60th Birthday & Christening - Maryland Family Reunion

Our last trip of September was such a treat.
We had a wonderful family reunion on the Eastern shore of Maryland near St. Michael's. Gogo treated us to an incredible home on the water, fun activities, delicious cooking, and very special time together. In addition, we had two memorable celebrations. We celebrated Baba's 60th birthday!!! And, we participated in Annabelle's very special christening. Plus, we were able to spend a few days with our dear Auntie Dawn.

We drove down on Friday morning. The boys wasted no time in getting straight to the pool upon arrival. Lekka proved himself as a great jumping coach and catcher!

There was plenty of time to relax with baby - especially on the porch.





We had a wonderful 1st lunch, followed by a surprise for Fobo. She has been heartbroken not to arrive at Carter Mountain in C-ville in time to get the apple cider donuts during the week prior. So, we swung by Terhune on the way to Maryland and picked up a couple bags for. The look on her face when we presented a platter of apple cider donuts for dessert was priceless! You would have thought she had just seen Santa!

The first evening, we were treated to a crab feast. Both the boys had fun with it. Beau especially loved hammering away at the crabs. And, Lekka was in crab heaven!

The next morning was Annabelle's christening. It was crystal clear morning. A deacon from their parish drove out to perform the service, which was held on the dock. Annabelle was a little pumpkin, and we were so happy for Louise and Tom. Mike and I are honored to be the godparents, so it was a special ceremony for us too.

After an incredible brunch, we switched celebration gears quickly and began preparing for the 60th birthday party. Gogo was again totally amazing. We had an amazing roast, courtesy of the Brits - Fobo and Lekka. It was a Beatles themed party with lots of song games and trivia to honor this Beatles lover. Baba and Tom put us all to shame with how much they knew!

Lewis giving Baba a "sage"...massage!

We even had a pinata! 

Uh-mazing cake by Gogo!

The boys helped to perform a couple skits using their British bobby and beef-eater puppets. They were very cute! Fo and I also did a performance of types relating all sorts of stories, antics, jokes, and endearing traits of our Papa. 

Lewis and Beau drew some special pictures for Baba. 

The next morning, Fo and Lekka flew off and Auntie Dawn flew in. After a boat ride in the morning, we spent the day exploring the town of St. Michael's, jogging, climbing trees, and kayaking. Daddy headed off in the evening after having a bit of time to catch up with Auntie Dawn. 

The next day we explored the quaint town of Oxford. We took a little ferry to get across to the town, which was a big hit. The water was sparkling and it was a really fun outing.

We closed out our last day with fresh salsa (made by all of us with farm ingredients as we sat around the pool!) and smores.

I love this little series of Tommy encouraging Beau throwing rocks into the water. I think Tommy needs to coach Annabelle in softball. He's a natural! Just look at that face - total care and support and love! Tommy is a very loved uncle, and the boys LOVED their time playing with him. (And, a very tired mom really appreciate it!)

Baba got a few last snuggles in with his granddaughter before leaving with us.

And, we had one last lunch together on the porch before heading for home, Baba with us. It was so wonderful to see everyone. So lovely to be with Auntie Dawn! And, a HUGE thank you to Gogo for organizing everything and for working like an army the whole time to ensure a wonderful and delicious time.