So Much Accomplished Today!

Ken and I began the morning enjoying retired life to the "hilt"!  Ken was up at 6 and had an hour to read and watch the news before I showed my face at 7:30. He had already cut-up fresh fruit and started cooking breakfast - what a guy! We ate breakfast on our deck reading the paper and discussing current events. Wow, it is so nice to be retired!!!!

We went to Jamie's by 10 to get haircuts.  When we arrived Lulu greeted us at the door.  She had much more energy than either of us expected.  She went up and down the stairs, gave kisses, and laid on her back to get her belly rubbed all the while her tail wagging like crazy!  It was amazing!  Ken got a haircut 1st and then he went to a local farm market to get fruits and veggies while Jamie cut my hair.  By the time we left around 11:45, Lulu had eaten about 2 cups of hamburg and rice and drank some water and she was able to keep it down. Hard to imagine how close to dying she had been!  The hardest part is Bria's reaction to having her home and how some of the training that Lulu had before she got sick will need to be relearned. She wants to be close to Jamie all the time - it appears to be her "safe space"!

Lulu lost weight, but she is doing incredibly well!

Lulu positively loves Jamie!

Back to the apartment for lunch and then we spent a couple hours unloading everything out of the basement of Waldo and going through everything to decide what can be left a home, discarded, or needed for this trip.  We did a lot of repacking and moving bins from one area to another.  It was a successful reorganization!

Last evening when Ken was turning around at Cindy and John's he backed into a sign, but didn't think anything really happened.  It was a light tap! Today he discovered that the one post of the bike rack took the brunt of the hit and it bent it slightly backwards, causing the metal to almost "snap".  So, he went to a local farm that does welding and they fixed it on the spot and did a great job!  It took about 25 minutes and only charged Ken $15.00 - only in Lancaster County! After a meeting in Ephrata, Ken returned around 5:45.

While he was gone I did prep work for dinner, packed several bins with winter clothes that we will take on our west trip but keep underneath Waldo until we get to the colder weather.   I also loaded some additional clothes (probably way tooooo much!), refilled numerous bottles of detergents, shampoo, etc., and then packed paper goods.  I feel we have a great start on being ready for our trip.

After dinner we loaded the filled bins in Waldo and then Ken read while I worked on the blog and watched "America's Got Talent"!  The contestants are so amazing and oh so talented!!!

We were in bed by 10, tired but happy! 

Busy Days in Lititz!!

On Sunday, Ken and I were at LCBC (our Church) for the 9 AM service and it was another good one.  We were with Jamie's family and Dane's parents, Sue and Dan.  We enjoyed breakfast with Lloyd and Deb from our small group.  All the rest of our group were unavailable today.

After breakfast Ken and I did some grocery shopping and as soon as we got to the apartment I followed Ken and "Waldo" to the garage where Waldo will be inspected tomorrow.  Ken went for a long walk when we returned and I chose to do some work on our blog - I needed to get up-to-date.    After dinner, Ken did some reading and I downloaded photos and created a scrapbook page for the girls from our 1st camping trip this summer.  It was a good "catch-up" day!

Monday was another extremely hot, humid day and 90 degrees.  This August has been crazy hot and it continues!  We started the morning with devotions and then taking a long walk around Lititz, even stopping at Dosie Dough, a coffee shop, for a Long John and chai!  What fun!  We did stop along the way and talked to all our granddaughters to wish them a great 1st day of school.  It was Katelyn's very 1st day of going to elementary school and she was excited. Actually, last Friday when Lanie got home from early morning exercise, Katelyn was dressed in her 1st day of school outfit including her matching headband, her bed made, and her book bag in hand.  Lanie had to tell her that school didn't start until Monday!  Wow, to be so excited!!

After completing the scrapbook page I started last night I finally made a batch of oat bran blueberry muffins that Ken has been requesting for quite awhile! Seemed like I hadn't baked forever.  

After lunch I went to the library to get a new library card so I can get e-books from our local library for my new tablet.  Actually, I couldn't find my old card when we had moved to Lititz, so they issued me a new one.  Well, now I found the old one (which was no longer valid) and couldn't find the new one.  Wow, getting old is not fun sometimes and it makes you feel so stupid!  They actually renewed my old card number.  I better keep track of this one!

