Recap-Philly Vacation

A little run down on our visit to the kids back east.  We saw lots of sports.  Got there at just the right time to see the end of their basketball and soccer season. 

Got to be there for Hogan's 12th birthday! He got a phone, which he was thrilled about.  Parents calling to see if it works.  He's learning all the rules of being a responsible phone owner.

Watching the kids study.  Seeing Becky bake (gained another five pounds!)  Just hanging out.  The best part of being there with the gang.

 

Did manage to get away one day to visit the Reading Terminal Market in downtown Philly.  Loved wandering around.  Seeing all the fresh flowers, fresh baked good, fruit and veggies and the desserts!!

Best philly cheese steaks ever!

 

 

Oh and we got to drive all over Pennsylvania's winding roads with Taylor as he learns to drive.  Wouldn't want to be in his shoes.  No drivers training.  Just read the manual, then get in the car with both parents telling you what to do.  And the roads back there are crazy!  He'll be an amazing driver!

Plus, isn't he the best looking 16 year old you've ever seen?

 

It was a great eleven days. 

What a wonderful world

This past week has been amazing.  We have had so much fun being with the gang back here in PA.  They are such good kids.  Busy with all the activities that boys are involved with.  Basketball, soccer, getting ready for baseball.. school, church.  They have good friends.  It is nice to sit back and watch their comings and goings, to be apart of it all for a few short days.  

This past weekend has been really special.  As I sat in James and Becky's ward Relief Society and enjoyed the lesson given (i don't get to relief society often as i spend my time with the sunbeams back home) I was so touched.  The subject was "See Others as They May Become."  This beautifully given lesson taught how we should see past issues people might have and see their potential set the stage for events that would happen later in the evening.  

After church we went to a party for James' boss.  It was his birthday.  There were tons of people there, none that I knew, but I was immediately impressed by their friendliness, their close family ties and how quickly they made us feel apart of the group.  Immediately upon arrival we were met and greeted by our host and hostess and every other family member and made to feel so welcome.  I found myself sitting by our host's mother in law and an aunt.  These women were so kind and gracious.  The aunt and I talked almost the whole time we were at the party and I was amazed by how much we had in common.  We came from different backgrounds, religions, geographical locations, yet in just a short time a bond was created and I felt a true love for this woman.   

I have also been following the facebook page "Whatever it Takes"  telling the story of our friend Chricker Hallsey's son, Tyer who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.  The courage that they have as they face this trial is amazing.  Watching the support of wonderful friends, family and total strangers is uplifting and makes we want to be a better person.  

So I have been uplifted these past few day.
 I am grateful we were able to be here.
Grateful for the experiences we have had while we were here,
 grateful for a renewed sense of goodness in the world.
 Grateful for friends who see my potential,
and in spite of myself... love me anyway.
 Because of their love,  because of the goodness of others,
I want to be better.
It truly is a wonderful world.

Hogan's Birthday and The Reading Terminal Market

We've had a fun day!  It's not very often we get to spend a birthday with one of these guys. 

 Hogan turns twelve today and it was fun to be here with him to celebrate.  

We've been able to watch him play basketball and soccer this last week, along with the others. 

 Hogan is thrilled as he got a phone for his birthday! 

Happy Birthday Hogan.

Jim and I went with Becky to the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia.  

What a fun place with tons of fresh food everywhere. 

 Some of the best philly cheese steaks we've had.  

We are having a great time!

A Late night surprise

 It's been cold and gray lately...

so Grampa decided it was time to get away for a little spring baseball.

We got on a plane,

 late at night

...flew in

and

surprised

the 

GANG!

Can't believe how much they've grown in just six months.  

Will post about the fun days ahead.

The Getaway

I'm still upset about the pictures missing on my blog.  So, Jim said lets get out of here.. off we went and saw the beautiful fall colors.

 

Everywhere we drove the colors were amazing.

 

 

  We ended up in Colorado,  in a lovely little town.  And who do you think showed up?

 

 

Nick!!  It was fun to see  him and spend some time with him!

Wandering the streets of Spring City

 

We spent a perfect day with our friends, Teri and Dale, wandering around the streets of Spring City, Utah.  Seeing the lovely old homes, visiting with the city's many artists, and of course, taking pictures of their gardens. 

