Annapolis Maryland. I had never been there before. I was impressed with its looks. It was so different. The buildings were all so close together. The doors to peoples' house right there on the street! It reminded me somewhat of parts of Boston. We went to the Kunta Kinte exhibit that is located at the dock where they supposedly brought him in off the boat! When we were leaving, I looked back down the street and it reminded me of the film roots and the way it must have looked back then. I would describe it as a very picturesque place. I think we will visit there again before leaving. The thought didn't escape me that these are fleeting moments with our children. I am grateful to be here with them to enjoy these times. My children; while they can frustrate the heck out of me at times, they are truly a blessing. The day started out pretty wild as we went into the bank to do some banking. Mike wanted to stay in the car. OK I said. Just keep all the doors locked and don't come up front for any reason and we will be right back. Well, can you JUST GUESS what happened. About 6-7 minutes later, in walks Michael. "Hey you guys, I have to go to the bathroom."
"Do you have the keys?"
"No."
"Did you lock the car?"
When I think of how his face looked when asked this question, I can't help but laugh. We weren't laughing at that moment though. He was so frustrated with himself, he grabbed his own head in obvious agitation. Upon further investigation, the tailgate was open and we got in no problem.....phew!! And Michael got to go to the bathroom....pew!
just kidding.
Well then we hit the road for Annapolis. It took a couple of hours. When we got there, we stood at the side of the state house which was one of our destinations. Left or right? I chose right. We arrived at a big door which was locked. As we got there, a torrential downpour started. Michel and Katie were delighted cause they could now get completely soaked! ME? I had memories of my mother running through my head as I nastily said things like," Don't you dare get wet! Why did you do that? Now they won't let us in. We're gonna try and go in and they wont let YOU in!....'cause you're soaked." When did I get old? Regardless of my protestations, Michael and Katie were pretty much thoroughly soaked as we learned we were at a locked back entrance to the statehouse and could not go to the front because it was pouring out! As the rain let up we ran around to the "correct" side, and they even let Michael in as wet as he was. While there, I charged my cell phone in the MD state house foyer because my battery was low. This is the oldest state house still in operation in the country.....I did not know that. There were many interesting exhibits. I'm glad we went. I had fun. We had a wonderful dinner and then went to a souvenir shop or as my wife calls them, "the silva-neer shop. Sometimes we're suckers for these places. Be on the lookout... you may get one.
On the ride home we had many interesting discussions. One thing I can say about my children; they know how to have fun. We started talking about presidents and someone spoke of how Ronald Reagan won 43 states when he ran for president. As we sat in awe thinking of how anyone could win by such a large margin, Katie chimed in," That's pretty pathetic for the OTHER guy!" I personally had a hard time stopping my laughter. It was one of those times when tears start filling your eyes and you wish you could stop laughing because it hurts? It's funny, but that's what I'll remember about the trip to Annapolis most of all; the talks with the children in the car, and at dinner.
Well, we got home just in time to a dog with her legs crossed! She was so excited to see us but it was tempered by her intense need to relieve herself!
So, that was our trip to Annapolis. It was fun and educational. Most of our life is FULL of fun and education, woven together on this journey. We hope the children get a great education from the places we visit. So far it seems to be working.
who needs a desk?