Last Gasp of Summer

After a very eventful summer and an even busier fall ahead, Mark and I decided to keep Labor Day Weekend free of plans, just to have time to veg and hang out at home. But then, little Mikaela Namakula McGarr decided to arrive on Saturday morning, and there was no question that we 'd be making yet another trip down and up the Jersey Turnpike to welcome this much-anticipated baby girl (congrats to Chuck and Kristen, she's beautiful!). So we packed our bags and scooted down to Fairfax on Saturday afternoon, first visiting the new family and then hanging out with the Flynns (who, conveniently, live about five minutes away from the hospital where Mikaela was born).

We took advantage of the amazing weather on Sunday to hit the roads--Mark is training for a half-marathon and had a 13-mile run on his schedule--so I ran about 4.5 miles with him before hopping on a bike and following him the rest of the way. This was only supposed to be an easy training run, but he is in really great shape and beat his goal time for the race--without putting up too much of an effort. It was his longest run ever and he cruised right through it. I think a marathon is next for him!

We made another stop at the hospital before heading up 15 to the Farm. I'll never feel like Labor Day weekend is complete without a stay in Thurmont, so I'm glad we got to spend some time with everyone there. We relaxed, went to the playground, and of course, we hit the Labor Day Church pinnick on Monday afternoon, where we introduced Sam and Eamon to the roulette wheel (Grandmommy and Grandpop's favorite), fudge pops, and the same blue grass band that has been playing at the picnic for 18 years. They loved it--and walked away a few quarters richer.

Wishing the summer didn't have to end...it's been so much fun!