Inner Harbor, Baltimore, Maryland July 2011

We moved to Baltimore, Maryland in July, 1998, and lived in the Bel Air area for 5 years before relocating to our next home in 2003.  Maryland is a gorgeous state--mountains on the western border and the Chesapeake Bay to the East.  One of my favorite places to visit while living in Maryland was the Inner Harbor--the Aquarium and Science Center were always popular stops when we had out-of-town guests.  We didn't have time to visit either of those two museums, only enough time to briefly enjoy the view. 

Trey, thanks for making the effort so we could enjoy one of my favorite spots!

Fort McHenry, Baltimore, MD

"Fort McHenry, in Baltimore, Maryland, is a star shaped fort best known for its role in the War of 1812 when it successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British navy in the Chesapeake Bay.  It was during this bombardment of the fort that Francis Scott Key was inspired to write "The Star-Spangled Banner", the poem that would eventually...become the national anthem of the United States".

--borrowed from Wikipedia

Fort McHenry was the first place permitted to fly the American Flag day and night per President Harry S. Truman

Trey and the boys on the outer walls of Fort McHenry with the Chesapeake Bay in the background

Amazed by the size and power of these cannons

Inside Fort McHenry

Upper perimeter of Fort McHenry



 

We lived in the Baltimore area for 5 years, but never visited Fort McHenry.  Now that the boys are older, they have a greater understanding and respect for this historic national monument.

Fort McHenry National Monument

Baltimore, Maryland

July 2011

Mohican Adventures

Trey decided very "last minute" to "vacation" the week of July 4th.  Our weekend was busy with July 4th activities including a trip to Cleveland to watch the Yankees.  We worked around the boys' sports schedules and decided (weather permitting) that Wednesday would be our day to enjoy the outdoors.

Getting ready to  collect our oars and life vests for our Mohican Adventure.

The boys and Mom decided to raft first while Dad took a spin in the kayak. 



Little did we know that we'd be the ones "spinning".  Thankfully we were able to master paddling after we turned a few circles and visited opposing banks a few times.  Trey just laughed while trying to provide "instruction".  And, as if trying to master paddling wasn't enough, Alexander accidentally dropped my disposable water camera.  Suprisingly, I didn't yell, but laughed uncontrollably as we watched the camera float away; I think I was in disbelief.  Needless to say, we paddled feverishly until I could strategically position myself, hanging over the edge of the raft, to successfully retrieve the run-away camera.  And, no, I didn't get wet!



Trey was the first to kayak and paddled like a pro! 
He paddled more than once upstream to encourage us in the right direction.

  

We successfully "banked" and Trey and Alexander swapped spots. 
Alexander kayaked well, but his paddle strokes were major splashes--thank heavens for a warm day!



Noah decided that he'd be the next one in the kayak.  He did great in the kayak until he ended up circling, narrowly missing a tree and banking before it was time.  At least our adventure allowed for many laughs!



Oh my gosh--I've found my next sport.  Kayaking is so peaceful, calm and relaxing--what a great experience!



We thoroughly enjoyed our family time at Mohican Adventures! 

Take Me Out to the Ball Game...

Opening an early birthday present--July 4, 2011

Ready to begin our journey North to Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio

Papa and Alexander excited to watch the Yankees--Jeter returns tonight too!

We were definitely part of the minority cheering in the stands.  Go Yankees!!

This flag was unfolded prior to the singing of our National Anthem--truly an amazing sight!

Noah & Mom
Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
July 4, 2011

Grammy & Noah

Trey & Wendy

Trey and our two die-hard Yankee fans



Concentrating on the game

 

The day was warm, but the night was picture perfect!  By some random luck, we purchased tickets on the shaded side of the stadium.  The sky was absolutely chrystal clear--the perfect day for a game in Cleveland, Ohio.

 

July 4th Weekend

Alexander and Noah
Indian Lake, Ohio
July 2, 2011

 

The boys with Papa and Grammy
Indian Lake, Ohio
July 2, 2011




The boys playing a game of catch while waiting for the fireworks and a frozen lemonade treat



Dee and I found an amazing parking place, right on the Lake.   Trey, his Dad and the boys arrived later and we backed my car allowing space for both vehicles.  It doesn't sound exciting, but if you could have seen the limited number of spaces combined with cars lining the main road, you'd know it was a wise plan! 

People watching while watching the boys play catch.

Grammy decided to play catch too



There were hundreds of boats on the lake during the fireworks display; their lights dancing on the lake as the sky lit up above with fireworks.





The Memorial Wall
Lima, Ohio
July 3, 2011



God Bless the USA! 

Happy July 4th weekend everyone!