We caught the beautiful blooms just as summer turns to fall.

 

The hollyhocks were everywhere.

 

 

"If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere."

 

~Vincent Van Gogh

 

We certainly found it in Spring City.

Fish Lake 2012

Getting ready for a three day camping trip is simple.  Just fill a large truck, trailer, three SUV's  with just enough room for the family to squeeze in and we're off!!!!

The older boys are old hands at camping, fishing and all that goes with it.  The three little ones became part of the gang.  The learned from the best and were soon fishing, running through the wilds, and getting really dirty just as they should when camping.

The best part was all the smiles, the hugs the laughter.  Nothing better than watching these kids have fun with one another.

There were fish caught.  The biggest one was caught by Hogan, unfortunately it turned out to be lots of seaweed.  Becky showed off her talent as our driver - (eyes closed).  Good think the lake is very large!

Can't resist the smiles!

The hugs...

The fun, just watching the little ones play.

Abby and Becky outdid themselves as our cooks.  We ate the most delicious food.  Can't thank them enough for all their hard work!

Don't know if these two loved the boat at first.  Takes some getting used to.

Loved getting this picture of all the boys.  Next time little Wren will be running around keeping up with them.  Just a bit tiny thing year.  We missed her.

All good things come to an end.  Jake told me this was his biggest adventure of all, but on the third day, he was ready to go home.  (I think his parents were ready to go too.)

"To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter; to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's  nest or a wildflower in spring- these are some of the rewards of the simple life."

~John Burroughs

We have enjoyed and been blessed by the pleasures of nature, our family, and much love. 
The simple pleasures. 
Life is good.

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game"

We saved the best for last.  After seeing the sights of Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown and Washington DC, we got down to business.  Heading north to Philly, to watch some baseball. 

"Baseball, to me, is still the national pastime because it is a summer game.  I feel that almost all Americans are summer people, that summer is what they think of when they think of their childhood.  I think it stirs up an incredible emotion within people."
~Steve Busby


Watching these boys play is pure pleasure.  They love the game.  They have fun, they are busy, they are close to one another. 

"The other sports are just sports.  Baseball is a love."
Bryant Gumbel

Taylor is a freshmen and is playing on the junior varsity team.  Can't believe how he's grown.  He's also very smart.  (hey it's ok for grama's to go on and on about grandson's)

"There have only been two geniuses in the world.  Willie Mays and Willie Shakespeare."
Tallulah Bankhead

Jack is our lefty.  Fun to watch him pitch and hit.  Although he can switch it up.  His determination will take him wherever he wants to go. 

"Don't tell me about the world.  Not today.  It's springtime and they're knocking baseballs around fields where the grass is damp and green in the morning and the kids are trying to hit the curve ball."
Pete Hamill

Hogan plays all sports as if he were born to play that particular sport.  Yet, he chooses baseball.  He loves the game and it shows.  He's fun to watch because the knowledge of the game is just in him.  He takes the game seriously, yet there's always a smile on his face.

"Don't forget to swing hard, in case you hit the ball."
Woodie Held

Luke always swings hard, and seldom misses.  He loves to play catch.  I love to watch as he rips that catchers mask off and is ready for any play.  He's always ready for anything. 

And then there's the spectators.  James and Becky are constantly on the go.  They keep their boys on schedule, uniforms clean. Up at five for early morning seminary, off to school, homework, then off to the various ballfields for practice, games.  They pull it off.  James actually does have a full time job, and Becky is running (literally) from morning to night.  They are amazing. 
I'm so grateful, we get to jump into their lives each spring and take part in all they are doing. 

"It's root, root, root for the hometeam,
if they don't win it's ashame.
Cause it's one, two, three, strikes you're out
In the old Ball Game!!!!!"

To Mothers and Great Women through our history

I am still on a historical high from our trip.  As I go through my pictures I am reminded of the great women who have had an impact on my life and also on the history of this great nation. Way back in the beginning there were women of great courage.  Women who underwent great hardship and heartache, yet accomplished extraordinary things.  We know the ones in the history books.  Yet there were countless others who helped make this nation the great country it is today. 

I grew up on stories of World War II and am always amazed at the women of that time period.  They must have had incredible strength to have gone through the great depression only to send their husbands, sweethearts and sons off to war. 

