Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Well it's the day we are all dreading. Time to head home - BOO! The cars are packed, trailer cleaned and we are in the car by 930. First we stop to take a few last minute photos of the campground.
Next we drive up to Bass Pro Shop in Harrisburg. We take advantage of some photo opportunities. Everyone takes advantage of the shooting arcade - GO CORTNEY - 17 out of 25 shots made!!!! Outside the store is 2 vending machines - 1 is for soda - the other is for live bait! (see the photo)
Next we drive a little further to Herhsey - to stop pand pick up a few last minute treats.
Finally we hit the highway at 115 to start our long ride home. We stop at a McDonalds for lunch. As we are driving we hear there are a bunch of severe thunderstorm warnings - but we manage to keep out running them.
We arrive back into Spencer around 730 - 8. Some of us are glad to be home, some of us would love to just keep traveling (like the Liebermans ;)
But know the real work begins - unloading the vehicles and putting everything away - UCK :(
Thanks for reading our blog - we had fun writing it.
Next we drive up to Bass Pro Shop in Harrisburg. We take advantage of some photo opportunities. Everyone takes advantage of the shooting arcade - GO CORTNEY - 17 out of 25 shots made!!!! Outside the store is 2 vending machines - 1 is for soda - the other is for live bait! (see the photo)
Next we drive a little further to Herhsey - to stop pand pick up a few last minute treats.
Finally we hit the highway at 115 to start our long ride home. We stop at a McDonalds for lunch. As we are driving we hear there are a bunch of severe thunderstorm warnings - but we manage to keep out running them.
We arrive back into Spencer around 730 - 8. Some of us are glad to be home, some of us would love to just keep traveling (like the Liebermans ;)
But know the real work begins - unloading the vehicles and putting everything away - UCK :(
Thanks for reading our blog - we had fun writing it.
Friday, August, 1, 2008
Well, it's our last day of vacation. We still have so much we want to do, as well as so much we have to do. Up early, everyone is out of the trailer by 845am - that's a record for us to have 8 peaople up and ready by!!! Anyway we drive into York. Our destination - Harley Davidson. We are about to all get a taste of all this steel. There is a museum we are able to go through. Everyone is able to sit on some Harleys for pictures. Then we take the kids into the store and suit them up - everyone in the store is looking at us - but we know what they are really thinking "What a great idea - that is such an AWESOME picture!" (check them out)
Anyway - Dennis, Vicki, and Nicholas take the tour of the factory. They get to see how the whole thing is put together as it goes down the manufacturing line. Vicki says that she could never work there - because you just do the same thing over and over again.
Meanwhile - Kathy takes Zack, Mikayla, Megan and Cortney down the road to the York Galleria. As they walk around the mall - Kathy finds the deal of the day - and gets the girls all together for it. American Eagle is offering to anyone that tries on (you don't have to buy) a pair of their jeans - you get a free concert t-shirt - FOR FREE! The girls are all excited. Then they head down to Hot Topic. There they buy some hair color and glow in the dark nail polish. We are currently making plans to do there hair - and have Cortney give Kathy a makeover - we will post those pictures when it happens!
Anyway - after the tour Dennis, Vicki and Nick join us at the galleria. We have a quick lunch in the food court. While Nicholas goes in to get his free t-shirt, Vicki and Dennis go to FYE and you will never believe what movie they puchase - CHILDREN OF THE CORN! (Remember we are camping right next to a cornfield!) The plan is to watch it tonight.
We leave the mall and head into Lancaster - towards Amish Country. We go to the Farmers Market. The is everyone's upclose encounter with some amish people. It is also the Desplaines family's 1st taste of Lebanon Bologna. Now those of you that are not familiar with Lebanon Bologna - it is nothing like bologna. It is more like a smoky salami. And you either love it - or you HATE it. Kathy and Zack (and Aunt Lisa and Jen) love it. We give some to Dennis - who likes it - Cortney and Vicki HATE it. Megan and Mikayla and Nick won't even try it. But we do purchase some homemade fudge - and everyone finds a flavor they like in that!
We drive back towards the campground. The Desplaines stop pat the grocery store - while the Kings head back to the butcher shop to bring home everyone's orders from back home. Kathy purchases some grillers for them to try. She was going to buy some scrapple for them to try - since this is one of the few places in the world where you can get it. Everyone was buying it - but Kathy decided they didn't seem like the adventurous group....what is scrapple you ask? It's dictionary defined as "cornmeal mush made with the meat and broth of pork, seasoned with onions, spices and herbs and shaped into loaves for slicing and frying." The word, scrapple originates from "scrap" or "scrappy" meaning made up of odds and ends for that's exactly what it is—boiled, ground leftover pig scraps with cornmeal and spices thrown in. Scrapple lovers think of it as food for the gods. Anti-scrapplers consider it a culinary abomination.
Anyway - we head back to the campground. The kids going swimming, Kathy does laundry, Vicki and Dennis take down the tent. We prepare dinner - burgers, dogs, grillers, and leftover corn on the cob, squash, an yellow watermelon. After the cars are packed with eveything except the stuff we needed for the morning, we sit down to watch.....don....don....don.....CHILdREN OF THE CORN. In the 1st 10 minutes of the movie - Nicholas, Mikayla and Zachary are scared - and we change to LIAR LIAR.
Everyone goes to bed - anticipating - or should I say - Dreading the long ride home tomorrow!
