PA Vaca - Day 1

After spending a few days in Pa this past fall, the kids requested a vacation to Lancaster this summer. We were more than happy to oblige.  We spent 10 days back in the commonwealth and had a great time.  We visited a lot of our favorite places, showed the kids how we use to spend our summers, showed them where we use to live, where family lived, visited family, visited friends, tasted and smelled all of our favorite foods and had a fantastic time.

I found this on Facebook the other day and thought how appropriate it was to our trip home.  We didn't eat Gobs, but mom's homemade whoopee pies.  We also drank TH ice tea, birch beer or meadow tea instead of Kool Aid.  Mom always asked me to red up my room and I loved playing in the crick by my Pappy's cabin.

This video called Pennsylvania Guys by Sloppy Seconds is a great description of life growing up in PA.  Some things need to be experienced to be appreciated.  Click on the title to link to youtube to see the parody video.  This one is called Pennsylvania Style.  Both videos show pieces of the place Andy and I were born and raised.  We were the first of our families to move away from home.  There are times we miss it and other times we're glad we've experienced all we have in the many places we've lived. 

We started our trip on a Friday flying out of Jax into Harrisburg.  It costs a little more to do that, but we've decided it's totally worth it instead of driving 1 1/2 hrs. up from BWI.

Ready to head out on our adventure

Would you see this anywhere other than at a gate in Atlanta headed to Harrisburg?

After we got into town, we headed straight to Isaacs to grab some lunch.  Andy and I use to go there all the time for lunch - I use to go with friends from work, etc.  It's one of my favorite sandwich places in Lancaster.  The kids have eaten there before on one of our other trips and always love it.  After lunch, Andy wanted to let them taste a REAL Reese's Pieces sundae from Friendly's.  Friendly's was always a family favorite for dinner and ice cream - back before they changed it at least.  We use to love the one on Columbia Ave.  Andy always makes homemade Reese's sundaes, but he wanted them to have the real deal.

My absolute FAVORITE sandwich - Finch on a pretzel roll.  I use to call for takeout and pick it up on my way home from work.  Especially when I was coaching at Township and didn't feel like making dinner.

Reese's Pieces Happy Ending Sundae!

Our boy refused to conform and ordered a chocolate brownie, hot fudge, delicious mess

We stopped by Giant to grab a few things including Hershey Park tickets and the kids were totally confused when I said I was going to get a "Giant" card (savings card).  They thought I meant a "GIANT" sized card!  

We stopped by the Millersville Boro Park - brought back memories for me & Andy playing there as kids.  Ra had his 4th birthday party there and thankfully he remembered it!

The view looking east from the park - I always loved how Millersville is surrounded by corn fields and farms

The view of Eshleman Elementary from the park - Andy and I both went to school here.  I went K-6, but Andy was only there for a few years

Our favorite grocery store of our childhood.  It's not nearly as nice as it was when Mr. Herr owned it. It was like family then, maybe because Nanny Hershock was such good friends with the Herrs.

We also gave the kids a tour of our childhood homes.  The top one is in Quaker Hills where I lived through 7th grade.  The bottom is the home I lived in till I got married.  The bottom one is only a few blocks from Andy's mom's house.  

 The was the first house we bought.  We were house hunting before we were married and came across this cute ranch in Wilshire Hills.  We bought it and started to fix it up - even had my WCU graduation party here, but sadly, we never got to live in it.  Andy got transferred to upstate NY before we got married and Conrail helped us sell it.

This is still my favorite house.  This is the first one we ever built but the 3rd we owned and the 4th address in the first 7 years we were married.  I loved this house.  We could have stayed there forever.  This home was completely custom and we chose every detail of it.  We couldn't afford as much back then, but for what money we had, I was pleased with our outcome.  I really wish the new owners would trim back my holly bushes though!

After a few other errands, we checked into our hotel, freshened up and headed out to Andy's dad & girlfriend's house for dinner.  We had a fantastic time with Tom and Dottie.  They are so sweet and Riley could have spent and entire day with them talking trains, cars, history, politics.  It was great to see him connecting with both of them so well.  He's always had a special connection to Tom because of their love of trains - similar to what Andy and Tom shared when Andy was a kid.  It's special to watch.

Tom's outdoor train layout.  Both of my boys thought this was pretty cool.  Tom has put a lot of work into it and it shows.

Andy and his dad (AKA Pappy Chooch)

While we were there, the sun started to set and the lightening bugs came out.  Kendall thought catching them was so much fun.  She giggled when they'd land on her hand.  We had to restrain ourselves from telling them that if you smash them and rub them on your shirt or skin, they'd still glow...Dottie got them glass jars to catch them in so they could see them glowing just like I use to do as a kid.

Our first day was packed with activity and we were off to a great start!

