Staycation

 Friday January 2nd, we were able to drop the kids off at Eric's mom and Luis' house.  They were comfortable taking care of Adeline who was only slightly sick with the double ear infection and the other two kids who were healthy.  We appreciated some alone time together.  After dropping them off, we did some shopping - some fun and some necessary (you have to go to Costco when you are close by since we live 30-45 minutes to the nearest Costco).  After a Chiptole lunch (one of the only fast-food places that I can eat at now), we went to the Mount Clare Museum House.  We love to visit historic homes and I had spotted this house on a train ride from the B&O Train Museum, so I thought we would take the opportunity to visit (I don't like visiting historic homes with kids, so we rarely do).

I loved the bowls at each place setting to rise the wine after each course.  So smart!

I also loved the mantel with osage oranges and pheasant feathers. 

We made a steak dinner at home and enjoyed a glorious sunset.

It would be even more glorious without the power lines, oh Baltimore! 

After dinner, we went to a movie (sadly the first in a long time).

The next day, after lounging all morning, we headed out to another historical home on the campus of Loyala University, Evergreen Museum and Library (though it is managed by Johns Hopkins University). It was the home of the Garrett family, king of the railways.  Their home was filled with rare books, ancient Asian art, impressionist art, along  with a collection of Tiffany vases and lamps.

If you are in the Baltimore area, it is worth checking out.

They also had a silver exhibit that was impressive.

Upon visiting this home, we received a text that Eric's mom, Cedulie, had gotten sick and we would be getting the kids back by 6pm.  Originally, we were trying to plan a trip to New York to see several friends, so in a way it worked out that we were closer and didn't have reservations to cancel.

We had plans to eat a nice dinner out, but that was not feasible so with only a few hours left before we got the kids, we decided to grab Chipotole and see another movie.  Our weekend was cut short, but we still managed to see go to Chipotle twice, see two movies, and go to two historic homes- I guess that is perfect for us!