PA final

Nate thought that it would be fun for the kids to catch some fish. So we went to a fish farm, so they were guaranteed to catch a fish. So we rented two poles and the kids each had a chance to throw in their poles and catch a fish. Lexie caught the only gold colored one and the boys caught regular trouts.

We cooked Lex's in the fire after doing smores on the fire that night and the boys we took home and did for Sunday dinner the next day. After the kids got their fishies we went back and ate dinner and did smores and ghost stories. Before it got too late we had a croquet match. The kids loved being able to say ghost stories. Chandler did not like the endings to Nate or I's, so he changed our endings. Even though it was verrrry wet, we had a fun time as a family.

PA vacation part 4

Our next stop was to a place called Caddy Shack, we went here last year and the kids had a lot of fun. They have mini golf, race cars, little boats, and some little kid rides. The only thing the kids wished that they were able to do was go on the train that they have there. They do all their rides and golf by tickets, and so the tickets ran out quite quickly with six of us using them.

Chan and Spence rode on the little race cars. They all rode on the airplanes. Lex, Wes, and I went on the tubs that spin around. Lex decided that she wanted to do the tub all by herself, she did a pretty good job of turning herself around. We ended this part of the day with mini golf. Wes just enjoyed throwing his ball down the hole and swinging his golf club all over. The kids had a fun time and luckily it only sprinkled for part of the time we were there.

PA vacation part 3

On Saturday we woke up to kind of clear sky's, so we decided to go ahead with the activities that we had planned. We first took a nice long hike down to a river. The kids did really well with the path, only problem was alllll the mud that we encountered on the path. Of course Wes had to walk/run the whole way, not caring if he fell. It was a little steep and rocky in places, so he had a fit when we had to hold his hand to help him. Other times we had to carry him, which we in turn got all dirty from holding him. Nate took us on a little detour, so we ended up going down some steep rocks..it was great fun.

We made it down to the water and the first thing Wes wants to do is go straight for it, to get in. The first place we stopped was a little rocky and slippery, so we headed off somewhere else. The second stop the kids were able to throw in rocks and walk around a little bit easier. Of course Wesley had to go straight in the river, which got his pants and shoes soaked before we get to him. Then he was walking back to the little shore and about fell in, which luckily I was right there and caught him. Then Spencer slipped and fell straight on his back on a rock partially covered in water. Which just a few minutes before we asked him not to walk.

On the way back it of course started to rain, which up until this point it had been dry. Wesley got almost back to the car and decided that he was tired and wanted me to carry him back. I was surprised that he was able to keep up and even at times be ahead of us, that kids has some serious energy. Luckily I had brought extra pants for all the kids, next time I will bring extra undies and socks too. The kids had a fun time hiking around and getting their energy out.

PA vacation part 2

Our next adventure led us to Laurel Caverns just up from the Fort. Our plans were to find a picnic area and eat lunch. But guess what it was RAINING...big surprise. So we had to fix and eat our lunch in the car.

Laurel Caverns is privately owned, so therefore is kind of expensive to go to. So I don't think we will be going back anytime soon:) The kids had an absolute blast walking down into the cave. Of course Wesley all he wanted to do was run, therefore falling down a lot. I think he left with as much dirt on him as there was on the floor of the cave..the kid was covered. A little note to self: do not put Wes in a white jacket again(it is stained forever).

The kids really liked seeing all the different rock formations that were in there. Their favorite part was when the guide turned off the lights and it was total darkness, that was not their favorite part..but the music and light show was after the lights were off. I think for little kids the tour was a little long, but in all it was a fun and very dirty adventure. If you plan on ever going in a cavern with little kids, dress them in old clothes you don't care about the dirt does not come out of clothes very easily.

PA vacation

For the past two years we have gone to western PA and stayed in a cabin for a few days. Both Nate and I grew up going every year to the same place and wanted the same tradition for our children. As we were coming home we thought that maybe we should try different areas and see where we would like to go as a yearly tradition. Rockwood is a fun place, but you have to drive at least 30 minutes or more to get to anywhere you wanted to go and you had to pay money for a lot of the things we did. We want to a find a place that has things closer and maybe things that are included with the price of accommodations, so any recommendations would be fabulous.

We left early on a friday, it is about a three hour drive. We were expecting it to be a rainy weekend and it was very wet. I was good about packing the kids a lot of clothes to change into, but not Nate and I. With kids you get just about as dirty as they do.

Our first stop was to Fort Necessity. This fight at this fort was in the summer of 1754 and was the opening battle of the war fought by England and France for control of the N. American continent. It was also the opening fight known as the French and Indian War. This was also the first major event in the military career of George Washington. SO there is a little bit of history to what made this fort so significant. I was surprised at how small the fort really was. They had a great visitor center and a great playground for the kiddies. Only drawback was the rain, it has overstayed it's welcome on the east coast. SO here are a few pics from the fort and surrounding areas.