The Hair

After tucking the munchkins in bed Saturday night (8/21) Sherri and I headed out to Charlotte's house to prepare her hair for the big day. What an honor it was to partake in such an important role.
I quickly realized I needed a second set of hands if I was going to tackle this new way of doing hair. Charly's cousin Christina jumped in to lend a hand.

It began to seem as if Christina was getting in a bunch of paybacks.

You have to hook the hair in what looks like a crochet hook, then pull it through the curler. Somehow Christina got "hooked" up on this one.... owwwweeee

We were all getting a little loopy as the night went on - "There's just something about Charly"

Cue inside joke - you had to be there... and if you were closely paying attention to the photos - you would be in on the laugh.

All in all Charly was a pretty good sport with Christina and I pulling/tugging and jerking her head around.

Check out Christina's focus - this is serious business!

At this point Charly is beginning to wonder if she is going to survive with any hair left on her head.

At least we weren't feeling any pain (tee hee)

The price you pay for wanting to be gorgeous on your wedding day...

Finished - Charly looks as if she's ready to fall over!

I kept busting on her that she looked like Medusa - Charly's mom hides behind her. Here we are the next morning - She's almost ready to take a walk down the aisle.

Just gorgeous - and she got the bouncy bouncy hair she was after. Next post - the big day!

Baker Park

Joshua and I LOVED Baker Park when he was a kid. It's still just as gorgeous - and we loved sharing it with Ryan and the girls. Ryan and I had been back here a few years ago when we came up to see Charly before we were engaged. Josh and I used to crawfish in the creek behind us... good times. Look forward to teaching the girls when they get a little older.
Ryan is taking advantage of the hills. Something we don't see in Florida.

Reminds you of Christmas at the zoo when he rode into the tunnel there with the girls.

This hill isn't as steep as the one at Lowry Park Zoo here in FL. It's still a nice slope to cruise down with the girls. They don't seem to mind.

There is an ampitheater in the front of the park. The girls take over the stage looking out to their fans.

Josh would like Abby's photograph, she's not sure if she should take her shades off for the shoot.

Breakfast at Charly's Restaurant

Nothing like awesome eggs Mexican style! Zoey looks out the front door pointing at all those missing out.For those of you who don't know, Charlotte has a restaurant in Martinsburg WV called Habaneros. She just celebrated her second anniversary this past weekend. (Sept. 4) Abigail makes herself at home in a booster seat by the front door.Typically opened for lunch and dinner, she spoiled us with a yummy breakfast - well, most of us - Ryan waited until lunch was ready for one of her HUGE burritos. OMGosh - the burrito was like a small child it was sooo huge!

Charlotte and her cousin Christina. One more day before the wedding!!

Charly's restaurant has a back room - perfect for quiet dinners, meetings or triplets to squirrel around in.

Unaware that Zoey is playing peek a boo with her future brother in-law Dan talks away.

Ahhh - maybe if I chuck a ball at him I'll get his attention....

Yep! that did it - Hi Dan- Love you xo Zoey.

ALL the kids crashed once we got back in the car - must have been all that good food we just ate. Josh didn't want to get caught sleeping again - ha ha ha ha - take a close look at his pillow....

One of the girls baby dolls - ooo sooo cute. Love you Josh!

Since the car was quiet, we trekked up to where the wedding was going to be. Lots of wonderful wild life greeted us on our way up the mountain.

You tend to forget all there is to see in Maryland until you come back. You don't see deer all the time in FL - especially not this big. What a great day so far - once the kids wake up we'll hit Baker Park for real play time!!

Isabellas and Pitcrew

Aaaaahhh! We're finally in Frederick Maryland - meeting up with Charlotte, Josh and Christina at our favorite restaurant Isabella's. Just two more days and Charlotte (aka Charly) will be married to Dan. The girls are sooo happy to see their sissy! Charly seems excited too - looks as if she wants to eat them up! Josh and Zoey chill together til food comes. Like big sister - he just loves his lil' sisters.
After having dessert at the pretzel shop, we head to Josh's old stomping ground - Pitcrew. It's where he got his first skate board back in 2000. They moved to a bigger location just a block down - still the same great guys running the place. Katrina tries on a pair of golden shoes - they're more Josh's size and style. Zoey tries out a Marilyn Monroe pose - her dress isn't as poofy - Abby looks on with a grin. Great day.... Next stop chocolates down by Flight of Fantasy then Charly and Christina are off to see Jerry in DC for a mini-bachelorette party. We're headed off to Baker Park to play. Good times and great family.
The girls make the long trek up the stairs to our mini-apartment. We take every opportunity to make sure they are completely worn out by days end.
Josh had his mattress on the floor so he could squirrel around with his sisters before they had to go to bed. Nothing like a good book before bed - leave it to big brother. Is that brown bear, brown bear?

Northbound Auto Train

What's the best way to travel with 3 girls 18months old?? Auto Train all the way! Finally on board and settling in. The train was delayed leaving an hour, then dinner was a 1/2 late too - the girls were exhausted - but running on a high with the new experience.
Not long after dinner Katrina crashed - she was the easiest to put to bed this night.

Zoey was SUPER CHARGED! She took the tinfoil from our dessert and fashioned a hat out of it. This crazy squirrel ran circles in the cabin til 8 p.m. It wasn't until it suddenly became quiet that we realized she had passed out on the floor, blanket and binky in hand.

Early the next morning the girls were recharged and ready for breakfast. Eating was the most challenging part of the trip. There were no high chairs, no boosters and NO WAY to contain them.

We quickly learned ways to entertain them so we could grab a few bites to maintain our energy. Funny how a simple box of cereal will keep them quiet for a few minutes.

Daddy and Abby enjoy a few minutes together.

Back to the room to get cleaned up and ready for our departure.

Dressed and playing quietly waiting for the all clear.

The girls walk closely together - Zoey sneaks a free ride off Ryan.

We had to wait about 45 minutes til our number was called for our vehicle. We didn't get to take our conversion van - too big to fit on the train. All was well, we did get to take all our other comforts for the girls - which made the transition easy. Aside from the late start and no high charis for the girls, all in all - Amtrak did a great job. A huge thanks goes out to Brenda and Brenda for taking such good care of us when we were delayed in Sanford.

T-1 Hour before Boarding Train

How do you kill an hour before boarding a train? Toys R Us! (August 19)
The girls check out the latest technology in autos.

Pink or black? Hmmm... still only a two seater - no fair ! someone is always left out!

Zoey gets bold and goes for the hot red 4 wheeler - is she her fathers daughter or what!

But then again - she is her mom's daughter - loves that jeep just like sissy Charly too!

Abigail likes the smart car - what else will they come up with?!

Katrina is having a little technical difficulty at the moment... She is practicing her latest stunt driving and can't find the controls.

Katrina figures she better try the jeep out too.

Zoey thinks she can blend in with the balls... Katrina found her though.

Katrina and Abigail are climbing in for a bounce. No time girls! Our hour is up and we need to head back to the station... Maryland and Charlottes wedding ... here we come! I hope you're ready for us!