The Big 4-5

Well, it's been a big day as I have been crafting ALL day trying to get ready for the craft fair next week in Vegas. I'm making some clocks this year and I'm very happy with the way they turned out:) I've got quite a few projects going on and I'm hoping I can get them all finished by next Tuesday when I leave.

Gary and I are just relaxin' tonight while Rick is at the church. We're watching "Snow White" and I think this show is adorable. I love the music and how it's in time with all the Dwarfs moves. I have to laugh out loud when Dopey swallows the soap. He's so cute!

We celebrated Rick' 45th birthday last Saturday. His birthday was actually the 17th but we were on our vacation so we planned to spend this night with the kids. Here he is with his presents. He got 2 pair of cuff links, 5 new shirts, a pair of shoes, a clock for his office (which I'm returning 'cause I'm going to give him one that I made) and some other stuff. Kendra bought him a tie and a journal and Gary got him a tie pin. I say he did quite well!

We had a BBQ and I had made Rick his favorite cake! Lemon Pudding! He's excited to get at it!

Kendra had to get a picture of her wearing her dad's funny reading glasses.

Straight from the 80's! Happy birthday hunney!

Fall Trip to Pennsylvania

Last week Rick and I took a little trip back east to PA. We left on Saturday the 17th (Rick's B-Day) and flew into Baltimore. We got up on Sunday and found a little branch close by to attend our meetings and then headed up towards Gettysburg. It was a rainy day but after our 2 hour drive the rain had stopped and we were able to enjoy seeing the sights! Here we are at Little Round Top. It's amazing to think about the loss of life that took place here. On the plane ride out we watched the movie "Gettysburg" which was very stirring. I can't even imagine how life would be if the South had won this war. Our government would be very different.
This is the Soldiers Nat'l Monument where Lincoln gave the Gettysburg address!
After Gettysburg we drove up to Hershey where we stayed at a B&B called The 1825 Inn. We stayed in the Amish Room. It was decorated with all sorts of Amish stuff. I couldn't resist putting on the outfit:)

The house was built in 1825, thus the name. I love these old houses!

They have such character !

The next day we toured Hershey. I had heard that when you drive into the town you smell chocolate. Nope, not true! We did go to Hershey's chocolate world and got to see how their chocolate is made.

We also went to a chocolate tasters class. I love all kinds. Rick on the other hand does NOT like dark. Here he is sampling a Hershey's Bliss!

Of course, we had to stop at the gift shop to choose some GIANT candy bars for the fam!

Next we drove down into Lancaster County and stayed at another B&B called Hollinger House. That night we drove around the area and were so enthralled at the little Amish buggies going full speed down main streets. They are such an interesting people living simple lives. One of the little towns is called Intercourse. I felt a little funny saying the word like it was something I use everyday but it's not a big deal to the locals.

The next day we were able to take a buggy ride with a Mennonite fellow. He took us to an Amish dairy farm to see how they do things. Mennonites are a branch of the Amish. He told us all about their customs and beliefs. It was very interesting!

An Amish man working his land.

As we were leaving the area we saw a bunch of schoolkids getting out for the day. They were so cute with their little hats and lunch coolers:)

That night we headed into the big city of Philadelphia. We stayed across the river in New Jersey. We got to visit a lot of historic sights. The Liberty Bell.......

... and Independence Hall.

This is the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed! It really is a neat feeling to stand in places of such value.

Great men made great decisions in this very room.

Of course while we were in Philly, we had to get a Philly Steak and Cheese sandwich.

Good Stuff!

This is Elphreths Alley

Just a cute little place where these homes have been for hundreds of years.

You can't go to Philadelphia without stopping at the Museum where Rocky climbed all those steps after his infamous run. Yes, Rick ran to the top of the stairs too. You can't see them in this picture but they are off to the left. After walking 50 miles (or so it felt) this day there was no way I was climbing those stairs. We still had a couple of miles to go to get to dinner and then back to the car.

Overall we had great fall weather and the foliage was absolutely beautiful.

Let's do this again sometime:)

20th Halloween Party

On October 16th we had our annual Halloween Party! This is our 20th year of hosting these parties. For about 18 years we all wore costumes (minus a few party poopers whom I won't mention). As you can see, in our old age, we have all become pp's!

Through the years we have had some GREAT costumes! One year Brent and Lar came as Lamps! They sprayed their heads with flourescent spray and put a lamp shade on top. They actually glowed! That was so cool! Back in the nineties during the Persian Gulf War Ken came dressed as Suddam Hussein! That was great! Of course, Rick and I have had lots of fun with it too. One year Rick was a carrot and I was a bunny. A few years ago we actually rented some costumes from Hale Theatre and came dressed as Robin Hood and Maid Marian. It is really weird to see your husband in tights!

I remember saying, "You're not actually going to wear those, are you?"

What great memories we have made through the years!

Gary's a "LIFE"

Gary had a court of honor a couple of weeks ago and earned 3 merit badges and up a rank to LIFE! He is very determined to earn his eagle. He's almost there! Pinning on the Life Pin! Gare's been working really hard at school. He has a full load including 2 math classes. I'm worried he'll crack under the pressure of so much work but he seems to be holding up just fine:)