Lily is going to college!?@

One evening last week...

Lily to Mom:  Mom, I'm going to college
Mom to Lily:  stunned... no response...
Lily to Mom:  Mom, I will miss you
Mom to Lily:  Lily you don't go to college until you are 18 and right now you are only three

Several days later...

Lily to Mom:  Mom, I'm going to college... I'm going far away...
Mom to Lily:  OK, thats great
Lily to Mom:  I will call...

Sounds like one too many viewings of Blues Clues episode titled "Steve goes to college"

Blackberry Picking

Nothing makes summer like Blackberry picking.  Definitely a time when we miss the Northwest and all the free blackberries we used to get.  But the bonus of the blackberry farm = thornless blackberries.  Yes, they exist.  Not sure why they didn't have them when I was a kid (lots of scratched arms all for a mere $6 per day wage), but whose complaining.  I was just glad Lily got to enjoy it.  She was a little freaked out about how black it made her hands at first, but she got the hang of it fast!  Plus the farm had some awesome slides and toys to play on.  Definitely our go to farm from now on for pumpkins, berries, etc.

The Chesapeake Bay

While we did not hit the beach house this weekend (trying to get a few rentals to pay for the rest of the year we enjoy it) we decided to try and beat the hit and explore some more of the Chesapeake Bay that we haven't seen in the past.  We headed to Easton, MD and on to the cute town of St. Michaels and clear out the peninsula to Tighlman Island.  It was well over 100 degrees so I must say we really didn't beat the hit.  Although the exploring was a lot of fun.  We had some blue crab and even picked up a cupcake for Lily.  (her favorite).

A picture from a while ago

This picture was taken in Indianapolis when Lily was just over one.  She is enjoying time with her Grandma Norma & Grandpa Cliff.  She enjoyed Grandpa Cliff's glasses and kept taking them from him.  She was amazingly gentle with them for her age.  Looking forward to another visit from them hopefully this coming Thanksgiving.

Great weekend (not at the beach)

This weekend we decided to stay in D.C. and not go to the beach.  Yes, believe it as it is true.  We had a great time running a few errands on Saturday and then Sunday we took the metro (train) into downtown D.C. and hit the museums.  We went to the Conservatory which has a great children's garden that Lily loved.  Then we hit the Native American Museum and the Hirshorn (Contemporary Art).  The Hirshorn had a great art exhibit of light that was very interactive with kids and Lily actually enjoyed herself.  A wonderful way to beat the heat and take in some culture.

Another Dixon's Visit

We had a fantastic Fourth of July with Chad, Stefanie & Lauren.  Not only did we get to spend time at the beach house, but we got to head to New Jersey and hit "The Jersey Shore" complete with a paparazzi viewing of Snooki.  Next it was off to Atlantic City for a night of shopping and casino's.  And we even hit Cape May which is definitely a repeat.  While the weather was hot (yes 90-100+ everyday), we still had a great time.  And the added bonus... get ready... Lily is potty trained.  Aunt Steph is taking all the credit which is fine by me.  It took us many "cheetos" to get her convinced to go, but it finally worked and she is doing great.  Definitely a bonus to the holiday week.

Chris and Chad watching fireworks in our beach community

Stefanie & Lauren on the ferry to Cape May

Kim, Chris and Lily on the ferry

The Dixon's

Chris, Lily & Uncle Chad