Fogarty surprise family outing 10/18/08

About three months ago, I began thinking of something we could do as a family. Our lives are busy and not many times do we get together as a whole group and do something together. Well, except perhaps soccer months when Real Random takes the floor and sweeps up on the competition. Sorry I regressed into a fit of pride and team spirit. Moving on.
A couple of months ago I started researching places we could go. My plan was coming alive. Typically, this day of fun is kept secret and everyone gets in the car not knowing how the day will unfold except me. Elea was privy to the plans so I could get her input on the day and she was excited to be a part. It was settled and our plans were firmed up and ready to unfold on the given day. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to coordinate everyone's schedule for a certain day? Ten days before launch date the weather looked like it was going to sour on us. Twelve hours before our trip was to begin my plans were nixed by my sister and brother-in-law. They thought going to see the gardens at Ludew in Phonex, MD would not be a good outing for the "boys". Panic set in for I did not have a plan B in the making. Besides asking God for beautiful weather I was now asking what on earth are we going to do. God could not have answered it more wonderfully. It turned out to be a beautiful fall day; chilly, sunny and a crisp bit of wind and a plan B in motion.
We began our journey at 8 o'clock. We piled into the car headed towards Hanover for breakfast at Bentley's at the Barn. A round of hot chocolate and coffee set the day in motion. After a lovely breakfast, we ventured towards Baltimore. With an impromptu stop at Duffy's Gun Room and more than enough time talking and looking at guns we were off again. The plan was to stop at the Fire Museum in Lutherville, however it was the decision of the group to skip this stop due to the cost to get in and look around. Once again piling into the car, we took off towards Baltimore. During our travels, a heavy and rather large pink box sat between the two front seats. Questions were asked about family life and the winner was to get the box to open. Austin and Tyler were tied for first place. Rounds of tie breaking questions were given and Austin finally came out the winner. Opening the box, he found brightly wrapped gifts for all family members.
Next, stop Fort McHenry in Baltimore. Here we climbed walls, threw a Frisbee and walked around in briskness of the late morning and early afternoon. We viewed the film of this star shaped fort best known for its role in the War of 1812 defending the Baltimore harbor and the birth of the "Stars Spangled Banner". We had a picnic lunch on the grounds next to the harbor it defended.
Next stop was to White March Mall to view the film "Fireproof". I cannot recommend this film more highly. It made me laugh as well as cry and it was an overall great movie experience. Goodness, why cannot Hollywood make more of these decent films?
One more stop, dinner at J&P's Hampstead. Pizza and salads topped off the day. Twelve hours of family entertainment. Twelve hours of uninterrupted family time. Amusing stories filled the car and just bonding as a family highlighted our day. God not only gave me a beautiful day to enjoy with my family, he gave me a wonderful family for a whole lifetime.
As I look at the forecast for our family, there may be rainy days mixed in with the sunny ones, yet I am convinced that with God as our guide we will continue to make amazing memories together.
Hoo rah!