Elan's Blog: Training in Baltimore

So the 2 1/2 days I have been dreading are here - but almost over! I had training in Baltimore for work Monday am to Wed afternoon and normally wouldn't mind a bit - I would have kind of viewed a short trip like this as a bit of a mini mommy time. Now of course it isn't the same - I just wonder in the back of my mind if something is happening at home to Elan.... thankfully I have my parents and Erik there but still not the same when you are several hours away.

Regardless it was such a treat seeing everyone from work! I still can't get over how many caring individuals I work with! Please know all the hugs and well wishes mean.

I didn't really start feeling it until last night when Finn left a super adorable voice message saying he missed me. I wish we scheduled a time to do Skype - but we were booked solid here in Baltimore for training and when I was free they were sleeping. Here are some cute pictures my mom sent - they always have so much fun!

They made cupcakes for Erik's office. I am not sure if I have mentioned how absolutely amazing his office has been. They have given the kids toys, made baked ziti on Monday while I was gone (perfect timing since I was gone that night!), financial donations while Erik was on Family Medical Leave, allowing him to be gone for 7 weeks and carrying his work load, letting him come with me to all of Elan's doctor's appointments and so many, many other things! We are so supported - amazing!

SO back to my great group of people I work with!

Here are pictures from Baltimore summit Tues evening... - we went to an Orioles game and had a suite and then headed across the street from our hotel to enjoy the great weather!

afterwards with Robin and Terri at the 4 seasons outdoor bar - we could see Evanescence at the pier - Amanda loved that I didn't know who she was - i did recognize 2 songs though :)

In the suite - Austin! He has been so great to us! His Son Sam is 1 week younger than Elan and soooo cute!

Our private seats

I arrived home that night around 6 PM and stopped by Target to get some play dough for the boys as a conciliation prize for me being gone 2 1/2 days. Erik called me right when I was about to pull into the store's parking lot to get my ETA. It was also our 14 year anniversary so I still needed to get Erik a card... So I ran into Target and went back to my car. I open the door and there was a bunch of chocolates, roses, and a bottle of sekt (german champagne) from Schloss Biebrich which was 30 minutes from where we lived in Germany several years ago (it is available at Trader Joes and a great deal but we never buy it). He is so sweet! He took a photo of me opening the door and looking surprised - but not a great shot so won't share - one of the privileges of being the author of a blog :). Apparently Erik was inside target when he called me and got out before I saw him. Convenient that target is where we both were :)

We drove our separate cars home to be welcomed by a anniversary party! So cute! My parents pulled out party hats (we kind of use them all the time around here these days)