Four generation fun in Philly!

 

We just got back last night from our road trip to Philly.  Bob (as J calls my dad), J, and I drove down together and stayed with Gigi (my grandmother). 

 

We enjoyed the near tropical weather (for us) and played at the park the first day.  Bob played a little too hard as always, but they had so much fun.  J ended up completely covered in mud from falling under the merry-go-round and continuing to do it over and over.  Funny thing is this is the same merry-go-round I remember falling under and thereafter being terrified of.  Guess J and I are different in some ways!

The next day we visited the Hershey factory, in Hershey, PA.  Lots of fun (and crazy kiddo insanity).  We made our own chocolate bars!

Our family favorite chocolate factory.

 

Reading the Sunday morning funnies with Gigi.

Please Touch Museum.  Long line, but lots of fun!  Not the greatest pictures, but he really enjoyed it all, including the play grocery area.  I found his completely sugary and boxed food cart interesting.

One of the highlights of any trip to Philly is a visit to Himmey’s (Jewish deli/family favorite resaurant). I couldn’t help but take a pic of the matza ball soup

And my Rueben ;-)  (Picture of Mama’s Philly cheese-steak missing; guess we ate it too fast.)

Crayola factory—lots and lots of crafts!

 

And the Canal and Train museum.

Oh, and this is how J enjoyed the Martin Guitar Factory.  Most time I have had to digest a museum exhibit in awhile.  

We had so much fun.  We also enjoyed exploring Waverly, where Gigi lives, including making use of her pool.  We visited some old friends and we had a wonderful visit to a fun place called the Tree House where J got to take a gymnastics class, a dream come true for both of us.  Oh, and we even visited a “real” not-just-for-kids museum that we often enjoy (the Brandywine River Museum).  J thought the museum shop was the best part, though he did enjoy the original “Treasure Island” illustrations.  Unfortunately, with all this fun he also picked up a strep bug and is sick sick sick.  So we are just resting and relaxing for the rest of our vacation week.  It was a very special visit, most importantly for sharing so much time with people so important to us ;-)

Now I can see why people buy Valentines cards . . .

Happy almost Valentines to all!

(Cards made with a potato stamp, paper, and ribbon)

Heart garland made with crayon shavings melted between wax paper with an iron.

I am on a crafting with J kick, and a crafting-with-what-I-have-not-heading-to-the-store-every- time-I-get-an-idea kick.  What fun!  I am so lucky to have a kiddo who loves this stuff as much as I do!

Sledding—the real deal

 

This past weekend we spent Sunday at Brad’s mom and step-dad’s celebrating his niece Amber’s bday.  The conditions were finally right for Fred to take us out on the sled with his horses.  It was so much fun and incredibly beautiful.  I took about a million photos.  Joseph even loved it so much he stayed on the whole time they were out. 

I also had tons of fun helping Fred take care of the boys after the ride.  I am finally getting a little more comfortable around them.  Even though they are ginourmous, they still are horses just like the ones I always loved.  And very kind, well-trained ones at that!  

We also did our usual celebrating with tons of amazing food and some good rough housing.  We love going to Grandma and Grandpa’s (and love the fact we get to do it even more since they moved closer!)