Rose Hill Manor

This afternoon we took a field trip out to Frederick, Maryland to visit Rose Hill Manor. The historic house was the home of the first elected Governor of Maryland, and has been made into a nice museum. The kids enjoyed the hands-on aspects, and the carriage museum (no photos allowed, sorry!) was a nice addition to the normal historic home tour. Even though it was misty and grey, we had a nice time.
After the tour we headed over to the used bookstore Wonderbook, one reason Jim agreed to come along with us on this trip! We all found a few things to buy, but still made it out without filling more than one bag. Maybe we have learned some discretion?
For dinner we ate at a local favorite, Barbara Fritchie Fine Foods, a diner easily recognized by the giant candy cane out front. While the decor inside seemed hard pressed to make up its mind whether it was a 50's diner or and 80's restaurant, the food was good. We all came away overly-full.
The kids agreed that today was a very good day!
See photos here.

Upcoming Reformation Day

Next week we will be gathering with other families from our church to celebrate Reformation Day. Period-appropriate costumes are encouraged. Last year the kids felt left out because I did not buy them the cheap-o knight/princess costumes from the store. I promised them that I would make some for this year. Thankfully the patterns were fairly easy, or I would have never gotten them done! (Oh, and Jamie will not be wearing jeans with his tunic!)


All this, and just in time to see that the Anglicans are welcomed back into the Catholic church. It's almost like the Reformation never happened...

Backyard Baseball

With Jim finding a source for Ragballs online, and with me finding an aluminum tee-ball bat at the thrift store, we have been spending a few minutes outside on good nights, pitching a few balls (and hitting fewer!). The kids have enjoyed taking a turn at bat, and sometimes even made fielding fun.
If you don't mind a blurry one-minute video, take a look at how it went down the other night.