Maryland Crabs

Going to Buddy's Crabs and Ribs in Annapolis is getting to be a fun tradition every time we visit Maryland. The restaurant is really laid back, with crayons and balloons for the kids which gives it a nice family atmosphere.

How cute is that? Sometimes being a mom honestly rocks my world.

Ireland is a hard-core seafood lover. While we were waiting for the crab, she kept sneaking salmon off her little sister's plate. Finally, the big moment arrived.

Keep in mind this was meant to feed all 6 adults at the table, some of whom ordered nothing else. Ireland polished off 3 of them all by her lonesome. 

Like I said, hard-core.

I don't know what it is about this girl that she just doesn't get creeped out by all this. Ireland gleefully dismembered and disemboweled those suckers digging out the meat and dipping it in vinegar. The gusto with which she goes at it takes my breath away.

 Grandpa was incredibly entertained as she went after the claws with a mallet.

Reagan and Rockwell. She can be credited with teaching us all how to properly crack and clean a crab. Brent had the ribs (yum) and I had the crab cakes (YUM) and we tried the fried pickle chips. No matter what we ate, there was a hint of Old Bay Seasoning in it.

I just about died laughing when Josy pretended the mallet was like Thor's hammer and she whipped it around and pretended to fly with it. 

Afterwards, we walked around Annapolis a bit. You don't have to go far to see they are serious about their crab in these parts.

Can we talk about that Maryland state flag for a second? You go Maryland! You don't just do some boring state seal on a field of blue like everyone else. No, you adopt something that came right out of Medieval Times dinner theater! Go Maryland!! You do you Boo!!! I wish Illinois would spice it up a bit and do something more coat of armsy like this. Maybe in the colors of Gryffindor...

How adorable is this teapot? It makes me want to drink my chamomile while dressed in chain mail with my battle axe next to me before mounting my horse to deliver a message from the king to the next village. Super cute teapot.

 We had some seriously delicious ice cream just down the street from Buddy's. As you can see, no complaints from the kids.

 Along the harbor there is this collection of statues (explanation above). This inspired me to collect heritage stories.

 Again, I love how family-friendly this place feels.

How adorable are my nieces? Reagan and I love it when our girls are not just sisters but also friends.

Yet another wonderful evening at Buddy's in Annapolis with good food, and good company.