The Fun Continues

We took a couple of days to go up to NY State and spend time with Michele’s dad. The kids enjoyed their third Christmas.

We drove into town (this is where Michele’s paternal grandparents grew up) to photograph the WWII memorial that has her grandparent’s names on it.

Her dad prepared a birthday celebration for her. All those candles warmed her chilled hands nicely.

Jeremiah was thrilled to be given the bedroom with the hammock.

Returning to Hershey, we visited and spoke at MIchele’s home church.  After not having been there for five years, it was a joy to  reunite with those who were a part of her childhood.

Michele’s mom took us to Chocolate World to finish up the attractions we didn’t have time to do the first time. This time the kids got to create their own candy bar and watch the process of it being made.

Mom kept us going and going from one fun thing to the next. The kids had a ball introducing ice skating to their cousins.

Grandma even got on the ice for a little while.

Michele’s Aunt Sue took us to Indian Echo Caverns. It was a very well done guided tour, fun, and we learned a lot.

Before we knew it, it was time to continue our travels and head south.  Our first stop was to visit Michele’s aunt. What wonderful visits we have had with family and friends.

We arrived in TN to beautiful summer like weather. Mark spoke at two churches, we visited with as many friends as we could in the short time we were there, and we showed the kids several places that were a part of our life during our five years in TN. A highlight was exploring the house and property where we lived. The house is between renters so we got to even show the kids the inside. They loved the place and asked if we could stay and live there. Besides boating in the pond, they played in the creek in the front of the house and explored the woods with Mark as he investigated why water was not getting to the house from the cistern up the creek. Mark and I have so many fond memories of our time here. We both realized we could so easily move back and pick up where we left off.  Maybe retirement will bring us back here.

On to Nashville we now go to visit some of Mark’s family and then up to Chicago. Please keep our travels in your prayers for safety and our time together as a family and with those we visit.

Family Fun While Heading East

We got to South Dakota and God in His goodness and graciousness led us to a hotel for the night that was attached to a waterpark. For less than the cost of all the other hotels along the way,not only did we get a great room for the night, but the kids also got to spend the evening playing in a waterpark. For the first time ever, our deputation travels is feeling like a vacation. Well, except for still having to do school.

In the morning, before heading to Mount Rushmore, we stopped to gas up the van. Mark came out from paying and said we had to see the incredible display of trophies inside. We spent the next half hour viewing the excellent display of North American and African animals.

Mount Rushmore was spectacular!  Our history class this year has mentioned Mount Rushmore several times, so it was inspiring to view it with our own eyes. It was the first I , Michele, had ever seen it.

And then off through the mid-west we went. The kids were not very impressed with the rolling farm land, but as “Aunt” Sue said, “We feed you.”

We spent five days in West Virginia with dear friends. The kids shared their CEF presentation 3 times at their AWANA.

The morning we left WV was Katelyn’s 8th birthday. Our friends had a birthday party breakfast for her, cupcakes, presents, party horns, and all.  Thanks guys! It was a birthday she will probably always remember.

As we left WV, we viewed yet another means of generating electricity.

We arrived in PA that evening and celebrated Katelyn’s birthday at Grandma and Papa’s house. It was quite the day for Katelyn.  It has been five years since we have seen Michele’s family and we are enjoying every moment with them. The first thing we did the next morning was visit Michele’s Papa. He is in the hospital recovering from Pneumonia. He also suffers from congestive heart failure. Realistically, this will most likely be the last time we get to be with Papa. The picture shows Neakita playing his old violin which he gifted to her five years ago and she just grew into this past summer.

Our weekend with Grandma started with play time at Chuck E. Cheese’s.  We came to the conclusion that it is a dangerous place that plants the seeds of an addiction to gambling in children. Haha. It was lots of fun for us grownups too.

Oooooooh, what a treat my mom gave Neakita and I. She took us for pedicures. Our feet have never felt better.

And the icing on the cake for the day was seeing a Hershey Bears hockey game. Thanks Mom and Dale!

We couldn’t be in Hershey without visiting Chocolate World! Yes, there are five children in the picture with us, the one you don’t recognize is our niece. We have enjoyed having her with us on our outings. The kids have had a blast getting to know their cousin. Next weekend they will have a sleepover at her house.

Thank you all for your constant prayers for us. Our travels have been great. We still have a long way to go.

We are now on our way to New York state to visit my Dad, so ‘til next time ----May God bless you and keep you in His loving grace.

Heading East

We have had beautiful driving weather. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
The first day we stopped for our sandwich lunch just along the road where we could watch a bunch of people ice fishing.

We stopped at Little Big Horn Memorial in Montana. It was a great history lesson for all of us.



The scenery through Montana and Wyoming was just breathtaking.

Christmas Fun with Family

Our drive to Mark’s parents was beautiful and put us in the Christmas mood.

We used the driving time to get school work done . . .

but took every opportunity to enjoy the view and hike in God’s majestic creation.

The view from the suspension bridge was much enjoyed by the kids.

It was great to get to Mom’s and kick back and relax; the closest thing to a vacation we have had in years. We had the opportunity to speak at a supporting church where Neakita played her violin.

After the service, the church held a potluck for us so they could have time to fellowship and and get to know us better. It was a great time.

Tuesday the 20th began Hanukah. Mom told the story of the history of Hanukah, lit the menorah,

taught us to play the Dradle game,

and made homemade doughnuts.

What yummy fun!

Other fun things we did were puzzles and

ice skating,

Christmas eve, we were given a part in the Christmas celebration at The Little Brown Church. They had our family light the advent wreath, Neakita played her violin with Grandma,

Alaina played Away in the Manger with Grandma while the children sang (including Katelyn)

Christmas morning brought much fun and surprises.

The dollar store army men that Jeremiah got from us . . .

were enjoyed by Jeremiah and Uncle Zac for hours.