Our trip to PA & MD

We just got home from a nice trip to Pennsylvania and Maryland for Kyle's cousin, Erich's, wedding. It was a bit crazy getting through airport security and dealing with the kiddos during our 3+ hr delay out of Houston on Wednesday, but we managed and made it there and back safely and with a little of our sanity still in tact. They both did great on the plane. We were a little worried that the loud noises and take-off would scare Kason, but after some prep work, he was fully prepared for the noise and loved every minute of flying. On the way there, we were lucky enough to get an open seat for Emily and her carseat. On the way back, though, we weren't quite as lucky. It was hard keeping her contained, but we did have Sean and Tina there to help us out.

Carseats attached to luggage - the kids LOVED riding in these through the airport


Kason jamming out with his headphones on the airplane


While visiting, we had a great time, even if we were a little short on sleep. The first few days, we stayed at Kyle's sister's house in Allentown, PA. The kids loved playing with her animals, especially her cat, Mimi. We spent some time with Kyle's grandma and dad, too. Kason got a big kick out of feeding the fish at the trout nursery with Grandpa.

Kason and Gpa feeding the fish


On Saturday, we made the trip to Maryland for the wedding festivities. Unfortunately, we got stuck in traffic and ended up having to change clothes in the car so we weren't too terribly late for the rehearsal dinner. The actual wedding was on Sunday and the kids had a blast dancing and running around with their cousins. Then, on Monday, we took a little trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Kason absolutely loves the aquarium, so this was very exciting for him. We followed that up with some more family time at Kyle's aunt and uncle's house. For the three days we were in MD, we stayed with Kyle's cousin Brad and his wife, Patricia. Kason and Emily adored them and their Golden Retriever, Addie. Addie was pregnant and had her puppies the day after we left. While we would have loved to have seen the puppies, it was probably best for everyone involved that the kids were far away when these new little guys came around.

Maryland Pics:

Ottinger Siblings (Sean, Kyle, & Samantha)


Emily, with crazy hair, post-nap at the wedding


Emmy & Mommy at the Aquarium


Daddy & the kids at the Aquarium


Checking out the fishies


Kason was (and, still is) dying to go for a ride on these boats in the harbor


In front of submarine outside the aquarium


Baltimore - Barnes & Noble, Power Plant, & Hard Rock Cafe all rolled into 1


The cousins playing soccer


Just being cute


Ottinger Family Pic


Ottinger sibs


April is also a big birthday month in both our families, so after arriving back in Houston, we stopped for a birthday dinner at Red Robin for Allison. Happy Birthday to Jacob, Allison, Sean, Jim, Uncle Kim, and Kolby!!

Kason at Red Robin for Allison's bday dinner



Now, that we are back at home, we are looking forward to a quiet Easter weekend followed by more travels in the coming weeks.