Kids Run the Bases on Full Stomachs

As Erica mentioned in her last post, Taylor Team 5 recently visited Durham. She also mentioned that I got a haircut and shaved, but I'm not going to provide details about those events.

This was Pete, Michele, Emily, Lindsay, and Madelyn's third trip to North Carolina since our move last year. Needless to say, we're grateful.

(Here are our blog entries from their first visit in November and their second visit in April.)

It was by far their toughest effort as they drove from Ocean City, N.J., to see us. The Friday trip took 12 hours due to heavy traffic in Northern Virginia.

We provided Taylor Team 5 with some new local experiences like visits to the Woodcroft pool and a Durham Bulls baseball game.

One of the things I enjoyed most was watching everyone go down the slide at the pool.

Emily led the way and took breaks only when required by the rules of the dreaded "Adult Swim." I kept up as best I could, but Uncle Matt was no match for Emily in terms of energy.

Pete, Michele, Erica, and Madelyn also took turns on the slide. Lindsay was plenty content dunking herself under the water in the shallow end of the pool.

At the ballpark, Emily and Lindsay participated in the "Kids Run the Bases" promotion after the Bulls game ended. Madelyn passed up the opportunity after realizing that mascot Wool E. Bull was stationed at second base.

(In my goddaughter's defense, it's completely logical to be afraid of a six-foot tall bull wearing a baseball uniform.)

There also were some re-runs like our trip to Weaver Street Market - I danced with the girls, which was new - and a pre-game lunch at Dickey's. Kids eat free at Dickey's on Sundays, so the girls ran the bases on full stomachs.

The piano keyboard at the house is still very popular with the girls as is the "Diner Dash" game Erica invented for the purpose of clearing the table after meals.

I'm looking forward to see everyone again in a few weeks when I travel to Catonsville for Emily's Birthday Bowling Party. Meanwhile, Erica is excited to catch up with her family in Nashville that weekend.