Trip to Annapolis, Maryland

Marc had an oral argument hearing in the Maryland Court of Special Appeals on Friday so the whole family decided to go along for the trip.  He works in Maryland a lot and has always wanted us to see Annapolis and the Naval Academy. We LOVED it!  We used our travel points and were able to get us all free plane tickets. 

Now here is a true and precious story.  When the flight attendant brought Tucker and Julia their pretzels and drinks they said, "yes ma'am and thank you" and then they BOTH unfolded their cocktail napkins and put them in their laps and said the blessing together.  I was so proud. 

 It was Charlie's first time to fly.  :)  He wiked it.  :)

Books and coloring books kept them occupied.  Also, they all now love Soduku.  

We landed in D.C. and drove over to Annapolis.  After settling into the hotel we drove to the precious downtown area and explored.  We first stopped at St. Mary's Church- what a treat!

Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos had been the pastor there in the 1800s. 

On the grounds of the church, overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, is the home of Charles Carroll, the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The downtown area is so adorable.  People just pull up in boats- jump out to eat dinner- and then ride back into the bay.  So quaint!

A sweet man gave the children bread to feed the ducks.  

We ate overlooking the water and then drove around to see the city.

The Naval Academy chapel at night- so lovely.  

The next morning we were so excited to tour the United States Naval Academy.   It is so impressive!

We saw this seal several times- "Ex-Scientia Tridens", or "Through Knowledge, Seapower". 

We loved watching their self-defense class in the hanger-

 

 

 

One of the highlights was seeing the midshipmen parade before lunch.  They do this five days a week, and they all eat at exactly the same time!

 

Another highlight was their chapel. 

Over the center window it reads, "Eternal Father, Strong to Save," the first lines of  the Navy Hymn. 

In the crypt below is the tomb of John Paul Jones, who is considered  to be "Father of the American Navy. "

While Marc worked, the children and I walked around the shops and restaurants.  We found a quaint museum that we enjoyed. 

Tucker likes to have the map and be the navigator- so does Marky.  I was in good hands. 

 

Back in the hotel Tucker and Charlie kept busy with puzzles-

Marc had to work late into the evening so we just ate supper by the hotel.   He had his case on Friday morning, and then we drove to D.C.  We all loved Annapolis, and I would be thrilled if one of my children went to the Naval Academy!