But seriously? What's not to love about this landscape?
We tried to get in a lot of fun stuff with the munchkins while we were there. Here's a glimpse of what we were able to get done in our short visit:
Catching lightening bugs (aka fireflies) at dusk at Grammy's house - such fun and something they hadn't been able to do in Utah
Kendall had more fun playing with the leaf off of one of Grammy's plants because she hadn't mastered the skill of catching them!
A trip to Pappy Chooch's model train barn is always fun!
Train layouts in every direction!
Trains, trains, everywhere!
Pap showing Riley the older, first section of the train barn. Pap even decided to donate the first two engines and one box car to Riley's future O gauge Lionel layout. Andy and Riley have been discussing the possibility of building a layout in our basement since there is plenty of space. Riley made his Momma proud by picking out two Pennsy engines. They are GG1's which is Pap's favorite engine so we will think of him each time Riley runs his trains.
Even Kendall had fun checking everything out!
Swimming with our friends, the Millers - we try to do this with them if we are visiting in the summertime
Riley and Jill have been friends since they were born and still get along so well.
Kendall drinking yet one more glass of Turkey Hill "yemonade."
Is this the life on vacation or what?
The sillies don't take a vacation in our family!
We also got to spend time with my oldest, dearest and closest friend and her boys at Long's Park
These two have also been friends since they were born and just pick up where they left off.
Crazy, just like their moms!
Myles was so sweet with Kendall. He's such a good big brother!
Buddies!
Goofy kids
Jameson liked hanging with the big boys!
What would a trip to Lancaster be without stopping at Strasburg to see some real trains?
Dad and the kids checking out the passenger coaches
What luck! We got to watch them load up Thomas! We waved goodbye to him as he headed out to visit other children all over the east coast. Strasburg Railroad actually owns Thomas the Tank Engine.
Lots of leftover Thomas stuff still around from the week long Thomas celebration
I took the kids to one of our many favorite places for dinner - The Conestoga Wagon. I promised them if they ate all of their dinner we'd stop at Pine View Dairy for ice cream as our dessert. We use to take Riley to Pine View when he was just a little thing and our favorite part (aside from all the delicious flavors of homemade ice cream) was to go see the calves and cows.
Checking out the new calf stalls. Kendall is just like her Momma and has no problem petting the cows and letting them lick her hands!
Riley loves seeing the cows as much as they love seeing him!
And if you are going to hit up your favorite dinner and dessert spots, you shouldn't miss out on your favorite donut shop! Can't pass up the chance to eat long johns from Achenbach's Bakery in New Holland!
Eating the extras the following morning!
We also got to visit with my aunt, uncles, and cousins while we were in town. That was such a nice opportunity to catch up and see each other. Jon and Laura were such gracious hosts! Just wished that my parents, Matt, Mere, Alice, Lori, Jason and Madison were there too.
We saw some other friends as well while we were home. We visited with my friends from CV who I miss dearly - but don't miss working nearly as much as I miss them! Chris and Sherry Miller were kind enough to host the fun gathering.
Catching up with my CV teacher friends - miss you all so much!
We went to the Hoffman's for dinner and caught up with them and the Wilfongs which was delightful. I love having friends who you can just pick from where you left off with. (Facebook helps keep in touch too!)
Our former neighbors, the Farabaughs, from the "Loop" in Springdale were sweet enough to have us over for dinner while we were in town too. We also got to see John and Linda which was a great surprise. Sadly we were missing the Dansich family. Jen was trying to come into town for the same week, but with her kids' schedules, it didn't work out. They were missed none the less.
Our dear friends, Jeff Farabaugh and John Wingenfield
Andy's mom was gracious enough to make our favorite meal for us while we were there. No one makes hamloaf as well as she does! Andy's Aunt Shirley was able to stop by to visit with us for a little during dinner too. What a great treat it was for her to see the kids and vice versa!
I also got to see some of my former students. What a great experience it's been for me to be able to watch these girls develop into such strong, independent women. Lindsay took some pics of the kids for me. She's an amazing photographer (my kids aren't the most cooperative subjects!). I also got to have a delicious breakfast at Jennies (love local diners for breakfast!) with Kristin. It was awesome to catch up with her in person. I'm so proud of each of these girls and so glad they still feel they can come to me for advice.
Andy and his cousin Jeff were able to spend some time together during this trip as well. These two grew up more like brothers than cousins. They have always been close at heart even though they have often been separated by thousands of miles. What a great relationship they have. I could tell when Andy came home that the visit with Jeff was exactly what he needed! People who know you, really get you, and keep you grounded are invaluable.
On our way out of town, we decided to visit Inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD. We were flying out of BWI which is just about 10 min. south of Inner Harbor. Neither kid had ever been there before and both were sad to have to leave.
Riley thought the Constitution looked like a pirate ship! He begged to go on EVERY boat!
Hanging out at the harbor - National Aquarium behind them. Kids were bummed we didn't have time to go there too. I think in the future, when we schedule our DC trip, we'll have to make extra time for a visit to Baltimore as well.
That anchor is bigger than them!
This is the type of image that makes my heart smile!
He really wanted to check out the submarine so I convinced Andy to take Riley for a tour. The kid was in HEAVEN!
He was amazed by the three tiered bunks as well as the size of the bombs on board!
There's never enough time to visit everyone we want to see or do all that we want to do. We were hoping to take the kids to the Turkey Hill Experience, visit with more of Andy's cousins, see other friends, visit other favorite eateries, visit Central Market, etc. Too much to do and not enough time. That seems to be the story of every trip to Lancaster! I'm just very thankful we got to spend time with those that we did.
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