A New Kendallism

The kids were bickering in the pool the other day so I made them each swim 10 laps in hopes of tiring them out enough to knock it off.  It was much easier for Ra than it was for Sis because he's bigger.  When she finally finished her 10th lap, she was a bit winded and said to Ra, "I think I need lip-to-lip!"  Ra quickly corrected her by saying, "I think you mean mouth-to-mouth."

She cracks me up!

Summertime Means Popsicles

I am known for making different type of popsicle concoctions for my kids every summer.  This one is a Chunko favorite.  We mixed up some root beer float pops out of vanilla coconut ice cream and draft root beer.  My kids go nutz for them!

Are They Open?

Yes!  Angies is "Um, Open!"  If you've never been to Angies Subs, ignore this post, but if you have, this sign makes complete sense!  Love Angies - their food, their sweet tea and their decor!  Hands down our family's favorite place to meet for lunch!

It's Gonna Be Alright

As moms we often worry if we are doing our best to raise our children right. Are they in the best school?  Are they surrounded by kids who are good influences?  Are they eating too much "junk?"  Are they getting too much screen time?  

Well, today I had a reminder that I'm on the right track. In the car we were talking about Ra's friend's dad who is finding out tomorrow if the months of chemo he has suffered through has worked to kill the cancer in his body. I suggested to the kids that they pray for the entire family. As soon as I finished telling them, Kendall says "Mom, I'm gonna pray right now." I looked back in my rear view mirror to find her hands folded and head bowed. 

It was all I could do to hold back my tears. She has such a sweet, loving heart when it comes to others.  If nothing else, I've done one thing right.  My kids know that when times are tough, we should get on our knees and talk to Jesus.

Summertime Relaxing

I mixed some Turkey Hill ice tea and lemonade together with some Skinny Girl vodka for a relaxing summer drink while the kids swam today.  I swam with them for a while, but then wanted to get out to relax.  

Life is good...and yes, that is the kids' Snow Tube they are playing on in the pool.  Who knew it was just for sledding?  ;)

Are There Mountains in Florida?

Nope, but there are mt. biking trails!  Sadly our highest points are the bridges across the St. John's River!

Now that Ra and I have some extra time on Tues/Thurs mornings when Sis is at gymnastics practice, we are trying to spend some QT together.  On Tuesday we went to Barnes & Noble for him to spend a birthday gift card.  He was so excited to get new books - how can you deny a kid a chance for new books?  He's such a great reader.

Today we decided to go mt. biking at Hanna Park.  Hanna Park is where Ra got baptized at the beach last June - it's here in Atlantic Beach, but next to Mayport Naval Station.  They have the beach, mt. biking and hiking trails, a lake to fish/canoe, a splash pad and a campground.  It's a treasure that I'm glad we live close enough to use frequently.  Ra and Andy have ridden the trails with Ra's friend "Cra Cra" and his dad.  This was my first time riding the trails.  

I let Ra lead the entire time and he loved it.  You can tell he has dirt bike experience by watching him pick his line over tree roots, etc.  He did really well on the "More Difficult" trails.  We rode the South Loop (marked in red on the map) which was 4.5 miles roundtrip.  There aren't hills like when we rode in Corner Canyon in Utah, but there were some up and down sections where you could pick up a little speed.  

We were both tired afterwards.  It was a great work out and a wonderful way for us to spend some time with just Ra.  We have to check the tides, but we might break out our kayaks and go out on the intercoastal (aka the Ditch) to paddle around.  I'm excited to see what else we plan to do during our special time together each week.

Congrats to Sissy

I received a letter from Sissy's gymnastics coach last week.  Andy picked her up from practice so I didn't get to talk to her coach, but after a phone call to the gym, I found out that Sissy has been asked to move up from "Pre Team" to "Level 1 Competitive Team."  She wasn't even on pre team for more than a few weeks before she was asked to move up.  She and her friend Carla from pre team are both going into first grade (and Carla lives nearby in Mayport - her dad is in the Navy) were the only ones asked to move up from pre team.  Sis is still the youngest and I still worry that she won't be able to handle the focus and demands, but her coach sees something in her so we're going to give it a try.

Thankfully she will stay with the same coach, but her practices have gone from 2 hrs. a week to 5 hrs a week.  She goes to the gym Tues/Thurs mornings for the summer and then will continue 2x/week after school once they switch from their summer schedule.  She comes home from her 2 1/2 hour practice completely exhausted but somehow finds energy to swim.  I make her nap after all that exercise and she doesn't complain.  She's pooped!

Her coach told me on Tuesday, after her first practice that it might not be until winter/spring till she competes.  She'd need to compete as a level 2 for meets.  Meets are typically in Florida, but can be as far as south Florida.  They only have about 5 meets/year (only during school year).  This is going to be a huge time as well as financial commitment but if she likes it and she's good enough, I guess this is what our life is going to be like.  They also travel as a team to camps over the summer.

