And Away We Go...

Last Saturday, we set off to visit my brother Jerry and his family. They live in Maryland, about a half hour from DC and an hour from the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. We thought we would capitalize on such great real estate and visit the sights. What fun we had! Our children would have been thrilled just to be with their cousins - the places we went, were simply the gravy!


Our first day, we went to the Natural History Museum. Maeve was awed by the Hope Diamond and gem collection, Myles was delighted by the dinosaurs. After lunch, we headed for the Air and Space Museum. Planes, rockets, and a simulator - joy was abounding! A stop in a secret garden with monuments in sight topped it off.



Day two, a drive to the National Zoo. The home of the pandas - "Impossible!" reported Myles, "They live in the hills of China." How do they know this stuff, anyway there were a family of pandas and we were able to see them snooze. Home for some late afternoon lunch and swimming. All six children finally asleep, and it's movie night for the adults. We laughed, sitting around in some form of PJ's, how great to indulge in an adult slumber party!

Our last morning, lingering over coffee and some home cooked-greatness my sister-in-law served up, and it was off to the Aquarium in Baltimore. Stingrays, sharks, cow fish and more. Eamon was given special treatment, we could keep the stroller and use the elevator. Oh, the perks! Truly a good time was had by all. I am so thankful for family whose presence is the reward. #102 on my gift list!

And, back to NJ. Eamon did so well. Driving four hours was a concern O2 wise. But, we have arranged his seat in such a way to allow great respiration while testing the limits of car seat safety. It's a balancing act. He was adored by the five other children - lots of kisses, hugs, chatting, toy demonstrations, and whatever else they could muster up. Eamon was just soaking it all up and performing on command.

(That's Eamon, behind the crowd!)

Wednesday we rested, and played a little mini golf, a first for the Barclay children. Eamon did not love this activity - too hot! To bed early for the grand finale on Thursday!

Great Adventure! The safari was amazing. Lions and tigers and bears, oh, my - and, mostly not in cages. Maeve screamed for most of the hour we drove. Highlights: an elephant atop a rock scratching his "tush"; baby giraffes, zebras and ostrich; the lion king playing with his harem; kangas running/jumping; bear family at work and play, white tigers, and baboons doing what they do.

And then, rides and rides, interspersed with a Wiggles' show, Dolphin show, Tiger show, and then more rides! Oh, the fun. Maeve and Myles went on a real roller coaster, which meant I went on twice - David was all "rided out"! As a special note and nod to my brave husband, David, who went on his first roller coaster ride, ever! Albeit, a Looney Tune one. He claims it was exhilarating, and to have seen his face - just pure joy mixed with anxiety - priceless!

What a great week. Maeve and Myles are still reeling. Thank you Jerry, Erica, Brigit, Claire, and Madeline for your hospitality! We now have a two week break before our trip to South Carolina. We are praying that Eamon will be ready for such a long drive!