Anyway - Dennis, Vicki, and Nicholas take the tour of the factory. They get to see how the whole thing is put together as it goes down the manufacturing line. Vicki says that she could never work there - because you just do the same thing over and over again.
Meanwhile - Kathy takes Zack, Mikayla, Megan and Cortney down the road to the York Galleria. As they walk around the mall - Kathy finds the deal of the day - and gets the girls all together for it. American Eagle is offering to anyone that tries on (you don't have to buy) a pair of their jeans - you get a free concert t-shirt - FOR FREE! The girls are all excited. Then they head down to Hot Topic. There they buy some hair color and glow in the dark nail polish. We are currently making plans to do there hair - and have Cortney give Kathy a makeover - we will post those pictures when it happens!
Anyway - after the tour Dennis, Vicki and Nick join us at the galleria. We have a quick lunch in the food court. While Nicholas goes in to get his free t-shirt, Vicki and Dennis go to FYE and you will never believe what movie they puchase - CHILDREN OF THE CORN! (Remember we are camping right next to a cornfield!) The plan is to watch it tonight.
We leave the mall and head into Lancaster - towards Amish Country. We go to the Farmers Market. The is everyone's upclose encounter with some amish people. It is also the Desplaines family's 1st taste of Lebanon Bologna. Now those of you that are not familiar with Lebanon Bologna - it is nothing like bologna. It is more like a smoky salami. And you either love it - or you HATE it. Kathy and Zack (and Aunt Lisa and Jen) love it. We give some to Dennis - who likes it - Cortney and Vicki HATE it. Megan and Mikayla and Nick won't even try it. But we do purchase some homemade fudge - and everyone finds a flavor they like in that!
We drive back towards the campground. The Desplaines stop pat the grocery store - while the Kings head back to the butcher shop to bring home everyone's orders from back home. Kathy purchases some grillers for them to try. She was going to buy some scrapple for them to try - since this is one of the few places in the world where you can get it. Everyone was buying it - but Kathy decided they didn't seem like the adventurous group....what is scrapple you ask? It's dictionary defined as "cornmeal mush made with the meat and broth of pork, seasoned with onions, spices and herbs and shaped into loaves for slicing and frying." The word, scrapple originates from "scrap" or "scrappy" meaning made up of odds and ends for that's exactly what it is—boiled, ground leftover pig scraps with cornmeal and spices thrown in. Scrapple lovers think of it as food for the gods. Anti-scrapplers consider it a culinary abomination.
Anyway - we head back to the campground. The kids going swimming, Kathy does laundry, Vicki and Dennis take down the tent. We prepare dinner - burgers, dogs, grillers, and leftover corn on the cob, squash, an yellow watermelon. After the cars are packed with eveything except the stuff we needed for the morning, we sit down to watch.....don....don....don.....CHILdREN OF THE CORN. In the 1st 10 minutes of the movie - Nicholas, Mikayla and Zachary are scared - and we change to LIAR LIAR.
Everyone goes to bed - anticipating - or should I say - Dreading the long ride home tomorrow!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Thursday comes. The group decides to separate into 2 groups again. The 1st group are our history buffs. Dennis, Vicki, Cortney, Megan and Nicholas travel back to Gettysburg to meet up with Dennis' sister Kim.
They purchased an auto tour that walked them thru all the important monuments. It gave them interesting little stories to go along with them.....for instance, there is this 1 monument that looks like a tree. The story goes like this, during the battle, a cannon knocked a Robin's nest out of a tree. A soldier actually took the time to place the nest back up into the tree. That is what the statue is based on.
They went to the visitors center and a museum. They browsed through some civil war stores and the kids posed for some pictures.
Nicholas was really excited because he met a young author that just wrote 2 books on the Civil War. He had the books signed, and the author gave him his business card and told Nicholas to stay in touch.
The other group went for a short ride. They stopped at a vegetable stand on the side of the road and purchased corn on the cob, yellow watermelon, and fresh peaches. Kathy ate a peach in the car and it was delish! They also stopped at the butcher shop and picked up steaks, ribs and burger for supper. Finally their journeys brought them to a mall. Mikayla bought some clothes at Wet Seal. She was able to get her backpack for school. Zachary bought a storm trooper.
They returned back to the campground and went swimming.
The Gettysburg group returned home and we cooked dinner. It was an early evening since we all need to be up early the next day.
They purchased an auto tour that walked them thru all the important monuments. It gave them interesting little stories to go along with them.....for instance, there is this 1 monument that looks like a tree. The story goes like this, during the battle, a cannon knocked a Robin's nest out of a tree. A soldier actually took the time to place the nest back up into the tree. That is what the statue is based on.
They went to the visitors center and a museum. They browsed through some civil war stores and the kids posed for some pictures.
Nicholas was really excited because he met a young author that just wrote 2 books on the Civil War. He had the books signed, and the author gave him his business card and told Nicholas to stay in touch.
The other group went for a short ride. They stopped at a vegetable stand on the side of the road and purchased corn on the cob, yellow watermelon, and fresh peaches. Kathy ate a peach in the car and it was delish! They also stopped at the butcher shop and picked up steaks, ribs and burger for supper. Finally their journeys brought them to a mall. Mikayla bought some clothes at Wet Seal. She was able to get her backpack for school. Zachary bought a storm trooper.
They returned back to the campground and went swimming.
The Gettysburg group returned home and we cooked dinner. It was an early evening since we all need to be up early the next day.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Well after a couple of long days at HersheyPark, everyone slept in late. After lunch we decided to take a ride. We drove along through the farmlands and headed south towards Gettysburg.
