AAAaaahhhh... we're back! Now THAT was my kind of vacation.
Saturday - got on a plane, sans children. Survived the turbulent flight and terrifying landing, thankfully. Can now say that yes, those barf bags DO come in handy! Drove to Frederick. Had dinner at Dutch's Daughter, and it was every bit as good as memory served. Cream of crab soup? Still, to die for. Went to a movie, without worrying how late we'd be out or how much we'd have to pay a babysitter. Almost froze my tail off in the cold weather I wasn't dressed for. Good thing our rental car had warmers in the seats... niiiiice...
Sunday - slept in. Finished paperback novel #1. Had great conversation with Laurie. (Still want to be her when I grow up.) Had time to shower, wash, blow dry and straighten hair without interruption. What a concept! Got to church on time, for once. Listened to great talks. Felt the spirit. Was able to hug and catch up with Annette, Lynette, Joanna, Linda, Lori, Lauri, Kelly, and others. The church really IS more true in Mount Airy, by the way. Laughed and had dinner with the Lawrences - SUCH a great family. Spent the night at A & N Longs, after beating them to a pulp in Cranium.
Monday - spent the day shopping with Amanda, while Nick went to hang out with an old Bechtel friend. Lunch at Panera - yum! Drove to Baltimore, checked in at the Marriott Waterfront - nice! Took a nap while Nick yucked it up at his convention dinner. Finished book #2.
Tuesday - slept in. Worked out. Was able to do hair again without interruption. Got in the car and ventured over to East Point Mall, glad I was there in daylight hours. Checked out Sarah Jessica Parker's clothing line I'd heard about, Bitten. Wow! Pretty cool, and SO inexpensive. Went back to the hotel. Took a nap. Drove to Mt. Airy. Quick 15 minute stop at Lucy's (kid's resale shop) resulted in $75 worth of new clothes for my kids. How I miss that place! Went to Enrichment. Great food and great conversation with some of the best people on the planet. There is not a finer, warmer group of ladies anywhere.
Wednesday - slept in. Worked out. Finished book #3. Waited for Nick to finish with convention, then ate at the inner harbor Cheesecake Factory. Stayed at A & N's house, where I did laundry (I HATE not doing laundry while on vacation!)
Thursday - Drove down to DC, attended temple session. Took a nap and finished book #4 on very calm plane ride home. Picked up my sweet little boy and slept in my own bed.
Friday - Saturday - Drove down to Safford to get the girls, ate at Casa, hung out with family, took the girls to the "Horton" movie (So cute! Impressive as a non-Disney!) Finished paperback #5. Chatted it up with yet another nephew who is planning to tie the knot soon. I'm gettin' old.
Sunday - Home at last. Whew.
He tried to impress Seneca with his hat-stealing and standing-up abilities,
but she couldn't have cared less. Apparently she's not into boys yet.
They all just wanted to be on the swings.
Drool and all.
Finn's practicing to be the next American idol here...
It was fun to watch the kids miss the grass- and rock-colored eggs. Note the one RIGHT behind Allison's head. My favorite, though, was watching Landon open up the egg right there on the grass, eat the candy, then leave the empty egg there. Too funny.
Poppy had a blast with the kids on the trampoline - and by himself on the trampoline too. (See Carter blog for more pics!)
The Easter Bunny came to our party too - but it was wierd, he must have fallen in a vat of blue egg dye first! 
Allison figured out who it REALLY was, and pointed Colman out to everyone right away.
Later, after we were all stuffed to the hilt with crepes, omelettes and chocolate, the girls put on a little show for us,
including the "Shoe Song", magic tricks and a few other things they had concocted.
Look, Allison can do the "I'm trying not to smile" thing like her Dad.
Sheesh! 
