When you going? Where you staying? We’re coming too.

The funny thing about my large and extended family is that when you share your plans, we take it as an open invitation to join you. If you are not discreet, your romantic getaway for two will turn into an unintended family vacation. It does not help that when my brother receives an invitation he spreads the news and invites everyone who crosses his path. An invitee becoming a self-appointed inviter! Yes, I am talking about you, Speedy.

Recently, my cousin Petey told me about their plans to drive down from New York City to spend time in Baltimore. Of course, I asked, when are you going? Where are you staying? Then announced that Darrel and I would meet them there. I also shared the news with my siblings. After going through the when and the where of it all, we emerged a group of 12 meeting together in Baltimore.

When Darrel and I first arrived, we headed straight to visit our grandchildren who live in the area. We were excited to meet our newest great grandchild, Ziva. I was amazed at her awareness and sense of independence at such a young age. Her big brothers, 3 year-old Ezra and 7 year-old Ezekiel, heavily guarded her. As we were saying our good-byes, Ezekiel stated that he wanted to go back to Delaware with us. He was easily distracted when I asked him about his favorite transformer. (Quick thinking grandma!)

We were the last of our group to arrive at the hotel. The others were already out or getting ready. Darrel and I went for a short walk. Our short walk turned into hours spent at the Baltimore Harbor. We walked, we sat and talked, we mixed, and we mingled. We went to various restaurants, investigating many menus. We ended up getting our lunch from two different restaurants. My cauliflower buffalo wings were tasty and Darrel enjoyed his burger. We met a nice couple also visiting from out of town. After getting acquainted, we jokingly referred to each other as New Jersey and Delaware. We sat at the water and watched boats going by. There we caught the attention of a giant turtle. He swam toward us and spent a considerable amount of time treading water and watching us as we watched him.

Finding out we had just missed seeing cousins Lynne and April, Darrel and I headed back to the hotel. Everyone else was there and we spent the rest of the evening together talking and laughing. Eventually, we headed to our rooms. Baby sister Eileen was not having it. Just as we were all settling down, she called saying she was not ready to turn in. She wanted to go out. Rumor has it some murmured as they begrudgingly got out of bed and put shoes back on. :-) Nevertheless, we all showed up to meet our fearless leader. Eileen did not disappoint either. She led us to some late night fun at an outside party venue called the Market Place.

The music was blasting, and the young folk were out. We announced our arrival by Petey dancing all through the crowd. Eileen, Cheryl, Pam and I danced with him. You could tell they were highly entertained by us. You could also see them agreeing not to reveal the location to their own grandparents. They did not want them showing up and taking over like we had. On our way back to the hotel, though now pleasantly exhausted, we took a final stroll around the Harbor. We got there just as a party boat was disembarking. It was fun watching the crew members dance with each passenger as they came off of the boat.

The next morning, well rested and happy to have spent time together, we briefly met before going our separate ways. Petey was off to play tennis with a friend and Pam would relax for a bit. Wayne and Cheryl going to visit other family nearby, and Eric and Eileen heading home. Ahassan and his daughter Kessey would be taking in the sites and Darrel and I having our grandchildren join us for a swim and breakfast before checking out.

We will all talk about and cherish the fun time we had in Baltimore. My sister Cheryl said most memorable for her was late night dancing with cousins Petey and Pam. Sister Eileen said for her it was getting everyone to go to the Market Place and the games of corn hole we played. I agree, our unexpected late night rendezvous was the perfect ending to our road trip.☺

More trips coming up,

Amanda 🚘