Pennsylvania Vacation

We recently took a vacation to visit our family in Pennsylvania. We had an incredible time and we got to see many places. We travelled to Baltimore, Gettysburg, Hagerstown, Hershey, and of course Shippensburg. This was our very first family vacation so you will see tidbits of everything. Thanks to mom and Rich for enduring ten days of visitors, including noisy toddlers and babies!

Here is a shot of both babies during airplane initiation! They both did great on the plane. However, I would not reccommend long layovers. My son was nervous on the first takeoff, but by flight number five, he was loving it! Also, I am now a big fan of carseats on planes; children already know they are supposed to be still in them, thus it perpetuates good plane behavior -- which is great for everyone! :)

My son's instant obsession, Rich's tractor! He wanted to go into the garage first thing each morning to "ride it".

My baby girl's first sink bath, fun fun fun!

Daddy making sand castles at the lake

Looking across the street from my mother's porch.

The beauty from all the green trees, mountains, lakes, and hills is incredible!

My son playing in the forest behind my mom's house.

A random day of shopping led to the purchase of this cell phone that repeatedly said, "kowabunga"; he thought it was the most hilarious thing he had ever heard.

Just a random shot of my little sweetie at grandma's.

Aaaahhh -- Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey, PA. My son's first chocolate, chocolate chip cookie and it was perfectly fresh. Who wouldn't want the biggest bar after a taste of that?



Gary at Camden Yards -- he and Rich went to the Orioles v. Yankees game. It was not a bad game at all considering the Orioles' season.



My best friend from highschool, Meghan, and myself. It was so great to visit! I love having those friends in life that although you don't get to see them often, when you do it feels like you didn't miss a minute.

Poor baby, she was watching all of us eat ice cream at a shopping mall. She was just waiting for a little..........okay, so I did give her a tiny taste off of my finger.

No strollers here! We visited the Baltimore National Aquarium (amazing!) and you have to check the strollers at the gate. However, they give you these handy baby backpacks for the visit. They were pretty groovy and the kids could see everything better.

My husband's obsession -- sharks, sharks, sharks. Ironically enough, we spent much of the week before watching "shark week" on Discovery. He is addicted!

After a very busy day in Baltimore -- rest sweet babies, rest.

Having some grandma time after her bath!

A brief moment for husband and wife...

Daddy and B, where was big brother? Headed for the tractor or the dogs, no doubt!

During our visit to Land of the Little Horses in Gettysburg, J was excited to see all the animals including the miniature donkey!

Although there used to be a write up in the paper every Halloween about local "ghost stories", Gettysburg has truly decided to hit all avenues when drumming up tourist business. There is a sign like this about every 50 feet now and some even let you use a free "ghost meter". Did I mention they are trying to bring in a casino also. One word -- DIVERSIFY.

Sorry for my ranting, I just think Gettysburg is phenominal without all of this stuff and I hope people don't miss the point of Gettysburg's history with all of the new ideas.

Last, but not least, B's tribute to the Amish in PA!