Trains, Planes & Automobiles

A few weeks ago we flew to Baltimore to see my parents.  The kids were pros on the plane.  Garrett had the window seat on the trip up and gave us a "play-by-play" of EVERYTHING happening out the window.

Olivia was happy watching Wild Kratts on my ipod.

Even though we didn't land until after 8 and got to bed really late, the kids were up bright an early.  Nana had "goodie bags" waiting for them with everything from crafts to snacks for them to dig into.  First project - was shrinky dinks.

Next stop, the Lego store and some back-to-school shopping - as soon as we got home we put together their legos. 

Nana got a crash course in reading Lego instructions for this Cars 2 build with Olivia.

As soon as Grandpop arrived home from work, they were quickly outside to pick tomotoes and water all the plants around the outside of the house.

Our next adventures included swimming in the pool at the marina.  Olivia really showed off her swimming skills while Garrett kept Granpop busy playing "washing machine" in the water.  I think everyone was tired from this long swimming day !

Our trip to the marina wouldn't be complete without a ride on Grandpop's boat.   Here it is being put in the water.

Miss Jeanette joined us for the boat ride.

Garrett got his turn at driving the boat - for about 10 seconds until he actually pushed the throttle and we jerked forward - ok that's enough driving for him!

Nana and Olivia made 144 delicious cookies one night.  These are the BEST.  They are chocolate chip cookie dough with a mini Reece's cups in the center. Yuuuummmo!!

The kids also spent a lot of time in the basement playing pinball and popping popcorn.

The highlight of our trip was our Second Annual trip to Dutch Wonderland.  This is the BEST amusement park for kids 8 and under.  They can ride EVERYTHING.  It's shaded, has a waterpark and shows for the kids to enjoy. 

Here's Olivia being dubbed "Lady Olivia" by Princess Brooke at the princess storytime.

We delayed going to the waterpark until 6pm because the weather was overcast and 77, but once there the kids had a blast even if they were freezing!

This is a shot from the high dive show.  We were in the "Splash Zone" and got soaked.  Garrett especially liked this show with the high divers.

After our trip to Dutch Wonderland, we headed to visit more aunts, uncles and cousins in NJ.  This is Olivia picking some delicious Jersey tomatoes from cousin Billy's garden.

Garrett playing with J.J.

Grandpop and Olivia in cousin George & Kathy's pool.  Garrett was busy inside playing the Wii with cousin Lauren (he had a little crush on her).

The cousins watching Uncle Ken trying to lure a squirrel into his trap so he could "relocate" him to the park.

The squirrell FINALLY got caught!!

Olivia and cousin Emily had lots of girl time in the basement playing Polly Pockets.

Garrett was able to inherit a few costumes from cousin Kenny.  Here he is protecting the girls in his Power Ranger costume - look for this on halloween or anytime he's dressing up because we've been home for a day and he's already had this on twice!

Garrett and Kenny in their superhero pose.

More photos from our fun at Dutch Wonderland.  It was really cute to see them run to all the rides and want to ride together.  They laughed and smiled so much that day - we all did :)

Garrett and Uncle Bill and Aunt Kay looking at their coin collection.  Garrett was amazed by all the coins they have.

And I leave you with more Dutch Wonderland photos - mostly because my editing skills are minimal in Blogger and I couldn't get them to move where I wanted to - and because it was the HIGHTLIGHT of our two week vacation.

Two plane rides, a short train ride at Dutch Wonderland and car rides to cousins - pretty much sums up our wonderful 2 week vacation!!