Camping Adventure

We went camping with our neighbors who are our great friends, the Parkers. They have two boys, Timmy and Matthew, who are the exact same ages as Jonathan and Adam so it was great! Despite all the packing and worrying about the bugs, poison ivy...oh my what fun we had. Really, what toddlers wouldn't enjoy being outdoors all day long including through the night in a tent. Pinchot State Park has a beautiful lake too with sand that the boys loved playing in. This was truly the best place for a 2 and 4 year old. The playground was big hit too. We had so much fun making s'mores, grilled cheese and ham sandwiches, including a good hearty breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs, and pumpkin muffins. Cold through the night during a September day, but I was so amazed at how the kids slept through most the night even with acorns falling on our tent and all those creatures that live in the woods making all kinds of noises. Kristin had all the great ideas with all kinds of crafts, campfire songs, and games (uno cards) for the kids. I'm not so sure we could have done this first camping adventure without the Parkers who brought most of the camping gear. And thank you Amanda and family for letting us borrow 2 air mattresses. I could not have slept as well as I did with acorns, leaves, sticks and whatever else poking at my back. Walking to the bathhouse to go to the bathroom was a bit of a challenge, they weren't far away, but were not close enough either. Never did I think I would say....we'll do it again!

Visit From Jen and Family

Jen comes to visit us every summer. This year was extra special because she brought her (new) family. Her boyfriend Eric, and kids Chloe and Nick. What a joy it was to finally meet everyone and my boys were so spoiled with their company and fun during their visit. Chloe ate mac 'n cheese for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Easy enough, huh? We tried for some other foods, but her request was always mac n cheese. Such a sweet little girl. Nick was a great helper in the kitchen; I now have a new dish of mashes potatoes and carrots, yum! Thanks Nick! Eric is so easy going and such a great father. Jen, you have yourself a wonderful family! I hope my boys grow up with their manners. They were SO good and such a great influence, we loved having them around! Life completely changes when kids are around - the JOY, -the BLESSINGS, - the PATIENTS, - the APPRECIATION FOR LITTLE THINGS, - the LOVE! We are looking forward to the next summer visit! Miss all of you....

Just Peachy!

So, here we are at a peach orchard in Lancaster with Grandma and Grandpa having one of the most exciting days. I honestly didn't know what to expect, would I be running in two different directions chasing after both boys, would my boys be covered in peach juice, would they climb the trees, or would they even have a peach smashing contest...instead, Jonathan and Adam were so amazed at all the peaches on all those trees. What is best about the whole time, the branches were low enough for them to pick their own into their own baskets. They were truly the best peaches ever! Yum! Looks like another visit is due soon!

I've torn the entire house apart trying to find my digital camara....uggh! Nothing worse than wanting to post some new pics and no camara available. My long time, very good friend, Jen and her new family had a nice summer visit with us; until I can get some pictures scanned, I wanted to share the fun the boys had with her kids Chloe and Nick in our backyard on the slip 'n slide.