Who would have thought when we signed up for recreational classes last fall that she'd be on the competitive team in less than a year.  I just want to make sure that Sissy does this because she really wants to, not to try to please mom or dad.  I have tried to explain that by making this commitment that there are going to be days when she doesn't want to go to practice, but that's not a choice.  Her response was, "Will being on team help me get better at gymnastics?"  She's already been able to do a few skills better just with the extra time in the gym this week.  Hoping her enthusiasm doesn't fade as the summer continues.

Summertime Fun

We have a sweet neighbor who has a swing from the big oak tree in her front yard.  Miss Toni has given my kids permission to come swing on it anytime and they take her up on that offer a lot.  I love watching the two of them on it together.  It is a good reminder that no matter how much they fuss, scream, fight, etc with each other, they really are the best of friends.  I'm so thankful that they have each other.  

Weekend Country Fun

Last weekend was the very first Florida Country Superfest.  It took place at Everbank Field which is where the Jags play.  They had fantastic line ups for both Saturday and Sunday.  I dragged Andy with me and we had a great time - despite the weather!  It rained, actually stormed with lightning and thunder and delayed the show and Sunday was brutally hot and humid.  Thankfully for the last 3 acts of each day, the weather was perfect!

We enjoyed two days of kid free time together!

I had to pick up a souvenir from the weekend:

On Saturday we got to see:

Colt Ford - we watched him sing in the rain from the comfort of the Touchdown Club big screen tvs.  Big & Rich got cancelled because of the long rain delay.

Little Big Town - I've wanted to see them for a few years now and was so excited.  They sounded fantastic live!

My favorite - see the shirt picture above.

I've seen Eric Church in SLC and he was great then, but he was just as good in Jax!

And the headliner for Saturday night....Mr. Jason Adean!!!

I saw him in SLC too but this show was even better!

The stadium was packed both nights!  What a fabulous time!  I'm convinced that Jason Aldean sounds better live than recorded.

Sunday's line up included:

Joe Nicoles and Easton Corbin - we watched both of them from the club too because it was so flippin' hot!

Florida Georgia Line came out as the 3rd act.  They were awesome and totally appropriate for a Jax concert since they both grew up nearby.

Guess who joined them on stage for "This Is How We Roll?"  That's right...LUKE BRYAN!!!

Click HERE to see them together from the concert.

Next was Miranda Lambert:

And the headliner for Sunday night was....Luke Bryan!!!

During his show, Jason Aldean came out to sing with Luke.

For my hardcore country friends, here's a LINK to see them together in Jax.

Miranda joined them too - I was selfishly hoping it was Eric Church so the three could sing "The Only Way I Know" together since that's how they recorded it...I was bummed, but the two day concert was incredible.  I love live country and Christian music.  I'm so glad we can afford to see this type of entertainment.  Music is such a part of my life and concerts are the icing on the cake!

Can't wait to see if they do this again, and if so, who they bring in...All they were missing was Zac Brown Band and it would have been the ultimate concert weekend!

Our First Overnight Guests

Nanny and Pappy came to visit for a few days last week.  Our kids couldn't have been happier!  They played lots of games, swam in the pool, rode bike and ate ice cream.  What's not to love if you're 10 and under?  Both kids shed a few tears when they left but thankfully they are going to see my parents in NC before summer's over. 

Another Shabby Chic Project

A lot of our furniture doesn't go well with our dark wood floors because they have a lot of red tones like the piece you see below.  Instead of selling it and buying something new, I decided to paint it and reuse it!  I used Echo's Jax Beach color chalk paint and Dirty Wax in Mud Pie to finish it after a little distressing.  I also changed out the knobs to glass ones.  I love the way it turned out.  I'm considering painting our black corner cupboard upstairs in our hallway.  I'm leaning towards a blue color...I think I'm hooked!  It's so easy and fun.  I love that I can do a piece like this in ONE day!  I also plan to get some baskets to put under the table - there are some cross pieces that you can see on the top picture.  I think that will complete the look I'm after!  What a difference it makes and compliments our coastal decor!  

Harvest Time

Our blueberries are plentiful and the kids are enjoying having a snack right next to the pool.  They literally hop out, grab a few off the bushes and then hop right back in!  Perfection!

Super Grom Fest 2014

Last year our kids had so much fun at the Super Grom Festival in Jax Beach so I made sure to sign them up again this year.  A few friends signed their kids up too.  Sadly, this year, I was under the weather to say the least.  I had completely lost my voice on the morning of Grom Fest so I stayed home in bed while Andy took the kids.

Here are the pics from their morning surfing with the Florida Surfing Association:

Ra and his buddy "Cra Cra" walking down to the water for their lesson

Sissy getting use to her board

Wipe Out!

Look at Ra go!

Check out his tongue!

Here are some that Andy took from his iPhone:

They came home so excited to go surfing again!  I bought the kids an 8 foot board from Costco this year and Cra Cra's mom went out and got him a bigger board so she's handing down his smaller board to Sissy.  Hoping to get them out in the surf again soon - as soon as I'm better.  Wouldn't you know that I ended up with an ear infection just 2 days later!  Ugh.