We’ve been having a blast in Maryland! I would say that everyone has been treating us like visiting royalty, except that isn’t true—they’ve been treating us like old friends and that’s even better. We’ve only been here for three and a half days and we’ve already packed in so much fun and I’ve taken so many pictures it’s insane. And we still have five and a half more days to go!

The day we flew here, we drove into town and went straight to the pizza place where we met a bunch of friends for dinner. Kara and Annalie picked up right where they left off, sharing toys and making up a game while we waited for food to arrive.

The next morning, we got up bright and early (despite Bekah’s concern that the three-hour time difference between here and California might render me unconscious till noon) and drove up to paint some pottery.

The kids had fun with their various statues and tiles. I found a plate in the clearance section and managed to create some dottery in between helping the kids. And the best part is, since we painted on our first day here, the pottery will be fired and ready to pick up when we’re driving past on our way to the airport next Tuesday.

We went for the traditional after-painting lunch at a local Mexican restaurant. It was delicious, especially the chips and salsa.

Outside the restaurant after lunch the kids were running up and down a grassy strip, working off some of the energy they’d managed to (mostly) contain while painting and eating. Miraculously I managed to get them all to sit down for a few quick group shots. Well, sort of sit down. They were goofing around and wiggly while I was snapping away with my camera. I don’t mind though. I think spontaneous photos like this are more fun to look at later anyway.

For some reason Jack didn’t want to sit with the group. He wanted to stand over by the corner. Whatever dude. I was sneaky and managed to get him in a few shots.

The weather was sunny and gorgeous. How could we pass by Annmarie Garden without stopping? Especially since that was one of the places Annalie really, really wanted to go while we are here. I am so glad we stopped, as it’s been cold and snowy since then. But look how beautiful it was that day!

The sky was blue and the light was golden and the day was warm enough to leave jackets in the car. I don’t know what would have made it more perfect. Free cookies, maybe?

Nah, it was pretty darn near perfect, even without the cookies. But that wasn’t the end of the day’s fun. That evening we met Bekah and her oldest daughter Cassie for a little shopping and dinner. Cassie is one of the big kids, in school all day long, so she won’t have as many chances to see us this week.

Cassie is three years older than Annalie but they have always had a great time playing together. She’s a sweet kid and I was glad we had the chance to spend a little time with her without a big group to compete for our attention. It’s hard to believe that when I met Cassie, she was the same age Annalie is now!

Whew. It was a busy first day. Yes, that was only ONE day! The fun hasn’t stopped but I have yet to upload more photos from days two and three. I need to get to bed now so I’m well-rested for more fun tomorrow. If you want more photos you can find them in the photoset Playgroup Reunion on Flickr.