Our Trip to Maryland for Gary and Michele's Wedding Part I

It was a whirlwind four days but we had an incredible trip to Maryland. And I decided that nothing is cuter than a two year old in a suit, but we'll get to that later. The flight up was good. We left around one o'clock and Daniel managed to sleep most of the flight. This was the first time we flew without bringing a stroller and it was so much easier. The kids were great! Once we arrived, we got our rental car and headed to my aunt and uncles house in Damascus. We were lucky enough to be able to stay with them because my aunt is an amazing hostess and chef who managed to keep, not only us, but my sister and Michael incredibly well fed and comfortable. You may remember we visited her in July and I described what an amazing house she has I was also very excited to see my sister and Michael and be able to spend some quality time with them.

Of course, the first thing the Allison wanted to do when we got there was go outside and play in the snow. Daniel, on the other hand, had no interest in it whatsoever. He's definitely my Florida boy!

Here's Allison throwing her first snowball as Uncle Michael looks on:
And here she is feeling empowered by the snow:
And what would playing in the snow be without building a snowman! Here's the Frosty created by Allison, Jeff and Uncle Michael:

On Saturday, my aunt took us to a local Vineyard for a wine tasting. Jeff's dad and Jane as well as Jane's sister Julie drove all the way from Bethany Beach Delaware to join us and spend some time with the kids. Here we are enjoying the crab cakes and other delicious food my aunt had prepared and brought with us to help soak up all the delicious wine we tasted:

Allison and Aunt Bonnie:

Jeff and his dad:

Daniel teaching Papoo how to use an Ipod Touch:

My cousin Wayland ready for a nap after knocking back a few:

Daniel after too much to drink:

Just kidding! But something made my grumpyhead smile:

After the Vineyard, we headed back to my aunt and uncles to spend some quality time together.

Daniel and Grandma Jane:

Daniel having fun with Papoo:

Then the kids enjoyed playing with my cousin's son, Tyler:

Daniel also enjoyed playing with Allison's new barbie:

Saturday night we had quite a feast! Joined by great company - my parents, Bonnie and Michael, my cousin Wayland and his fiance Jessica (they're getting married in July), my cousin Mitchell and his wife Amy and son Tyler, and of course the host and hostess, Uncle AJ and Aunt Anita. My aunt served us an asian themed meal which included potstickers, tempora shrimp, fried rice, string beans and a PuPu platter consisting of chicken drumettes, miso steak skewers, oriental baby ribs and sesame beef short ribs. It was incredible! Here's a picture of the Pu Pu platter, which doesn't nearly do it justice!

My favorite sister and brother-in-law!!!

All this fun and we haven't even gotten to the wedding yet! Stay tuned for part II - the wedding and Daniel in is his adorable suit - oh, and Allison in her pretty dress too!