Now for a short history lesson. Gettysburg is best known for just three days of time, July 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 1863 - the Battle of Gettysburg. Each year nearly 2 million people visit this site, the largest battlefield shrine in America with over 1,000 monuments and cannon and over 40 miles of scenic avenues. They come to see for themselves the spot where thousands fought and died for their "cause", the spot where President Lincoln spoke and still speaks to us today.
How did this battle start? General Lee’s Army was traveling north. Maj General Meade's Union Army were pursuing them. Lee ordered several brigades to travel east to check their location and to forage for supplies for his troops. Northwest of the town of Gettysburg they met. A skirmish ensued and as the battle heated, word was sent back to both commanders that the enemy was found and reinforcement troops proceeded to the area. Over the next 2 days Lee’s army converged onto Gettysburg from the west and north while Meade’s army arrived from the south and southeast. Thus a battle never planned occurred simply by circumstance.
July 1, 1863
As southern forces continued a relentless attack and launched an all-out offensive which drove the Union forces through the streets of Gettysburg to a defensive line south of town. Thus, after the first day of battle the 5 mile Confederate line traveled from Seminary Ridge through the town and eastward toward the area called Culp's Hill. As additional Northern reinforcements arrived on the field, they occupied a 2 mile defensive position commonly referred to as a fishhook formation along Cemetery Ridge and Culp's Hill.
July 2, 1863
While simultaneous attacks were supposed to have occurred on Culp's Hill and Cemetery Ridge, the attacks took place six hours apart and were unsuccessful. Though Union forces held onto Culp's Hill, the Confederate forces did drive back the Union troops in areas referred to as the Peach Orchard, Wheatfield, Valley of Death and Devils Den with a staggering amount of casualties. The Confederate advance of the right flank had initially succeeded but was stopped by heroic efforts of Union forces in an area known as Little Round Top.
Having been basically successful in 2 days of battle with the Union army, General Lee, believing his army was invincible and undefeatable, decided to attack what he thought to be the weakest position of the Union line the next day. At the same time General Meade held a council of war with his Corp commanders and decided to remain in a defensive position for the battle anticipated the next day. Thus the decision made by both commanders would lead to one of the most famous days of the American Civil War.
July 3, 1863
The third day of battle began with another unsuccessful attempt to take over and occupy Culp's Hill. Meanwhile, a mile east of Gettysburg a Confederate Cavalry of 6,000 troopers held orders to attack the Union rear. Union cavalry with a strength of 5,000 confronted them in a hot firefight that contained and turned the Confederates back.
12,000 Confederate soldiers marched from Seminary Ridge in parade dress formation to launch a famous, heroic attack upon the Union center, forever ingrained and immortalized in history as Pickett's Charge. Union forces watched their soon to be combatants in awe. They admired the intense patriotism and desperate dedication of the men before them. Still, once within range, the Union artillery hit and mowed down the columns of men like blades of grass. Two out of three Confederate soldiers would not return.
Retreating back to Seminary Ridge, General Lee waited and upon seeing General Pickett and realizing the defeat that occurred, advised Pickett to reform his division in the event of a Union counterattack. Pickett, looking at Lee responded, "General Lee, I have no division." With these words, and after 3 days of devastating carnage, the battle ended with the Confederates being defeated and retreating back to Virginia the next day. Sadly, the horrors of the war would continue for another two long, bloody years.
When the armies marched away from Gettysburg they left behind a community in shambles and more than 51,000 killed, wounded, and missing. Wounded and dying were crowded into nearly every building. Most of the dead lay in hasty and inadequate graves; some had not been buried at all.
This situation so distressed Pennsylvania's Gov. that he commissioned to purchase land for a proper burial ground for Union dead. Within four months of the battle, reinterment began on 17 acres that became Gettysburg National Cemetery.
When the cemetery was dedicated on November 19, 1863, less than half the Union battle dead had been removed from their field graves. On the program was a guest, President Abraham Lincoln whose remarks lasted only two minutes. The Gettysburg Address has become known as one of the supreme masterpieces of eloquence in the English language.
The speech transformed Gettysburg from a scene of carnage into a symbol, giving meaning to the sacrifice of the dead and inspiration to the living.
Today the cemetery is the final resting place for over 6,000 honorably discharged servicemen and their dependents from the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War.
While in the battlefields, you can not help be taken in with what happened here. Dennis, Vicki, and Nicholas really enjoyed the visit reading many of the plaques and monuments. Mikayla decided to annoy everyone with a blade of grass she found - tickling everyone with it and then turning them into various things. After viewing several of these monuments, we drove to Boyds Bear Country. We visited the nursery of bears and the pet adoption center. Then the kids were able to 'make their own animals' after clocking in for work. The kids decided on what qualities they wanted their animals to have: bravery, laughter, love, friendship, and imagination.
We stopped for dinner at Pike's restaurant. Dennis was able to try Yuengling which is a local beer brewed in America's Oldest Brewery in Pottsville, PA. Next our adventures brought us to the Outlets at Hershey. The kids enjoyed some shopping.
Finally we headed back to the campground. Dennis made a campfire. As we enjoyed the fire and smores, Nicholas told the story of the 'Humming Man'. But, when he tried to sneak around the camper to scare Cortney, Cortney hid next to the tent. Kathy sat in Cortney's seat so Nick would think she was still there. As he snuck up - Cortney jumped out and scared Nicholas!
After updating the blog everyone went to bed!
