Our Week in Baltimore - Day 1

When Colin first saw the Ravens schedule this year he had a spark in his eye. I know that look. We usually try to get back for 2 games (since we have season tickets) but some years that is easier than others. December is usually a really busy month for him at work so when he saw a Sunday night game followed up by at Thursday night game - I knew this was the most cost effective way to see 2 games, family and friends. Plus, the Orioles ended up doing well this year and they were at home too! A sports extravaganza. We left Birmingham bright and early on Saturday morning. The kids were confused why it was still dark out. We had 6 checked bags, 2 car seats, a stroller and 4 carry-on bags. We travel light! Luckily we fly Southwest and there was no additional charge for any of this (although a few of our bags were testing the weight limit at 48.5 lbs. If you don't know this (it is a secret that our friend Leslie shared) - if you are expecting you can pre-board. Obviously when I paid for Early-Bird Check-in I didn't know I was pregnant. It didn't matter that we were numbers 18, 19 and 20 (Cora in my lap) - I got to board first! This was important as Connor has been eyeing the front row of the plane. And, we got to sit there. He was confused as to why he had to wait for his bagel (in the overhead bin) - but once we were in the air and bagels were in hand - all was good. I like the front row with kids. Especially since they can't kick the person in front! We landed and after a small argument with the rental car company we were on our way - we rented an SUV but we barely fit all of our stuff in it - barely. First stop, Cousin Brandon's soccer game. We should have been there a few minutes early but I have been in la la land in Birmingham and forgot all about traffic. Traffic was horrendous. I navigated the back roads following my map on iPhone. We arrived and the kids were happy to run around (although I left Cora's shoes in the car). The kids were still in their pjs because I assumed we would have plenty of time to change. Wrong. Connor enjoyed watching Brandon's game and we met sleeping Cousin Lily for the first time.

Sweet Lily

Brandon and Connor - Connor looks mad. He is angry because I told him it was time to go. After soccer, we headed across the street (which took 10 minutes) to Atlanta Bread Company for lunch with Colin's mom, step-dad and brothers. I had a delicious avocado sandwich and cupcakes courtesy of Pat. Yum! After a nice visit we headed up the road a few miles to Grayson's first birthday party. We miss almost everyones birthday because we don't live in Baltimore anymore. So, it was fun that this party fit right into our busy Saturday. I didn't get a picture of the birthday boy but here is the cake.

A few hours later we got back in the car and went to Hagerstown for the night. We watched Auburn nearly edge out a win over LSU (nearly) and relaxed, finally. All to start again the next day.