Days 4 & 5

Day 4
We have learned that Avery does not sleep well on vacation. (Or at home, for that matter!) After an excessively pokey morning, we all set out for the Baltimore Aquarium. Getting 10 folks out the door is no easy feat!

Momma was really grossed out by the snakes at the first exhibit at the Aquarium, but quickly recovered to enjoy the rest of the beautiful animals. Daddy was fascinated by the goofy long necked turtles from Australia. Both parents agree that the highlight of the day was seeing Connor's and Avery's reactions to the dolphin show. Everyone is pretty sure that Avery was trying to get the dolphins to take him home with them. Connor narrated most of the day, with his best statements as follows: "Momma, it is too bad I forgot my fishing pole at home," and "Umm, where are my woggle goggles? I can't swim with the sharks without them!"

After leaving the Aquarium, our little foursome went to Point of Rocks to see Daddy's long lost cousin Dave, his wife Lisa and their new baby, Dylan. They fixed us a wonderful dinner, and some much appreciated sangria. They have a beautiful home!

If Connor was the blog writer, he would tell you that the highlight of his entire trip has been peeping into a Dasani water bottle in grid lock traffic, while still in the car!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 5
We mobilized a little quicker today, and set out for DC. Our objective was to do the National Zoo and the Museum of Natural History, but we oohed and ahhed over the fantastic zoo for too long to make it to Natural History. (Oh, well, gives us an excuse to come back soon!)

Connor's and Avery's aunts waited outside the bird habitat, and missed Avery's newest word. DUCK DUCK DUCK DUCK DUCK DUCK. I think he has perfected this word after the six thousand practice tries today.

The cheetahs were beautiful and prowling, which had everyone excited. There was a brief monsoon while we were at the giant panda habitat, gawking at the baby.

We meandered down to the elephant habitat, and learned that they are renovating the zoo, so that the elephants can walk around the entire zoo, under pedestrian walkways and such so that they can migrate more like in the wild. How amazing will that be? Avery was terrified of the elephants and pinched his Momma a whole big bunch to make sure she understood. They have a baby elephant that was just playing and playing!

Next was the primate section, which is Connor's favorite, surprise surprise! There was also a new baby here, so don't drink the water at the National Zoo. The baby gorilla was heartbreaking, and her momma was so protective and so proud.

We took the train back to Hagerstown, and had a low key evening. We attempted to go to a beer garden, but the boys told us otherwise, so we grabbed some Chick Fil A for a taste of home, and got them into bed at a reasonable time.