The Donoghue Family: Rabine Family Vacation

My parents rented a house in Maryland so that all the Rabines could get together! This was such a great family trip! I feel like trips were always exhausting in the past because little kids need naps, get cranky, need lots of work, etc. Now that the kids are older, we really just got to enjoy each other's company and spend quality time with family - so good.

Family

At the beginning of the trip we spent a jam-packed day in Washington D.C. Jody and Ed hooked us up with a private guide to meet the big cats up close and personal at the National Zoo. It was really cool to get so close to a lion and tiger, and then we got to feed a binturong!

Showing the kids what the big cats eat
(also, Aunt Allison's braids were a big hit on this trip)

A very chill lioness

Me first thing in the morning
(actually a binturong)

Snack time

No hesitation

yum yum

Taking a break with Aunt Jody

After the zoo we made a quick stop at the mall - Maggie really wanted to see the Lincoln Memorial again. We didn't get to see a whole lot there, but we at least got up the steps and saw the Washington Monument too. From there we rushed off to see the Tigers play the Nationals!

Adopted Sarah for the day

Sarah's photo skills - nice job!

Satisfied

Maggie and I decided to come back next time late at night
just to hang out and sit on the steps together (ugh people)

Woof, it was so. hot. But a great time!

Tigers lost, but at least there were dippin' dots!

John took us out on his boat the next day. All the kids enjoyed it, but Ben was in heaven! John let him take the "first mate" hat, which he continues to wear on the regular. Zach and Jack came along too!

Captain John

I could get used to this

Boat life!

The crew
(we all did nothing except John and Jack)

Glorious

Future boater?

We had a cozy night of s'mores around the camp fire, Luke did a great job building and maintaining it for us!

Marshmallow goodness

Comparing notes

Hi Bobby

Feels like summer

Fire Master!

The kids absolutely loved hanging in the water every chance they got. They really enjoyed the paddle boards and kayaks - it was hard to get Ben out!

Perfect set up

Solo kayaking like it's his job

Jack was a good sport

Lifeguard training?

Nice symmetry

Showing Aunt Jody the ropes

Always so happy

Three musketeers

'Merica!

John and Michelle brought us a crab boil on the 4th of July - that was a very cool (and messy) experience. Jody and Ed put together some silly games for the kids to do, and it was just a great family day all around!

Jody made us bourbon slush (with the world's highest
class bourbon)!

Gearing up for competition

Look, a bald eagle!
No, they're actually just trying to eat forehead cookies without hands

Eating gummy bears covered in whipped cream

Everyone wins

Crab time

Shockingly not interested in eating seafood

Cuteness

Begin

All the focus

We took a lot of family photos:

Indoor family!

Outdoor family!

Polons and we got to meet Jack - we'll keep him!

Rabines

Other Rabines (with all of Luke's hats)

Donoghues

Original 6

Grandkids!

Lucky in-laws

Afterward our family and Bobby's went to John's boat to watch the fireworks in the Baltimore harbor.

This is the life!

I'm on a boat

Playing Uno down under

Happy 4th!

Trouble

With all the soccer players in our family, we had a little game. Evie said it was her favorite part of the trip! It was a hoot, and also a reminder of my age. We had another fun night around the campfire with everyone!