Next Stop - Mount Washington, NH

I'll just go ahead and say it right now, this is my most favorite place to be in the whole wide world (other than home).  I love the Mount Washington Hotel in New Hampshire.  It was built in 1902 and has undergone extensive renovations that are stunning.  The history and beauty of this place cannot be done justice by my camera - but I try.  We spent 3 days here and loved every minute of it!

Our room was in the corner so we had beautiful windows to look out.

The boys thought it would be cool to go swimming in the outdoor pool at night.  Little did they know how cold it was going to feel like when they got out!  They were shivering (notice they are the only ones in the pool - should have been clue number one!

 New Hampshire is beautiful from it's rivers to mountains - and we did lots of exploring.

 I interrupt this vacation summary to say - aren't my boys beautiful?  I love this picture of them - they were having a great time together and it shows on their faces.  Now, back to the story.....

Here are two great pictures of Mount Washington.  The one on the left shows the Railway - we didn't brave it - but we did get a tour of the train.  The pictures truly don't show how beautiful this mountain is up close.  I hope to see it again someday.

Road Trip!

We spent two weeks in our van driving up the east coast for our summer vacation.  First of all - the van!  Rick bought me a new Toyota Sienna right before the trip.  I would have never thought a car could make such a difference - WOW!  We love our van (and for me to say that - being so anti-van after becoming a mom - is a big deal!)   The kids had reclining seats, a dvd player with cordless headphones.  It gives all new meaning to the words "road trip".  Now, on to the vacation! 

The first stop was Hershey, PA!  We have made several trips to Hershey, but none in the summer when the park was open.  We had a lot of fun playing games in the park (not much roller coaster riding for my bunch!), and going to the Chocolate Factory.  The park also has a zoo as part of admission, so that was fun to go through.  We have been through the zoo in winter and froze our hineys off!

Rick won this MASSIVE leopard by knocking 3 blocks off a small table with one baseball!  It was quite a feat and the boys were so happy - until they had to lug it all over the park.  Mommy ended up taking over that job.   Daddy also won a couple of basketballs for the boys.  It sure was fun!  Next stop - Mount Washington!

Happy Birthday Jason!

 Our sweet little boy turned 7 yesterday!  Jason I can hardly believe how much you have grown.  You still have the same personality you did when you were born.  You have added so much to our family and we wouldn't be the same without you.  Your sweet smile melts my heart and your inquisitive nature and strong spirit take me to new places every day.  Daddy and I are so thankful the Lord blessed our family with you as a son.  Your brother David wouldn't know what to do without you!  Happy birthday my little monkey.  May you grow in your love for the Lord and may that strength you exhibit allow you to do great things for Him without fear.  We love you so much and are so proud of you!