Now the trivia contest for the day:
1. Who is the only Gettysburg citizen killed in the Battle of Gettysburg?
2. What was the dogs name that the monument of the 11th Pennsylvania division is dedicated to?
Answer these questions and you could win a prize.
Memere we are still waiting for some of your comments.....hope you are enjoying the blog!
Now for a short history lesson. Gettysburg is best known for just three days of time, July 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 1863 - the Battle of Gettysburg. Each year nearly 2 million people visit this site, the largest battlefield shrine in America with over 1,000 monuments and cannon and over 40 miles of scenic avenues. They come to see for themselves the spot where thousands fought and died for their "cause", the spot where President Lincoln spoke and still speaks to us today.
How did this battle start? General Lee’s Army was traveling north. Maj General Meade's Union Army were pursuing them. Lee ordered several brigades to travel east to check their location and to forage for supplies for his troops. Northwest of the town of Gettysburg they met. A skirmish ensued and as the battle heated, word was sent back to both commanders that the enemy was found and reinforcement troops proceeded to the area. Over the next 2 days Lee’s army converged onto Gettysburg from the west and north while Meade’s army arrived from the south and southeast. Thus a battle never planned occurred simply by circumstance.
July 1, 1863
As southern forces continued a relentless attack and launched an all-out offensive which drove the Union forces through the streets of Gettysburg to a defensive line south of town. Thus, after the first day of battle the 5 mile Confederate line traveled from Seminary Ridge through the town and eastward toward the area called Culp's Hill. As additional Northern reinforcements arrived on the field, they occupied a 2 mile defensive position commonly referred to as a fishhook formation along Cemetery Ridge and Culp's Hill.
July 2, 1863
While simultaneous attacks were supposed to have occurred on Culp's Hill and Cemetery Ridge, the attacks took place six hours apart and were unsuccessful. Though Union forces held onto Culp's Hill, the Confederate forces did drive back the Union troops in areas referred to as the Peach Orchard, Wheatfield, Valley of Death and Devils Den with a staggering amount of casualties. The Confederate advance of the right flank had initially succeeded but was stopped by heroic efforts of Union forces in an area known as Little Round Top.
Having been basically successful in 2 days of battle with the Union army, General Lee, believing his army was invincible and undefeatable, decided to attack what he thought to be the weakest position of the Union line the next day. At the same time General Meade held a council of war with his Corp commanders and decided to remain in a defensive position for the battle anticipated the next day. Thus the decision made by both commanders would lead to one of the most famous days of the American Civil War.
July 3, 1863
The third day of battle began with another unsuccessful attempt to take over and occupy Culp's Hill. Meanwhile, a mile east of Gettysburg a Confederate Cavalry of 6,000 troopers held orders to attack the Union rear. Union cavalry with a strength of 5,000 confronted them in a hot firefight that contained and turned the Confederates back.
12,000 Confederate soldiers marched from Seminary Ridge in parade dress formation to launch a famous, heroic attack upon the Union center, forever ingrained and immortalized in history as Pickett's Charge. Union forces watched their soon to be combatants in awe. They admired the intense patriotism and desperate dedication of the men before them. Still, once within range, the Union artillery hit and mowed down the columns of men like blades of grass. Two out of three Confederate soldiers would not return.
Retreating back to Seminary Ridge, General Lee waited and upon seeing General Pickett and realizing the defeat that occurred, advised Pickett to reform his division in the event of a Union counterattack. Pickett, looking at Lee responded, "General Lee, I have no division." With these words, and after 3 days of devastating carnage, the battle ended with the Confederates being defeated and retreating back to Virginia the next day. Sadly, the horrors of the war would continue for another two long, bloody years.
When the armies marched away from Gettysburg they left behind a community in shambles and more than 51,000 killed, wounded, and missing. Wounded and dying were crowded into nearly every building. Most of the dead lay in hasty and inadequate graves; some had not been buried at all.
This situation so distressed Pennsylvania's Gov. that he commissioned to purchase land for a proper burial ground for Union dead. Within four months of the battle, reinterment began on 17 acres that became Gettysburg National Cemetery.
When the cemetery was dedicated on November 19, 1863, less than half the Union battle dead had been removed from their field graves. On the program was a guest, President Abraham Lincoln whose remarks lasted only two minutes. The Gettysburg Address has become known as one of the supreme masterpieces of eloquence in the English language.
The speech transformed Gettysburg from a scene of carnage into a symbol, giving meaning to the sacrifice of the dead and inspiration to the living.
Today the cemetery is the final resting place for over 6,000 honorably discharged servicemen and their dependents from the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War.
While in the battlefields, you can not help be taken in with what happened here. Dennis, Vicki, and Nicholas really enjoyed the visit reading many of the plaques and monuments. Mikayla decided to annoy everyone with a blade of grass she found - tickling everyone with it and then turning them into various things. After viewing several of these monuments, we drove to Boyds Bear Country. We visited the nursery of bears and the pet adoption center. Then the kids were able to 'make their own animals' after clocking in for work. The kids decided on what qualities they wanted their animals to have: bravery, laughter, love, friendship, and imagination.
We stopped for dinner at Pike's restaurant. Dennis was able to try Yuengling which is a local beer brewed in America's Oldest Brewery in Pottsville, PA. Next our adventures brought us to the Outlets at Hershey. The kids enjoyed some shopping.
