Monday, September 7, 2026

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Benny's parents used to love going to the Montgomery County Fair back when they lived in Virginia. We found out they were flying out for it this year and decided to go join them. So the weekend before Bonnie started school we drove up to Maryland.

Our first day was spent at the National Zoo. We speculated on if this is where Riser's monkey 'Mimi' originated from. 

We found a really pretty area with lots of restaurants and a big playground on the water so we decided to go there for dinner.

The next morning we were all excited to go to the fair. 

We saw lots and lots of farm animals.

There were lots of farm equipment to play on.

Bonnie sporting her new hat.


Then we went to check out some games and rides.

We went back to the hotel for the afternoon to get some rest before going back in the evening. We found a park nearby for the kids.



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When we came back in the afternoon we hit one more ride then it was straight to the Demo Derby!

The Demo Derby was so fun to watch and the kids loved it.

At the end the trucks were all towing boats or large items, it was very entertaining.  

It was a great night!

The next morning we had breakfast together at the hotel and then it was time to head home. It was a great last weekend to close out the summer break!

Friday, September 4, 2026

August extras

August was a slower month in terms of summer activities which was very nice. We had a lot more flexibility in our schedule with swim practices and vacations behind us. 

Bonnie got a picture cookbook for kids from the library and made muffins.  

On one particularly slow day the kids and I went to see Moana. 

We've spent some time at Jamestown Beach.

Bonnie lost one of her front teeth there!

I went to Busch with some friends. 

Bonnie enjoyed coming to the grocery store and picking out a new fruit each week to try. 

We got to celebrate Katie's 40th with her!

My boss had a lobster boil at his house one day.

We got some more Water Country time in.

I got to help with a sweet friend's baby shower.

I went to a birthday dinner for a friend. Everyone surprised her by wearing fake bangs (because she has bangs). 

I have so many photos of the crazy outfits Bonnie comes up with for her and Riser. A lot of them happen to be shirtless.

The kids wanted to do a bubble bath in our tub and turn on the jets. It got a little out of hand. 

Riser and I have enjoyed a little quality time together since Bonnie started back up at school.

Dave took the kids to get new shoes - so sweet! 

Bonnie had been making elaborate magnatile doll houses. 

And we've continued to try and enjoy the last bits of summer before the weather changes!