Sunday, July 20, 2014

Ocean City, MD Vacation

Hello and happy summer! I hope you're enjoying my favorite time of year as much as I am. 

We celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary on July 9th (9 years already??), by taking a road trip to Ocean City, Maryland, with some additional stops and sites along the way. It was so good to get away from the daily workweek routine and kick back and relax. We had a great time! 

We packed up and hit the road. While driving, we saw the most beautiful rainbow - end to end. It reminded us of God's promises and we took it as a sign that this was going to be a good trip. 

We stayed one night in Lancaster, Pennsylvania (AKA Amish country) to break up the drive. We found an adorable retro 50's diner for lunch and stopped to check out an outlet mall. 

We drove on to our destination, Ocean City, MD. When we arrived at our (pink!) hotel, we were pleasantly surprised with our balcony view of the ocean. We couldn't wait to hit the beach! 


Sitting under an umbrella with my toes in the sand is exactly what I was looking forward to. We soaked up the sun and enjoyed the ocean waves as long as we could. I wish I could go back there! 

At night we walked the boardwalk and got some sweet treats. You never know who you'll meet! I couldn't resist getting a photo with a minion. Maybe this was Dave? 

We got to enjoy some delicious seafood. My husband took on the all-you-can-eat crab challenge at O.C. Steamers. It took him about an hour and a half to eat this pile. So. Much. Work! The view during sunset was worth it. 

Our last night there was probably my favorite. We ate dinner at a restaurant called Hooked, played mini-golf at Medieval Faire, followed by my FIRST Rita's Water Ice. The latter was life changing. How has my Pennsylvania family never taken me there in 9 years? No excuse. They have a Gelati, which layers your choice of custard with your choice of flavored ice. I had chocolate vanilla twist with strawberry mango ice. Where have you been all my life? 

The fun continued as we drove to Baltimore for the remainder of our vacation. Andrew was excited to take me the harbor, which was walking distance from our hotel. Speaking of hotels, can I just mention that Sheraton's are by far my favorite hotel. If you have the choice to stay at one, you won't regret it. I've stayed at Sheraton's in Connecticut, New York City and now Baltimore and they are always so comfortable, beautiful, classy, stylish, professional and they pump their lobby and elevations with the most glorious scent called "welcoming warmth." True story. I wish I could bottle that stuff up and fill my house with it! And the linens and fluffy pillows! 

After watching the end of the World Cup game, we walked to Little Italy and ate a delicious dinner. The weather was HOT. 




The highlight of our time in Baltimore was seeing the Yankee's play the Oriels. This was my first MLB game! It was so exciting. We got to see Jeeter and everything. I was impressed by the enormity of the stadium! Unfortunately, during the 5th inning it started to thunder and lightening and there was no way the game could continue. We were so disappointed! They called the game in favor of the Oriel's. I really wish we could have seen them finish the game, but it wasn't meant to be. 


The next morning, before making our drive back home, we went to the Baltimore Aquarium. There was so much to see! Sharks, turtles, exotic fish, dolphins, and my new favorite, jellyfish. I was so amazed just watching the jellyfish swim and float around. God's creation is absolutely stunning! 

Then, sadly, it was time to go home. On the road again. But not without getting Chick-Fil-A! All good things must come to an end. 

It was wonderful much needed time spent away. I'm so thankful we got to take this vacation, see new places and spend time together. I usually don't like to "brag", but my husband really is the best. He planned this trip, coordinated everything and went out of his way to make me happy. I love him more than words can express. I am one very lucky and very blessed girl!