Finally we headed back to the campground. Dennis made a campfire. As we enjoyed the fire and smores, Nicholas told the story of the 'Humming Man'. But, when he tried to sneak around the camper to scare Cortney, Cortney hid next to the tent. Kathy sat in Cortney's seat so Nick would think she was still there. As he snuck up - Cortney jumped out and scared Nicholas!
After updating the blog everyone went to bed!
Now the trivia contest for the day:
1. Who is the only Gettysburg citizen killed in the Battle of Gettysburg?
2. What was the dogs name that the monument of the 11th Pennsylvania division is dedicated to?
Answer these questions and you could win a prize.
Memere we are still waiting for some of your comments.....hope you are enjoying the blog!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29,2008
Hmmmm....
The group separated for the day again. The daredevils headed to HersheyPark, and Zack and Kathy were staying around the campground area.
As soon as arriving at HerhseyPark, the group decided to go to the waterpark to cool off. In 1907 Milton S. Hershey opened a picnic and pleasure grounds for the employees of his chocolate factory.
The Boardwalk is a tribute to the legendary beaches of the Northeast including Atlantic City, Ocean City, Coney Island, and Rehoboth Beach. These beaches are favorites among our park guests, and this enhancement combines the best of two great summer vacations – a day at an amusement park and a trip to the beach!
The Boardwalk at HERSHEYPARK features five distinctive water attractions, including East Coast Waterworks, the largest water play structure in the world! This $21 million enhancement is the biggest attraction we’ve ever built inside the Park.
First stop Waterworks. Whirlwind was next - which looks like a toilet bowl. Next they braved a 2 hour wait to ride the Roller Soaker. ROLLER SOAKER is the ultimate aerial water experience featuring water squirt guns, water sprayers, and spurting geysers. Each rider will be able to actually dump up to four gallons of water on spectators below, whenever they choose, while the spectators can direct huge water sprayers toward the riders, offering a drenching interaction for everyone. Vicki said she thinks its ice water......but I bet it really cooled them off!
After changing the group headed to the Herhsey campground to have dinner with Dennis' sisters family. But on the way there....the bus broke down. They got on another bus - the Hershey Lodge bus and went to the Lodge 1st and then headed to the campground.
They were greeted with cheese, crackers, grapes and cold drinks by Kim, Bob, Cameron, Kayla, and Lauren. Best of all, Dennis got to enjoy a beer. Remember we are staying in a dry town!!! Bob cooked up steak, chicken, sausage, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Nick tells me they were the BEST cheeseburgers ever...and we know what an aficiando he is.
After eating and visiting they returned to the park. Mikayla decided to become a true adventurer and ride Storm Runner, which Dennis reports is the most extreme rollercoaster there (see the video). They next rode the Lightning Racer...the racing rollercoaster....And Mikayla, Vicki, Dennis and Kim realized they were racing Nicholas and Cameron as they climbed the hill.....and the winner of the race...........Mikayla, Vicki, Dennis and Kim!!!! Cameron and Nicholas rode Music Express and Nicholas SQUOOSHED Cameron! Next, they rest of the group rode and Megan, Mikayla, Kayla, Lauren and Cortney realized the ride was even more adventurous since there was the "WORLD'S MOST SCARIEST, BIGGEST SPIDER ever!!!!. Next the Mouse coaster, the WildCat ....Mikayla joined the group on FARENHEIT! And the last ride of the night - THE CLAW! Nicholas closed his arm into the seat next of him. When the attendant came over to release him - he read Nick's shirt which said "I don't need school I already know everything!" The attendant told him - "Apparently you need to stay in school"
They took the tram back to the car - IT WAS AIRCONDITIONED!!! Long ride back home.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm......
Zachary watched "THE GOONIES" while Kathy worked on the blog. After they decided to adventure through the cornfields and see what they could find....They stopped and got some fresh tomatoes to go with the fresh cukes we have from home....Thanks Uncle Dave! We drove and drove and drove.....finally we came across civilization.....A MALL. We walked through the mall, and we found the elusive thing we have been searching for......from Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and now Pennsylvania! We actually found them.....we found ...... Mikayla's sneakers she wanted for school....and they were on SALE!
We did a little more shopping and then decided to ride back home. We decided to stop at a Diner for dinner. We drove back to the campground. We went up to the pool. We actually were swimming as the sunset over the cornfield. It was cool. Back to the trailer, we watched "Click" and Kathy were on the blog.
When the rest of the group returned home, Zachary found time to hang with his new best friend, Dennis. Mikayla was excited about her new shoes. Finally, Kathy ended the night with an exciting IM with her favorite twins....HI GUYS!
The group separated for the day again. The daredevils headed to HersheyPark, and Zack and Kathy were staying around the campground area.
As soon as arriving at HerhseyPark, the group decided to go to the waterpark to cool off. In 1907 Milton S. Hershey opened a picnic and pleasure grounds for the employees of his chocolate factory.
The Boardwalk is a tribute to the legendary beaches of the Northeast including Atlantic City, Ocean City, Coney Island, and Rehoboth Beach. These beaches are favorites among our park guests, and this enhancement combines the best of two great summer vacations – a day at an amusement park and a trip to the beach!
The Boardwalk at HERSHEYPARK features five distinctive water attractions, including East Coast Waterworks, the largest water play structure in the world! This $21 million enhancement is the biggest attraction we’ve ever built inside the Park.
First stop Waterworks. Whirlwind was next - which looks like a toilet bowl. Next they braved a 2 hour wait to ride the Roller Soaker. ROLLER SOAKER is the ultimate aerial water experience featuring water squirt guns, water sprayers, and spurting geysers. Each rider will be able to actually dump up to four gallons of water on spectators below, whenever they choose, while the spectators can direct huge water sprayers toward the riders, offering a drenching interaction for everyone. Vicki said she thinks its ice water......but I bet it really cooled them off!
