Hammerman Beach

On Monday we decided to check out Hammerman Beach at Gunpowder State Park.  I've heard good things about this place, but wanted to save my first visit for a day when Kevin could join us (just in case).

Well, to say I'm glad he was with us would be an understatement.

It was actually a HORRIBLE day to visit this beach.  I didn't realize how close it was to Eastern Ave (a semi sketchy area in Baltimore), and it seemed that the entire city of Baltimore had decided to celebrate the 4th at Hammerman Beach as well.

I spent the entire hour we were there guarding our bag while Kevin stayed by Kerriann's side at the edge of the water.  She had a good time playing in the sand, but by the end of the hour we were over it.

We decided that heading back to the Bulle Rock pool would be a much nicer way to spend our day.  In the end, we just ended up taking it easy at home for the rest of the afternoon which was fine by me!

4th of July Festivities

We spent our long weekend relaxing and enjoying being back together as a family after a two week separation.  It was so great to have Kevin back at home with us.

We had a festive dinner with Julie, Larry and Meggie.  On the menu was this patriotic taco dip, my famous "salsa chicken," Julie's pasta salad, fresh corn on the cob, a red white and blue cool whip and jello desert, and these sparkler drinks.

Kerriann had a great time reading and playing with Julie and Meggie.

After dinner we attended a desert and firework watch party at the Bulle Rock Resident's Club.  The fireworks over the bay were actually really far away so it was hard to see them, and it rained, but we still made the best of it!  They were handing out glow sticks and balloons to keep us occupied while we waited for the postponed fireworks.  Kerriann did decent staying up until 10pm (and slept until 8am the next day!!!!).

We also checked out a new park in Perryville as we were searching for possible birthday party locations.

Kerriann loved riding this "motorcycle."

We had a great 4th of July weekend and I am so happy and thankful that Kevin was able to be home to celebrate it with us.  Throughout the weekend I couldn't help but think of those who were separated from their families and the sacrifices that they make to keep the rest of us FREE and SAFE.  I know I used to take my freedoms for granted, though now that I am an Army Wife, I really appreciate and value what so many give up for us.  Thank you to all those who have or are serving and for the families who support them!  

I know I'm a day late, but Happy Independence Day!

Reuniting with Daddy

On Friday we were finally reunited with Kevin after his two week trip to Alabama ended.  We started the trip from Gassaway to Havre de Grace early Friday morning and picked Kevin up at BWI on our way.  We arrived in HdG early in the afternoon so we decided to hit the pool for a couple of hours.

Kerriann didn't want to cooperate for pictures as usual, but despite it looking like she's unhappy, we all had a GREAT time!  It was the perfect way to kick off our 4th of July weekend.

Playdates with Courtney and Logan

While we were home we were lucky enough to get together with my friend Courtney and her son Logan twice!

Our first play date took place at the Gassaway park.  This spot definitely brought back a lot of memories for me, because it was the park I played on in elementary school.  Of course the park has been completely redone and updated since then, but it still was kind of weird to be back there with Kerriann and Logan!

Kerriann even wore her new Elmo shirt for Logan, since he is a big Elmo fan too!

They were so funny together and even hugged goodbye when we were done playing.

For our second play date we met up at the beach area of Sutton Lake, Bee Run.

The kids loved playing in the sand and water, and we even ran into a couple of old friends which was nice!

It was funny being back at Bee Run because Courtney and I used to spend a lot of time laying out there in our high school days.  I also used to go to Bee Run with my family when I was younger.  We had a great time and I can't wait to get together with Courtney and Logan again when they move closer to DC this month!

Kittens!

While we were home we were able to meet the newest additions to the Lohr family! 

For the past few months, a stray cat has been visiting my dad at the farm.  At first I know he didn't want to take this cat on, but over time she grew on him so he started feeding her and nursing her back to health.  She was extremely skinny and in bad condition, but he could tell that she was previously someone's pet.  

My dad had no clue that she was pregnant when he took her on, until he heard kittens meowing in his barn one day!

So imagine his surprise when last Monday she brought down EIGHT kittens from the barn loft!

These kittens are so cute and playful and just want to be around people!  There are four white, three black, and one gray/black/white combo.

It was impossible to get all of the kittens in a picture together, but here's the best I could do!

So if you or anyone you know could possibly take on one of these beautiful kittens, please let me know! They are around 4-5 weeks old right now.  They are all so sweet, but there is no way that my dad can keep all 9 cats!  

Home Again, Home Again

Last Monday we set out for Gassaway!  We decided that we would drive my mom home and then stay there for the last few days of Kevin's trip to Alabama.  Kerriann was excited to spend some time with her Grandma and Pap-Pap, and to meet her Great-Aunt Maureen (my mom's sister) for the first time.  She was also excited to play with her special toys that we keep there, such as this cute little kitty beanie baby.

PS Thanks to Kerriann's Aunt Alaina for this super cute dress! :)

Tidewater Grill and Tydings Park

On my mom's last day in town, we spent some time exploring Havre de Grace and all it has to offer!

First, we hit the pool...

I am happy to report that after a successful trip to the beach, Kerriann is a changed girl and is finally a fan of the swimming pool!  In fact since this day, she has been begging to go back!

After we had worked up an appetite, we went home to get changed and then headed out for a late lunch at the Tidewater Grill in Havre de Grace.  This is our favorite restaurant in town with a beautiful view of the bay so I had to take my mom there.  Our meals were delicious and when we were finished we decided to attempt to take some pictures in front of the water.

As usual, Kerriann did not feel like posing for photos, but we made it work haha.  As we were standing at the edge of the water, we were admiring the amazing location of these town homes.  Who else is jealous?!

Then we were off to our next sightseeing and final destination, the Concord Point Lighthouse at Tyding's Park.

We didn't spend much time there, but it is definitely a must see when you are in town!  Kerriann was being especially entertaining while we were taking photos of the lighthouse and kept saying "UH OH!"

It was so nice having my mom in town for almost a week!  I am already looking forward to her next visit!

Visit with Frances

On Saturday of my mom's visit we met up with another one of her sorority sister's, Frances, and her family at their home in the Baltimore area.  It was really neat for me to meet Frances and her daughters because when I was little I would always ask my mom who they were when we would receive their Christmas card every year.  We took a picture of all of us girls together before we left since we were finally able to meet after all this time!

I am really looking forward to the next time we can all get together.  It's so fun to hear all of their stories from college and the years after while they were in Florida.

Baltimore Basilica

On Friday of my mom's visit, we visited the Baltimore Basilica.  I have been wanting to check it out for awhile now and I knew my mom would be interested in visiting it as well so this was the perfect opportunity!

We made it to the Basilica just in time to participate in a guided tour.

The tour guide was sort of hard to understand, but it was really neat to be able to go up on the alter...

and down below to the crypt and chapel (I actually couldn't go up on the alter because of the stroller, but my mom really enjoyed it!).

I wasn't able to learn as much as I had hoped about the nation's first cathedral from the tour, but one day I'm planning to do some research and figure out what we missed!