War is awful for any soldier, yet those women who care for their men often go unoticed and unmentioned.  How heroic to watch, to care for, to love and sometimes fight as well.

I was particularly struck by this monument, having visited it last with my father.  There was a group of World War II vets there.  I visited with the lovely woman in the picture.  She was gracious, kind, and grateful that I would thank her for her service during that particular war.  What a sacrifice, and what a brave woman to go off to war when she was young.    

How grateful to have been taught by my mother and grandmothers to love and appreciate this great country.  I love them, the heritage they brought with them when they came to this country.  I love their values, their strength, their courage.  I am blessed to have been taught by valient and great women.  To these and many others I wish a Happy Mothers Day.

Travelling through History

We've arrived home after two weeks of one of the best vacations ever.  Seeing the historic and beautiful sights of Williamsburg and the surrounding area was lovely.  Our home away from home was the Marriott at Ford Colony.  Beautiful and peaceful, with gardens everywhere. 

Being able to stroll through old Williamsburg and visit their gardens was my idea of heaven. I couldn't get over the colors and the size of their plants.  Perennials and annuals that I have to nurse all summer, flourish back east in the humid air. 

We enjoyed just walking slowly through each garden, noticing the fencing, the paths, and the varied bushes and trees. 

Toward the end of our Williamsburg stay we were able to take our neighbor out to lunch.  He is serving in the area on his mission and got permission from his Mission President.  So we had a fun afternoon visiting with Michael and his companion.  They are loving their missions.  Couldn't ask for a lovlier spot to spend two years. 
Our first stop after Williamsburg was Mount Vernon.  Just the beginning of our Washington DC tour.  Perfect way to start the next part of the trip.  Will post pictures of Washington DC next time.  For now I am enjoying reliving our fun as I look through these pictures.  Nothing better than being able to see the world and enjoy it with wonderful friends!

Washington DC

We arrived in Washington DC on Saturday and have not stopped moving since.  I 've loved every minute of our stay here.  Could spend another month wandering through all the museums.  We've hit the highlights that were of greatest importance to us.  Saturday we spent the day at Mount Vernon.  Yesterday we took the hop on and off bus tour of the city and saw most of the monuments.  The Vietnam and Korean War were most impressive.  We found Jim's cousin, Wendle's name on the wall.  Today we got our private guided tour through the capitol.  Our guide was out of Senator Mike Lee's office.  He was fabulous.  That tour was a highlight and worth getting a hold of someone a head of time. Next the holocaust museum.  Can't put into words how I felt as I went through the exhibits.   The Iwo Jima monument was our last stop.  We got there just as a tour of World War II veterans were finishing up their tour.  What a thrill to be there with those hero's who served in that war.  I remember going to that particular monument with my dad when I was in High School.  It was the first time I ever saw him cry.  It is a very impressive place.  I've loved everything about this experience.  So grateful for the free nation we live in and all it stands for. Grateful as well that we were able to come on this vacation.  Next stop...the PA gang!!!!

Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown and more

We are getting ready to leave this beautiful part of the country.  Everything has been perfect.  The gardens of Williamsburg.  The history that comes out of Jamestown and Yorktown.  We've seen the mansions along the James River and even taken some missionaries out to lunch.  Every part of this vacation has been perfect.  The scenery, the history, the company, our surroundings.  Tomorrow we will move onto Washington DC to see more of our wonderful country.  Everything I see makes me more grateful for the country I live in.  Grateful for those who were brave and left their homes for whatever reason to begin again here in America.  I have always loved our history, but being here where it all started, makes me appreciate it even more.

Williamsburg VA

We've arrived in Williamsburg.  So absolutely beautiful here.  Before we came down we were able to see the PA gang and watch a little baseball.  So good to see them all.  Our home here is lovely.  Couldn't ask for a nicer place to stay while visiting this part of our country.  Thanks to Abby and Mike.  Jim and I have driven around getting the lay of the land.  Will pick up the Winchester's in a few hours.  Then we'll start exploring everything! I've already taken fabulous pictures of our surroundings.  Can't wait to post them. 

On the road again!!

Every spring I feel the need to fly away.  It goes way back to my high school days.  When those first warm days appeared and I wanted nothing to do with school or books.  I just wanted to play.  In April, when it's a clear, warm day and I see an airplane in the distance that feeling comes back to me. 