After changing the group headed to the Herhsey campground to have dinner with Dennis' sisters family. But on the way there....the bus broke down. They got on another bus - the Hershey Lodge bus and went to the Lodge 1st and then headed to the campground.
They were greeted with cheese, crackers, grapes and cold drinks by Kim, Bob, Cameron, Kayla, and Lauren. Best of all, Dennis got to enjoy a beer. Remember we are staying in a dry town!!! Bob cooked up steak, chicken, sausage, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Nick tells me they were the BEST cheeseburgers ever...and we know what an aficiando he is.
After eating and visiting they returned to the park. Mikayla decided to become a true adventurer and ride Storm Runner, which Dennis reports is the most extreme rollercoaster there (see the video). They next rode the Lightning Racer...the racing rollercoaster....And Mikayla, Vicki, Dennis and Kim realized they were racing Nicholas and Cameron as they climbed the hill.....and the winner of the race...........Mikayla, Vicki, Dennis and Kim!!!! Cameron and Nicholas rode Music Express and Nicholas SQUOOSHED Cameron! Next, they rest of the group rode and Megan, Mikayla, Kayla, Lauren and Cortney realized the ride was even more adventurous since there was the "WORLD'S MOST SCARIEST, BIGGEST SPIDER ever!!!!. Next the Mouse coaster, the WildCat ....Mikayla joined the group on FARENHEIT! And the last ride of the night - THE CLAW! Nicholas closed his arm into the seat next of him. When the attendant came over to release him - he read Nick's shirt which said "I don't need school I already know everything!" The attendant told him - "Apparently you need to stay in school"
They took the tram back to the car - IT WAS AIRCONDITIONED!!! Long ride back home.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm......
Zachary watched "THE GOONIES" while Kathy worked on the blog. After they decided to adventure through the cornfields and see what they could find....They stopped and got some fresh tomatoes to go with the fresh cukes we have from home....Thanks Uncle Dave! We drove and drove and drove.....finally we came across civilization.....A MALL. We walked through the mall, and we found the elusive thing we have been searching for......from Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and now Pennsylvania! We actually found them.....we found ...... Mikayla's sneakers she wanted for school....and they were on SALE!
We did a little more shopping and then decided to ride back home. We decided to stop at a Diner for dinner. We drove back to the campground. We went up to the pool. We actually were swimming as the sunset over the cornfield. It was cool. Back to the trailer, we watched "Click" and Kathy were on the blog.
When the rest of the group returned home, Zachary found time to hang with his new best friend, Dennis. Mikayla was excited about her new shoes. Finally, Kathy ended the night with an exciting IM with her favorite twins....HI GUYS!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Well after a relaxing day yesterday....it's off to HersheyPark today. After arriving at the park we were told Zack is a Herhsey bar and the rest of us were Jolly Ranchers. (how appropriate seeing we are staying on a farm!). After entering the park, Dennis, Nick, Megan, and Cortney decided to brave the newest rollercoaster - Farenheit. This rollercoaster has the steepest incline and then straight down decline in the US. To truly appreciate it check out the You Tube video!
While they were on there, Zachary went on the kids merry-go-round. Then Vicki and Mikayla brave THE CLAW and the PIRATE SHIP. We made it back to FARENHEIT just in time to see the others ride - IN THE FRONT SEAT!!!!!
Kathy and Zachary walked down to check out the waterpark and see what they had to offer - as the rest of the group headed for Wild Mouse. Again Kathy and Zachary arrived just in time to see then ride. Next stop Wildcat - the wooden rollercoaster. While they rode - Zachary rode - Merry Derry Dip slides.
We made a quick bathroom break and headed back for lunch. SInce the weather was 94 degrees we decided to cool off and view the HERSHEY REALLY BIG 3D MOVIE. Realizing Zachary was not enjoying the parks (wouldn't ride anything, complaining he was hot, legs hurt, etc) we decided to separate the groups. Kathy and Zachary decided to take a ride in the car to discover the Town of Hershey, while the daredevils continued on with their roller coaster adventures.
Kathy and Zachary made a quick stop at the Outlets of Hershey. They found a grocery store to pickup the supplies we needed. Then they drove around Hershey - seeing ZooAmerica, Hershey factories, and the Hershey School. We saw the lightposts made to look like kisses. We then decided to head back to Chocolate World and ride the Great American Chocolate Ride.
Meanwhile at the park, the group met up with Dennis' sister Kim and her family. That took time for a photo op with some of the Hershey characters. Rides included: Sidewinder, The Claw, Great Bear, and the Kissing Tower. Mikayla and Megan even did there good turn of the day by taking 2 kids on a ride that had noone to ride with them! They stooped at the show "The Ultimate Road Trip".
At this point we all joined up again at Chocolate World. Zachary did Herhey's Kissworks (the other kids chickened out!) and was hired as an employee. We left Hershey and headed to FuddRuckers for dinner. When we finally arrived back at the campground, everyone went right to sleep!
While they were on there, Zachary went on the kids merry-go-round. Then Vicki and Mikayla brave THE CLAW and the PIRATE SHIP. We made it back to FARENHEIT just in time to see the others ride - IN THE FRONT SEAT!!!!!
