St. Patty's Day in Baltimore

Baltimore was every bit of perfect! The weather was amazing, the food was delicious and to top it off it was St. Patty's Day. We couldn't have asked for a better day! We started our day off in the harbor with an Irish lunch and drinks on the balcony over looking the beautiful harbor. From there we cabbed it to Fort Mc Henry where we spent the afternoon learning about Francis Scott Key and the battle. Before touring the grounds we watched a video on the battle and how Key came to write the poem that later became the Star Spangled Banner. As the video was coming to an end, they began playing our National Anthem and raised the screen to the gorgeous view of Fort Mc Henry. It was chilling and it gave me goose bumps. It was a bittersweet day knowing that our vacation was almost over and we were going to have leave Aunt Debbie to head back to Texas in less than twelve hours. Mike joined us for a spectacular meal in little Italy. It was YUM-OH! True Italian food at it's finest!

Fort Mc Henry is a national landmark that everyone has to see. I can't even put into words how great it was to learn about this part of history. I'm so glad the boys were able to learn so much and have fun at the same time. Their minds were definitely in over drive and they had so many questions that we loved to answer. Fort Mc Henry just happened to be temporarily housing the original manuscript of The Star Spangled Banner. I wish we could have taken pictures, but it wasn't allowed.
The Fort is still standing and each room is a museum that tells you exactly how the soldiers lived during this time. Fort Mc Henry wasn't just a site of one of the biggest battles in our nations history, but it was also a prison and hospital over several different wars, including the Civil War. The boys ran the compound taking in all the knowledge. They even had a scavenger hunt of questions that they had to fill out to get a badge. Bryce was chosen to load a real cannon and he had a blast.

The boys always have a great time with Brian and Brian was acting like a boy himself! I think he had just as much fun as they did. Of course A had fun too!

Lunch with a leprechaun! A wasn't quite sure of him, but she wasn't scared either.

The Baltimore Harbor is beautiful and full of shops and restaurants. I would love to go back to the beautiful city to see more.

I am so glad that we were able to go on this vacation with the boys and my Paw Paw. He lives for history and landmarks. Many of my earliest memories with Paw Paw include visiting historical landmarks and dinasour tracks. He had a great time and I'm so thankful that I was able to go on this trip with him.

Meeting Washington and Jefferson

Wednesday we traveled to Virgina to explore Mount Vernon, George Washington's home. It was full of history and so very beautiful. Everyone had a great time and learned a lot! My friend Joy also made the trip with her husband and kids so we could hang out for the day. It was great to see her, especially on her side of the U.S. I miss her terribly and I treasure even the little bit of time I get to spend with her.

Alexis waiting every so patiently to enjoy her first bus ride through Arlington Cementary.

Joy and her beautiful family.

The view at Mount Vernon and the boys in front of the Pentagon.Alexis with her Mimi and Paw Paw just before meeting Thomas Jefferson.

I love this picture! The boys were silently and patiently waiting for the Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They were so excited to see this and very respectful during the ceremony. Unfortunately A was full of words and her and Mommy had to watch it from a far. But, I have seen it before and I really wanted Daddy to see it.

Alexis in front of Thomas Jefferson.

Our family at Mount Vernon and Alrington Cementary. A was so happy to be on the bus and NOT in her car seat. She really loved riding the bus and looking out the windows.

Man vs. Food...Cheeburger Cheeburger

Tonight was filled with challenges, bets, jokes and one REAL winner! Brian, Brody and Bryce participated in the Cheeburger Cheeburger challenge for dinner. Brian took down a full pound burger and Brody and Bryce, well, let's just say they "beat" the burger. We will leave it at that. So what if part of someone's fell on the floor and he wasn't allowed to eat it and so what if someone's Pe Paw snatched the burger so he wouldn't vomit. We won't name names, but it was well worth the comedy that we had at dinner. There aren't many meals funnier than when the Ford Family gets together, little did I know that all you had to do was throw in a food challenge and we'd all be rolling!

Notice the shirt. We always represent.

Completion

Doesn't a chipmunk keep its food in his cheeks?

As done as this little boy gets!

He chose Betty, not me!

His idea again!

Notice how his hat is at the beginning of the burger.

Does it still count if half the burger is on his face?

Trying to convince himself that he can actually do it!

Rally Cap time...And more ketchup, because that ALWAYS helps.

His "winning" pose

The first ones done.

Yes, A was still there; tired but there.

Mimi and Alexis

We spent the day enjoying downtown Annapolis. It was beautiful. We had lunch on the water, walked the Naval Academy and finished it off at an old fashioned ice cream/fudge shop. A nice relaxing day before we head back DC tomorrow.

Her sweet new hat

Touring the Naval Academy

All tuckered out and still cute!

First Day in DC

Once again, Alexis just amazed us on our trip to DC! She isn’t on a very strict schedule anyways, but I was worried about being out all day long. I guess having a lax schedule helped us in the long run. My aunt lives in Annapolis, so she took a nap on our way into DC and she was ready to see the city. She enjoyed hanging out in the Baby Bjourn and took a few quick naps in her new stroller. We didn’t have too much trouble with her sleeping in a new place either. I did watch her this morning on the monitor as she was waking up. She was quite funny; she looked all around her as if she was trying to figure out where she was, but just like any morning, she was one happy baby when I got her out of bed.

Our first stop was the Ford Theater. This was my second favorite site that day, the first being the original Star Spangled Banner. The size of Our Country’s first flag is amazing! To think that it survived flying over Fort Mc Henry in the Baltimore Harbor during the Revolutionary war and it is still in one piece had me standing in awe. The flag has moved locations several different times over the years to help preserve its beauty. It is now in a dark room with very dim lighting. You are no longer allowed to take pictures of it, but to see it in person is truly breath taking.

We then made it to the American and Natural History Museums at the Smithsonian. From there we walked to the Lincoln Memorial for a few shots before jumping into the cab to head to the White House. I will let those pictures speak for themselves! All I can say, is only the Mannions!

Yes, that is Alexis crawling away from the White House! For all you germ a phobes, Don’t judge!! I didn’t intend for her to crawl, I just wanted her to sit, but she has a mind of her own. And you have to admit that it made for a really cute picture!

Yes, that is real!

My First Road Trip

Daddy was overly worried, to say the least, that we were about to spend 28 hours of pure torture in the car with a 9 month old. He talked to all his friends, who of course told him we, mainly me, were crazy for going on this road trip. He had to promise himself that he was going to stop complaining and just go with it. He totally underestimated Alexis and how awesome she really is. I’ve said it before, but God has truly blessed us with one beautiful happy baby. Of course, we weren’t completely without a meltdown or two, but they were all controlled with a bottle or a quick serving of food. She had a fairly good time and took a few naps on the VERY LONG drive to Annapolis. Daddy was also subjected to his first Ford Family road trip which isn’t complete until we stop at a Cracker Barrel or two!! I hope Daddy gained a little patience from this trip.

All she needed was her puppy dog to stay happy

Brody riding shotgun while I fed Alexis in the back

Uncle Larry and Alexis at 6 a.m. Friday before we left.