Lovely Annapolis, MD

Back in July we visited Annapolis and the Naval Academy for a mini-vacation. What a lovely area, I hope we can visit again sometime soon. When we arrived it was quite warm and everyone was eager to get out and explore the area. So we set off on a quick shopping excursion which proved to be fruitless. We did, however, learn our way around a bit. Not long after that it was time to choose a  restaurant for a seafood dinner. We chose a place named Mike's from the travel guide. It is right on the water and highly recommended. They were right on all accounts. Having been cooped up in the car for 6-ish hours we decided to eat on the outside patio. Well...that proved to be very warm. VERY warm for these upstate New Yorker's. But we made the best of it and the delicious food made it all worth it.

After leaving the boys at the Naval Academy we began our walking tour of downtown. It is so quaint with the historic buildings, rich history and New Englandy atmosphere. We really enjoyed the boat tour of the Chesapeke Bay which provided a much needed break from the heat.

We found an AMAZING sweets shoppe for a mid-afternoon snack

Reminiscent of China, for those who know what I"m talking about

The lacrosse fields as seen from the bay

Beautiful Bancroft Hall where the boys stayed

The Chapel and one of it's many beautiful stained glass windows

Another highlight of our visit was a night at the Medieval Times Castle. Naturally this was the one thing that Miss Grace was eagerly anticipating. Horses, knights, the Princess, the King, the horses. You get the idea.

Because she was so excited we decided to get front row seats for dinner and I am SO glad we did. Our knight was the RED knight. A most brave, respected and feared warrior (or so they say at the castle).

 During the show, after each of  his skillful acts of might and bravery, he would present a young lady with a flower.Miss Grace watched coyly as each received their flower but none came to her. Then during his last act the King presented the RED knight with a banner which said "Queen of the Tournament" which was to be presented to one special "Lady" in attendance that the knight chose himself. The RED knight presented the banner to Miss Grace. She was absolutely stunned, then froze when he rode up to her with it on the end of his lance so her father had to receive it in her place. It was so cute and she was silent almost the entire rest of the night with awe.Maybe it was the excitement of the show, the incredible horses, the falconer (a young Asian woman--now she wants to do that too!) or the whole Knight-thang. I've never seen her this way but I'd say our visit to the castle made quite and impression on her.

Truly a "Knight to Remember", LOL!

The next few days we spent touring the Naval Academy, shopping, enjoying the pool and exploring the area by car. It was a great time, very relaxing, and I'm sure we will go again.

Still Recalling the Awe,

~Kate-Lyn~