Kathy and Zachary walked down to check out the waterpark and see what they had to offer - as the rest of the group headed for Wild Mouse. Again Kathy and Zachary arrived just in time to see then ride. Next stop Wildcat - the wooden rollercoaster. While they rode - Zachary rode - Merry Derry Dip slides.
We made a quick bathroom break and headed back for lunch. SInce the weather was 94 degrees we decided to cool off and view the HERSHEY REALLY BIG 3D MOVIE. Realizing Zachary was not enjoying the parks (wouldn't ride anything, complaining he was hot, legs hurt, etc) we decided to separate the groups. Kathy and Zachary decided to take a ride in the car to discover the Town of Hershey, while the daredevils continued on with their roller coaster adventures.
Kathy and Zachary made a quick stop at the Outlets of Hershey. They found a grocery store to pickup the supplies we needed. Then they drove around Hershey - seeing ZooAmerica, Hershey factories, and the Hershey School. We saw the lightposts made to look like kisses. We then decided to head back to Chocolate World and ride the Great American Chocolate Ride.
Meanwhile at the park, the group met up with Dennis' sister Kim and her family. That took time for a photo op with some of the Hershey characters. Rides included: Sidewinder, The Claw, Great Bear, and the Kissing Tower. Mikayla and Megan even did there good turn of the day by taking 2 kids on a ride that had noone to ride with them! They stooped at the show "The Ultimate Road Trip".
At this point we all joined up again at Chocolate World. Zachary did Herhey's Kissworks (the other kids chickened out!) and was hired as an employee. We left Hershey and headed to FuddRuckers for dinner. When we finally arrived back at the campground, everyone went right to sleep!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
After a long day of travel yesterday and setting up camp we decided to take it easy today and just enjoy everything the campground had to offer. Kathy and Vicki made homemade pancakes and chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. Boy those kids can eat ALOT of pancakes. During breakfast we were hit with a huge HUGE thunder and lightning storm.
After cleaning up after breakfast, Kathy came up to work on the blog. While she was gone, Nick and Zack came up to the hall for Wii games. While the girls went swimming at the pool.
After swimming the kids went to the petting zoo, to feed the animals. Then Kathy treated them all to ice cream from the store.
Vicki and Dennis took a ride to a local store to pick up a few things and the kids and Kathy stayed at the campsite doing origami, money folding and paper airplanes. Vicki and Dennis came back and told us that during that thunderstorm in the morning we were actually in a tornado warning!!
Dennis cooked chicken on the grill....It was so good Zack ate 5 pieces of chicken, 3 ears of corn and 2 helpings of salad! After cleaning up, we went out and started a campfire!
During the campfire we played different games including the Bachelor/Bachelorette, sang songs, told stories, ate smores.
We also had fun posing Nicholas to be the star of our new horror movie - "Children of the Corn - the Next Generation".(see the photos) Our campsite is right on the edge of the cornfield!
Anyway, its off to bed - because we are off to Hershey tomorrow!
Trivia of the day - "How many stomachs does a cow have?" If you are the first to answer correctly you will win a prize.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Kat
After cleaning up after breakfast, Kathy came up to work on the blog. While she was gone, Nick and Zack came up to the hall for Wii games. While the girls went swimming at the pool.
After swimming the kids went to the petting zoo, to feed the animals. Then Kathy treated them all to ice cream from the store.
Vicki and Dennis took a ride to a local store to pick up a few things and the kids and Kathy stayed at the campsite doing origami, money folding and paper airplanes. Vicki and Dennis came back and told us that during that thunderstorm in the morning we were actually in a tornado warning!!
Dennis cooked chicken on the grill....It was so good Zack ate 5 pieces of chicken, 3 ears of corn and 2 helpings of salad! After cleaning up, we went out and started a campfire!
During the campfire we played different games including the Bachelor/Bachelorette, sang songs, told stories, ate smores.
We also had fun posing Nicholas to be the star of our new horror movie - "Children of the Corn - the Next Generation".(see the photos) Our campsite is right on the edge of the cornfield!
Anyway, its off to bed - because we are off to Hershey tomorrow!
Trivia of the day - "How many stomachs does a cow have?" If you are the first to answer correctly you will win a prize.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Kat
Saturday, July 26, 2008
We started off on our trip at 845am. Pilots Dennis and Kathy were joined by co-pilots Vicki and Mikayla. Cortney and Nicholas served as flight attendants and Megan and Zachary were passengers on this trip. Passenger Zachary wore his "trip shirt" which stated "Are we there yet?" 5 times. Hopefully he was not going to ask this over and over again.
We drove down 49, 20 and onto 84. The ride was pretty uneventful until NY. That's when the adventure will begin. In the King's vehicle all of a sudden Zachary exclaimed "Look at that! That's really nice." We looked and co-pilot Mikayla said "That's pretty scary that he thinks that's nice!" Pilot Kathy looked and he was talking about the NEWBURGH PRISON!!!!! Hopefully that's not in his future!
We continued on. As we neared the spot of the notorious 1st tire blowout of the April Florida trip, all of the sudden the King's car beeped and a warning light came on!!!! We were literally within sight of the tire blow out spot - and now we had an ABS light on. We pulled into the PA Visitor's Center and flight attendant Nicholas said "I remember this place!" (I'm sure you do.....we spent time here waiting to figure out the tire blow out)
We ate lunch. And then it was time for some fun! During the car ride - flight attendant Nicholas had made 18 DIFFERENT paper airplanes. We decided to have a paper airplane flying contest! (see video)
Pilot Dennis looked at the car - and we decided it was just a faulty signal - as the light went off!!! YEAH!!!!!