 

Usually we go on a trip in September.  And lately they have been road trips.  Our friends, the Winchester's along with Jim and I, clean out one of our cars and off we go.  We've seen so much of the country this way.  Mesa Verde, Mt, Rushmore, Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, Yosemite, and of course everything that lies along the way.  We are never in a hurry.  Ready to stop whenever there is something interesting.  A few times we have ventured further.  The Indy 500 trip, and Bar Harbor Maine will never be forgotton.

This time I get my wish and we fly off in April. Destination - The East.  First stop, Williamsburg, Va
Staying in the lovely Marriott vacation Resort.  Can't wait for a little meandering through the streets, a little shopping, relaxing, and some golf.

 

I love the history that surrounds the area.  It's been years since I visited this beautiful part of our country.


Next stop, Washington DC.  Much has changed there since we've been.  Can't wait to see everything we can pack in!

Then on to Philadelphia.  Finishing up our historic tour.  The Winchester's leave us here and we spend some family time with our gang.  Can't wait to see them and watch a little baseball!  This vacation can't come soon enough. I'm counting the days!

The Marriott. Park city. Lovely

We have been here a few days. I have to say it has been fun watching these little ones enjoy themselves. Jake Looks so grown up in his tiny ski boots, after coming in off the slopes with his mom and dad. He can't wait for More. Both Sam and jake love the steaming hot tubs. So much steam in the cold snowy night you can hardly see each Other. But they laugh and splash and jump in the snow and then back into the hot tub. Then back to the room where their warm pjs wait for them. They go not stop,til they finally drop mid sentence and are finally asleep. If you want a great winter vacation, try the Marriott right by the park city ski resorts. It's lovely, although, I think I'll Need a nap when I get home.

Park City

Abby and Mike dropped the kids off this morning so they could spend a day on their own. (it's their wedding anniversary) Later this afternoon we'll head up with the kids to spend a few days. Can't wait to enjoy this beautiful location just a short ride from our home. Jake has been learning to ski this year, (so has Abby). Next year will be Sam's turn. While the three of them are out in the cold,  Sam and I will be taking it easy at the steaming pool. Should be a lovely way to welcome March in.  A change is as good as a rest.  Will report on our activities!

KEEP CLOSE TO NATURE'S HEART..

We arrived home today.

 I've been promising pictures.

They can't do justice to what we've seen,

and felt.

"Keep close to Nature's heart...and break clear away, once in awhile,

and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods.

Wash your spirit clean."

~ John Muir

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.

 Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.

The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy,

 while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."

~John Muir

"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin."

~John Muir

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread,

places to play in and pray in where nature may

heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul."

~John Muir

These beautiful places have certainly given strength to my soul.

What a wonderful world.

ON OUR WAY HOME...

As we travel home I have to say again, I have never seen such beautiful landscape. 

From Yosemite, to the Sierra's, going toward Lake Tahoe. 

We've been blessed with gorgeous weather. 

We've seen sunsets like no other. 

 Blue lakes, and blue sky's. 

Mountain passes and rolling hills. 

The pictures I post will never be able to really show the true beauty of these spectacular sights. 

Out of all our vacations this one has won the prize for most scenic, most inspiring, most breathtaking. 

We have certainly had a great time, and remember this particular trip always.

YOSEMITE AND MORE

I can't even begin to describe how all the beauty that we are seeing is affecting me.  Everywhere we go is more astounding than the last place, or different with its own beauty. From the waterfalls, to the meadows, to the peaks of the mountains to the Mariposa Grove with its Sequoia's.  It all takes your breath away, while leaving you with the most peaceful feeling.  I can't wait to post our pictures (of which we have many).  Totally enjoying ourselves with our friends, the Winchesters.  So grateful to be able to see different parts of this country we are so blessed to live in.  Off for more adventures tomorrow...only halfway through our adventure.

TRAVELLING WEST

We've just about got everything we can fit in the car.

The driver and navigator are ready. (The movie watchers are ready also).

We are off to see the sights of Yosemite National Park..

and Lake Tahoe.

It should be lovely this time of year.

 Can't wait for the fun to begin.

Will report on the beautiful sights we see!