hospital, but Dave and his family took us to church and fed us a delicious dinner! Then on our way out, they took us to an awesome park where you can watch the planes fly in right over your head as they land.
Josh obviously didn't like the noise much. But he loved to watch!
That night, we drove to Philadelphia. Matt had some meetings the next day, so the company put us up in a hotel right near all the tourist attractions. Josh and I ate a fancy (free) breakfast the next morning and attempted to enjoy a nice warm day of sightseeing. With an extremely over-tired toddler, a newly pregnant momma, and a very hot day, you can imagine the level of fun we had. To sum it up, we were both on the verge of tears all day. Luckily, the pictures don't tell the whole story and it still looks like we had a grand old time.
Josh obviously didn't like the noise much. But he loved to watch!
That night, we drove to Philadelphia. Matt had some meetings the next day, so the company put us up in a hotel right near all the tourist attractions. Josh and I ate a fancy (free) breakfast the next morning and attempted to enjoy a nice warm day of sightseeing. With an extremely over-tired toddler, a newly pregnant momma, and a very hot day, you can imagine the level of fun we had. To sum it up, we were both on the verge of tears all day. Luckily, the pictures don't tell the whole story and it still looks like we had a grand old time.
Josh in front of the Liberty Bell, right before he ducked under the rope and tried to ring it himself while he knew I had my hands tied with the camera and stroller.
Outside of Independence Hall. Josh apparently marveled more at this old tree. We couldn't take any tours because someone's kid was screaming too much. (Yes, it was mine.)
I saw this little shop and had to get a picture. Finally! A place that knows how to make a good old-fashioned hoopskirt! Ha...but seriously, I secretly want one. Just one.
Petting the statue outside of Betsy Ross' house.
I'd like to say we both learned what a "Philly" was that day, but I still have no idea what this guy is.
This is Elfreth's Alley, which is a really old street dating back to 1736. Those people back there are all on a tour, which we of course could not be a part of because Josh was too busy trying to find a way to destroy the original cobblestone street. It sounded interesting though. Next time maybe I 'll get Josh a leash and a muzzle so we can do fun things like that.
Christ's Church, where Benjamin Franklin was buried.
This is the blessed bench where we finally surrendered to the torment of the day. We waited here for about an hour for Matt to finish his meetings so we could head to the airport. At that point, I think I hated Philadelphia more than any city anywhere EVER! But I'm willing to give it another chance someday.
It was overall a much needed, extremely fun weekend! Love to all of you east coast people!
