Family Weekend Getaway - Photo Heavy

I had thought to make this two posts but why drag it out. One post, many photos. Enjoy. Or don't.

There's a family tradition that has been going on for years but because we lived on the other side of the country, we were never able to participate. There's a handful of our family (and when I say handful, I mean 30-40 of our giant family) that heads out every fall to a secluded cabin in the middle of PA. It's quite a trek up a mountain, over a river, through the woods, to grandmother's house we go you get the point... it's out there.

The drive up was fairly uneventful. Thank God for my good little travelers.

He's clearly thrilled to be stuck in the car for 7 hours. Clearly.

Upon arrival, it was slightly reminiscent of the movies where everyone scatters in a million directions. Somehow all families managed to arrive within the same one hour time so chaos was abundant. The cabin, oh the cabin! Two stories, giant dining table, three living areas, three bathrooms, and fourteen bedrooms! Add in no cell service and NO internet and we had nothing but four days of family fun!

Indoor shuffleboard!

Alena was in heaven having other GIRLS to play with.

 There were many late nights (let's face it, every night was late) spent talking and playing games. And we managed to do two large puzzles.

Even managed a couple naps.

It was much more relaxing than I thought it would be and I enjoyed it immensely. Looking around at our group laughing and playing, I thought, "THIS is what it is about and why we moved home." We were sad to leave and be there without Gabe, but are already looking forward to next year.

Fall Festivities

From September through December, the Fall season brings on many festivals and bazaars around our area. Every weekend is a different one with plenty of things for the kids to enjoy. Here's just a couple that we've visited.

Our first stop was to my hometown's Heritage Day. There were a variety of displays demonstrating how things were made in the old days. The kids each got to make their own candle by dipping string into the wax, walking around the roped off square, and repeating with each lap. After about 10-15 minutes of dipping, we had candles! Makes you realize how easy we have it to be able to flip a switch and have instant light.

There was also a blacksmith demo on making nails.

While we were there, a random turkey comes waltzing through the park. Apparently this turkey was coming and going through there all day. Hah.

Alena and Christian also made some rope. It was the neatest thing to watch and even though I watched how it was made, I'm still confused as to how the twine twisted onto itself into a rope!

That same weekend, another local town was having their Pumpkin Festival. It was really cold so we did a few activities, grabbed some deep fried Oreos (you must try them!), and headed home.

For a couple bucks, you could squash a pumpkin with a heavy wooden hammer. We were standing a good 10-12 feet away and still got pumpkin guts splattered on us.

SOOOO good and so fattening!

After a flashlight hay maze and the Oreos, we stopped for a quick picture before escaping to the warmth of the car.

Has anyone else been enjoying the abundance of Fall festivities?

Weekend Rewind - Over the 4th

Without a doubt, my favorite holiday weekend is the 4th of July. My hometown has an annual Ox Roast every year and it is always a great opportunity to see family and friends that I don't get to see very often all in one place.

My weekend started on Thursday. I took the kids out to see fireworks. I thought Noah would love it but after about 30 seconds, he was done and wanted to do nothing but run around. I spent the next 20 minutes chasing him... Hence, no firework pictures.

Friday, we headed out to the Ox Roast and the weather was just beautiful. It was probably the best 4th of July weather we've had in a very long time so people were out in droves. It was crowded, so crowded. But that's a great thing since this is how our local fire dept raises their money for the year! Besides visiting with friends and family, my second reason for going is lemonade. There is one stand there and it is SO good. We made a few laps and had several goodies, like ice cream. :) I'm fortunate to have an aunt and uncle that live right there so when we needed a break, we stopped by and the kids were able to run off some of their energy with cousins.

Someone had a good time and was wiped out.

I had to work (oh yeah, I got a job!) on Saturday afternoon and night so we didn't go to the Ox Roast and there are no pictures.

We went back for the Ox Roast's last day and another round of goodies on Sunday. Then we headed home and enjoyed the weather some more.

His first time ever wearing pj's.

The only thing that would have made it better would be having Gabe home with us, of course. I got to celebrate our 9th (how has it been NINE years already?!) wedding anniversary (July 8) alone for the first time ever. :( Excuse me a moment while I throw myself a mini pity party....

OK, I'm done. How did you spend your 4th of July weekend?

Weekend Rewind

This past weekend was probably the best one yet since we moved back home! If there were any doubts about whether moving home was the right decision, they are now gone. Being with family like this was what Gabe and I missed the most and after living away from home for about ten years, I am so glad to be able to be part of the fun rather than jealously hearing about it. Remember how we had spent the weekend at a cousin's house for Memorial Day weekend? We had so much fun that weekend that we decided to do it again for Father's Day! And I remembered to have a camera handy this time. :)

But let's start with Friday. The kids and I had heard of a new playground opening so we went to check it out. It was located next to a fruit farm in a great park complete with tons of paths and trails winding around the park and even through the apple orchard.

After having their fill of the playground, Alena and Christian broke out their bikes and rollerblades while Noah continued playing. After a bit I strapped Noah in the Beco carrier and we took a nice long walk through some park trails. It was cut a bit short when it started to rain and even though I despise being in the wet rain, we were having such a good time that I didn't even mind being sprinkled on!

Can't wait to come back for apple picking!

 Saturday, we headed back down to my cousin's house for another great sleepover. Last time we were there, they had just opened the pool but it wasn't quite ready. The pool was ready this time and it was put to good use! The kids had a blast running around, playing, driving the 4-wheeler, and then noshing on some s'mores around the campfire before a late bedtime. After the kids were finally down, us ladies sat around the fire for some uninterrupted conversation while enjoying a glass of wine before heading to bed ourselves.

Can't believe they can drive!

Sitting behind Christian while he gives me a 4-wheeler ride.

Sunday, Father's Day, the kids were up bright and early (of course) and those who hadn't spent the night came down and we enjoyed an absolutely gorgeous day. The kids were in and out of the pool, the dads went kayaking, and the ladies prepared a late lunch in between taking breaks for kids and fun.

The babies thought the pool was a little too chilly so we let them enjoy the kitchen sink!

After another busy fun filled weekend, we headed home thoroughly exhausted. And bonus, I got to talk to Gabe for the first time in five days!

How was your Father's Day weekend?