Back into the car. Our next destination - HERSHEY. Just for a short stop so we could pick up our tickets. In the King's vehicle - we were making origami, paper airplanes, watching MARIO, singing, handclapping, and doing trivia.....
Here is a trivia test for you for the day......If you are the first to answer correctly - you will win a prize.......
Match the left column to the right:
a. Lombard St 1. The Big Easy
b. Bourbon St 2. The Windy City
c. Michigan Ave 3. Beantown
d. Newbury St 4. City by the Bay
Anyway, as Kathy walked down to get the tickets, the rest of the group went to Chocolate World to ride the Herhey's Great American Chocolate Tour. The place was packed!!!! The Jonas Brothers had been there for the past 3 nights.....The place was packed with young girls in Jonas Brothers tee shirts! They had to wait 30 minutes to ride the ride! But there reward was 2 Hershey Bliss candies for every rider. YUM
We headed back to the car and finished our ride through farm country to our home for the next 7 nights - Outdoor world at Gettysburg Farms. After the kids set up the tent and helped unload the vehicles, they went for a short swim. Kathy made supper.....spaghetti and homemade meatballs! After dinner, Dennis and Vicki cleaned up. Kathy took the kids to see the animals and tried to find wireless connection but had to wait til the morning!
Kathy and Dennis took a ride to Hake's grocery to pick up a few last minute things. Dennis asked "Where can you go to buy some beer?" He was told we are staying in a dry town and you would have to go 2 towns over to buy it....But you have to go to a bar to buy a 6 pack or a beer distributor to buy a case. A liquor store only sells liquor!
After watching College Road trip everyone retired for the night!
Hope everyone had as much fun as us.
PS Gas only costs 3.79 a gallon!
See you tomorrow
We drove down 49, 20 and onto 84. The ride was pretty uneventful until NY. That's when the adventure will begin. In the King's vehicle all of a sudden Zachary exclaimed "Look at that! That's really nice." We looked and co-pilot Mikayla said "That's pretty scary that he thinks that's nice!" Pilot Kathy looked and he was talking about the NEWBURGH PRISON!!!!! Hopefully that's not in his future!
We continued on. As we neared the spot of the notorious 1st tire blowout of the April Florida trip, all of the sudden the King's car beeped and a warning light came on!!!! We were literally within sight of the tire blow out spot - and now we had an ABS light on. We pulled into the PA Visitor's Center and flight attendant Nicholas said "I remember this place!" (I'm sure you do.....we spent time here waiting to figure out the tire blow out)
We ate lunch. And then it was time for some fun! During the car ride - flight attendant Nicholas had made 18 DIFFERENT paper airplanes. We decided to have a paper airplane flying contest! (see video)
Pilot Dennis looked at the car - and we decided it was just a faulty signal - as the light went off!!! YEAH!!!!!
Back into the car. Our next destination - HERSHEY. Just for a short stop so we could pick up our tickets. In the King's vehicle - we were making origami, paper airplanes, watching MARIO, singing, handclapping, and doing trivia.....
Here is a trivia test for you for the day......If you are the first to answer correctly - you will win a prize.......
Match the left column to the right:
a. Lombard St 1. The Big Easy
b. Bourbon St 2. The Windy City
c. Michigan Ave 3. Beantown
d. Newbury St 4. City by the Bay
Anyway, as Kathy walked down to get the tickets, the rest of the group went to Chocolate World to ride the Herhey's Great American Chocolate Tour. The place was packed!!!! The Jonas Brothers had been there for the past 3 nights.....The place was packed with young girls in Jonas Brothers tee shirts! They had to wait 30 minutes to ride the ride! But there reward was 2 Hershey Bliss candies for every rider. YUM
We headed back to the car and finished our ride through farm country to our home for the next 7 nights - Outdoor world at Gettysburg Farms. After the kids set up the tent and helped unload the vehicles, they went for a short swim. Kathy made supper.....spaghetti and homemade meatballs! After dinner, Dennis and Vicki cleaned up. Kathy took the kids to see the animals and tried to find wireless connection but had to wait til the morning!
Kathy and Dennis took a ride to Hake's grocery to pick up a few last minute things. Dennis asked "Where can you go to buy some beer?" He was told we are staying in a dry town and you would have to go 2 towns over to buy it....But you have to go to a bar to buy a 6 pack or a beer distributor to buy a case. A liquor store only sells liquor!
After watching College Road trip everyone retired for the night!
Hope everyone had as much fun as us.
PS Gas only costs 3.79 a gallon!
See you tomorrow
Friday, July 25, 2008
July 25, 2008
Well it's almost time to go. The bags are packed. The car is packed. The kids all had NEW haircuts. Anticipation is running high. It's like they are all on a chocolate high BEFORE we even get to Hershey. Hope I can get everyone to bed tonight. The plan is to leave at 8AM.
So goodnight. See you in PA.
So goodnight. See you in PA.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
July 21, 2008
Well the King family is hitting the road again (for the 3rd time this year!). This time we are bringing along our friends the Desplaines family....everyone say hello! We leave on July 26th and we will be gone for a week. Destinations - Hershey, Gettysburg, Amish Country. We will be staying at a campground located on a working farm. Hope you will check back to see how the trip is going, but in the meantime - we have alot of packing to do.
Have a great time - I know we will!
Love YA
Kat
Have a great time - I know we will!
Love YA
Kat
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)