Another busy week. What a surprise!  Allison, Scott and I spent Sunday afternoon at an Orioles game. The game was sponsored by the Girl Scouts as we continue to celebrate our 100th Anniversary. This was an extra special game as once again our Girl Scout choir had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem. We were able to sing the anthem several years ago. This time we were joined by 1000 girl scouts in a parade around the field, so they placed us in the outfield facing the crowd. Last time we had our backs to the crowd. And we entered the field through an underground tunnel, whereas last time we walked out behind home plate. So a little different, but still very exciting. And apparently we did a good job as people were complimenting our singing. We then enjoyed a win against the Washington Nationals. Battle of the Beltway. The kids especially liked the green cotton candy. Tom was not available to join us as he was headed to Chicago for the week. Since I had already bought our tickets, I invited our L.A. friend John Dutton along. Mainly so Scott would not have to sit alone while waiting for us to finish singing. And John has never been to an Orioles game since he moved here 13 years ago. Tom, John and I used to frequent the Dodger games in LA together. Scott gave him a tour of the stadium before the game, and introduced him to the BBQ meal. It was nice that the Orioles won during his first visit(I think the Girl Scouts brought the Orioles good luck!). I was just disappointed that we did not get to do our flash mob. They played a small portion of the song, but it was cut off. And during the 7th inning stretch, they had a special presentation of a flag to honor the celebration of the War of 1812. So no flash mobbing. Oh well.

Friday we were just as busy as we had to pick up Allison from her Girls Nation Camp. I think she had her fill of politics.  She decided it was just too disorganized! She was also worn out from her 5 hour classes. They listened to lobbyists, had a mock trial and campaigned for positions for Senator and Governor. Allison was not interested in these jobs as you had to go onto the Nationals Camp held in July in Silver Spring MD. It is going to be on the weekend that we are in LA, so she would have missed something. Last year the Nationals camp was held in Indianapolis(way more exciting). We attended the camp graduation ceremony which Tom pooh poohed. Mainly it was a way of letting all of us know who won the campaigns, and who got a college scholarship. And I enjoyed the girls presentation of their school song as well as a Song about America with sign language. All 120 girls had the songs and gestures memorized. I thought they did a great job. I also talked Tom into heading down to Ocean City after her ceremony. The beach was only 30 min drive from the campus. Sadly it was a rainy, stormy day, so we did not get to sit out on the beach or swim. Instead we walked the Ocean City boardwalk, checking out all the food and souvenir shops. Finally the humidity and rain got to be a bit much so we headed into the air conditioned Ripley's Believe It or Not museum. We have fun looking at all the crazy stuff. Then we wanted to have dinner at a fish restaurant, but the fun outdoor place was a bit wet and sandy. So we opted for the stuffy restaurant with the enclosed deck overlooking the bay and the really good fish dinner. I would have enjoyed staying the night, but Tom wanted to head home.

Allison had a piano lesson in the morning, and Scott had a swim lesson. Tom spent the day cutting the grass and supervising Allison while she practiced her parallel parking in front of the house. I did not know the final test asks the drivers to park between cones, not cars! Not in my day- it was out on the road in a real town with real cars and really annoyed drivers waiting for you to park and get out of the street! Allison also had to work SAturday night, but Tom, Scott and I enjoyed dinner at our neighbors out on the patio. We finally had a cool evening with no bugs so we could sit outside!  And Scott single handedly made a Key Lime Pie and fruit kabobs for dinner(my rising chef!). I went off and had my hair highlighted and cut in honor of summer.  We finally had a chance to get Scott's hair cut on Weds evening. I had a dentist appointment, so Tom and SCott met me afterwards so I could pick out my new anniversary wedding ring. AFterwards we got Scott a haircut and went out to dinner. WE tried a new Mexican restaurant but don't think we will be heading back. Although the food was good(not crazy about french fries with my burrito though), we were especially disappointed in the lame service from the owner of all people.

Scott spent his first week at the YMCA camp. He is in a traveling camp, so they have different activites 3x/wk. His first day was spent at camp swimming and hanging out in the game room. On Tuesday he enjoyed a day out with indoor putt putt golf(glow in the dark) and video games. Weds they headed down to the Smithsonian American INdian museum for a festival(dancing indians). ON Thursday the weather was extremely hot and they headed off to the bay to swim. Scott was burnt, chafed and got jumped on by the other boys. His neck was sore and he had 20 bucks stolen from his backpack. They were asked to bring spending money in case they went to the movies instead. Not a happy ending to camp. I was quite disappointed. I hope he has a better time at the local college next week.

Here is Allison at her Girls' Nation graduation, the Boardwalk in Ocean City, our GS choir ready to perform the National Anthem(Allison is in the back row) and the ORioles Stadium. Plus me keeping SCott entertained.