The Wellings come to Baltimore

Claire, I know you're going to be mad jealous. Sorry.

But we had such a great time! The Wellings live in Phoenix and have been on a cross country trip for the past few weeks. They are currently visiting family south of DC, and I was a little nervous because they were driving over an hour to come see me. Not everyone loves Baltimore as much as I do.

But really, they are about the most perfect family on this planet, and are so easily entertained. When I have children, I'm pretty positive I'd like them to be JUST like the Wellings.

First, to get to Baltimore, they started by braving DC traffic (and it was during a holiday weekend rush...gross) so what should normally take about an hour, took 2.5.

But we started with some chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven (when I realized how long 7 children had been in the car, I knew there had to be something good for them IMMEDIATELY upon arriving). After a little cookie lovin', we played some Frisbee in the backyard park. From there, we moved down to Little Italy to play some Bocce. Rebekah likely has a future as a professional Bocce Player. She even drew a crowd from those passing by, and the guys who were there waiting for league play to begin were ready to recruit.

Watch out second grade, she will blow you away.

Megan and Kenneth then wanted to eat food that Baltimore was known for, which can mean only one thing: CRABS.

So we headed down to the harbor for a Crab feast. We took care of just about 50 crabs. The kids were AWESOME at breaking them open. (For those of you who have never done this...it's REALLY fun, but it's also something that isn't normally done for the food, it's often more of a social event. Kuddos to the kids for sticking with it.) They just bring out crabs, dump them on the table, and you use your mallet and knife to get the meat off the crabs. No silverware. No plates. Just lots of Old Bay.

Really, another great summer night. Thanks for coming to visit, guys! You are always so much fun!