Great Dates

Well, our "Museum Saturday" idea is already bust.  It was far too ambitious of an idea anyway.  Different museum/sight of interest every weekend?  Ummmmm, that's highly unlikely.  We've now agreed upon the Monthly Museum Saturday.  Ah yes, this sounds much more attainable!

The past few weekends we've focused our efforts on eating straight up amazing foods rather spend $$ to get into museums around the city.  Last weekend we went out to eat at El Rey, an authentic Mexican food establishment downtown.  We both really wanted Mexican food that wasn't Chipotle, and we hemmed and hawed over the idea of patronizing yet another Steven Starr restaurant for like an hour before we finally decided to just give it a try.  It was actually a winner.  We requested a booth, which is probably what made our dining experience so positive.

They even had nachos that rivaled AZ's Pita Jungle blue corn nachos!  Though I must admit, Pita Jungle's blue corn nachos will forever be a personal favorite. I know this photo isn't the best of quality and maybe the nachos don't even look that appetizing, but trust me, they were GOOD.

Clark got beef brisket tacos. Only he didn't realize they would be miniature dollhouse sized.

I had some amazing green chile enchiladas.  

Upon leaving we saw a Ghost busters car!  I'm still wondering if they were able to trap Slimer in a super fancy restaurant that night.

We drove a mile and then decided we were hungry for something sweet.  So we stopped at a cookie food truck!  

They were absolutely scrumptious. And worth the purchase because there is no way I can bake cookies this good myself.  Also, the sensor in our oven is off and that is a good excuse to buy cookies rather than make them.

On our way home we saw students (??) playing with light sabers at a near by park.  I bet it would seem more fun and exciting if I've actually seen the Star Wars movies.  But I haven't. 

This weekend I made a home cooked meal on Friday night (oh how I've missed those! I live off canned soup and frozen burritos during the week) and yesterday we decided to get really crazy and drive out to Costco.  And to an Italian bakery for some tomato pie. 

A life-size nutcracker!?!!???

YES, PLEASE!

The Italian bakery that was recommended to us by a coworker of Clark's.

It did not disappoint.  If you've never had an authentic tomato pie, I suggest you find your local Italian market and give it a try!

Our goal for October: Eastern State Penitentiary.  Just in case any one would like to accompany us in visiting a retired penitentiary where Al Capone spent some of his days.  

You know you wish you had one

It's a 2014 Miss America pageant magnet, just in case you can't tell.  

Yeah, Clark and I are confused about the 2014, too.  Isn't it 2013?  Were they all out of the 2013 magnets that were being passed out on the board walk and they just decided, hey, let's pass out some for next year's competition, no one will ever notice!!

This is a gift from my landlords.  I think it was payment for watching their two little girls while they attended a preliminary round of the pageant on Thursday night.  It was a long four hours, which involved some intense tears at the beginning, biting, and watching Cinderella in Spanish.  

And, now I don't think I want kids for another three years.  

Just kidding. Kind of....

Never a Dull Moment

I'm not kidding. There is never a dull moment when we visit Baltimore.  Whether it's just visiting in the kitchen or living room, attempting a day out somewhere in the Baltimore vicinity, we always have a blast with the Baltimore Toblers!

Clark actually had to work on Labor Day, but the Saturday and Sunday leading up to the holiday we decided to drive down to Maryland for some family fun.  We spent Saturday in Antietam, Maryland, where thousands of lives were lost during the Civil War, and on Sunday we visited the Baltimore Museum of Art.  

I got to sit at the children's table, aka the back of the van, sandwiched between between Charlie and Greta on the way to Antietam.  Thus, I was excluded from the adult conversation occurring at front of the vehicle.  So, I did what I could to keep the kids entertained.  I just love how Greta is clinging to my arm in this one. 

And then Greta decided that she wanted me to be as uncomfortable as possible.

Sweet little Georgie wanted in on some fun, too.

Antietam has a Junior Ranger system set up so that kids can complete a package and receive a Junior Ranger badge.  Greta had to complete a Junior Junior Ranger packet and Charlie had to complete a Junior Ranger packet.  Yes, they actually did differ in content and difficulty.  Greta had no difficulty in completing her packet while Charlie on the other hand took a bit longer and there may have been some pouting involved as well. Kim is helping a very attentive Greta finish her packet.

Close up. I just love my little BFF!

The gang.  Clark loves posing for photos, just ask him.

Look who received her Junior Ranger badge!  She's so pleased and excited!

Proud mom Kim, the growing baby bump, and Georgie were so proud of Greta's accomplishment.

Once upon a time, this was a blood stained battlefield. Just hard to visualize, isn't it?

Charlie did it! Antietam's two newest Junior Rangers!

Burnside Bridge, where thousands of Confederate and Union soldiers needlessly lost their lives.

The next day we visited the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Rodin's The Thinker.  The real one is right here in Philly and we still haven't seen it.  Maybe on an upcoming Saturday???

Clark looking sophisticated in the English sporting art room.

A Degas statue. 

Van Gogh.

Now this is ART.

Look at that good looking, ever growing family!

We are sure looking forward to the Baltimore Tobler's visit at the end of the month!  More good times to be had, for sure!

PS, this is my 400th post! Congratulations to me!