Ken spent most of the day at his desk making necessary phone calls and doing needed things for our West Adventure!  He also went to the Post Office to have our mail forwarded to Jamie while we are traveling!

We went to Jamie's at 3:15 to walk with her to the bus stop to see how Bria and Cali's 1st day at school went for them.  They both had a great day!  From there we went to pick up Waldo who passed inspection with "flying colors"!  We stopped to fill the propane tank.  

As soon as we got home, we drove to Gus's Restaurant in Mt. Joy where I met my mother and sister for a "ladies night out".  One of mother's favorite meals is corn pie and she loves the homemade one at this restaurant.  She was so appreciative.  Then the 3 of us went back to Masonic Homes and Dad joined us to play 2 games of Pinochle.  Cindy and I won the 1st game, but Mom and Dad won the 2nd.  It was a fun evening for the Althouse Family!

Cindy and I were back to her house by 9:15 and Ken was visiting with John when we arrived.  Ken had been to Celebration Recovery which is held very close to Cindy and John's while I was with my family.  We visited and realized it is probably the last time we will see each other until December.  We were home by 10:30 and went right to bed.  This was an "on the move" day, but oh so good!

A little note on Lulu.  Jamie, Dane, and Cali had gone to the local vet to visit her and spent some time with her outside.  Lula has been in isolation this whole time so she was so excited to see them and hear their voices.  But, it didn't take her long to feel exhausted and she still had no interest in eating.  But on Monday the vet suggested they visit again and maybe even bring her home. So, when they arrived that evening the vet felt that she would do much better at home, so they brought her home.  Cali was so excited and happy, but Bria still had lots of reservations about having a dog in the house.  Story to continue!

Our Final Day at Hershey Preserve and then Back to Lititz!

Ken and I were up at 7 because we had plans to be on the pickleball court with James and Brenda by 8:30.  We wanted to start earlier today because we were heading home before lunch!  

We cooked breakfast and did some additional preparation for going home.  By the time we left for the courts, we were just about ready for heading home, except for disconnecting.  We had more great games and volleys in the games we played.  It was so much fun.  We really enjoyed our time of playing pickleball with James and Brenda.  So nice to rekindle friendships with camping folks that you met previously in other campgrounds throughout the states.  It is amazing to me how often you cross paths when you are "on the road"! 

Our friends from Florida, James and Brenda!

It is so special to rekindle friendships with fellow campers you
have met during your travels!

Part way through our playing time, Larry and Doris honked and waved as they were driving out of the CG.  We were sorry we didn't get to say good-bye!

After hugs and photos with James and Brenda, we went back to Waldo and left the CG by noon.  Ken followed me home.  We were parked and unloaded in record time!  Bringing things home yesterday was such a help.  Food in the refrigerator and freezer was the only thing that we had to unload from Waldo - Wow!

I had a text message from Doris that they had driven through Lititz, had lunch here and they were "jealous" of the cute little town we called home.  So I text her back and ask where they were and would they like to stop by the apartment to visit on their way back to the CG.  Happily, they took us up on our offer and spent about an hour visiting.  We were so glad we could see them and say our good-byes face to face before they leave the area tomorrow.  We are hoping to visit them when we are in Phoenix in November.

 We greatly appreciated meeting and spending time
 with the 3 Piggs (yes, that is their last name!) 

We are excited to hopefully visit them in about 2 1/2 months
in Phoenix!  We can learn so much from fellow campers!

Ken and I decided to go to The Deck in Ephrata for dinner and enjoy eating their delicious food on their large deck.  It was a very enjoyable time for us.  By about  8:30 all the wash was finished, folded and in it's place.  It has been one very busy and "full" day, but so wonderful!

Fun Days at Hershey Preserve!

Thursday was another beautiful weather day with a mix of sun and clouds and warmer temperatures.  A bit of humidity too!!!

After a cooked breakfast with lots of delicious fresh fruit, I sent an e-mail to our service rep, Samantha, at Lazydays to coordinate a service on Waldo we plan to have done at their "sister place" in Denver, Colorado.  We were on the pickleball courts by 9 and played with James and Brenda from 9:30 to 12 with some time out to chat.  It was a fun time!

After lunch at Waldo I had a nice phone chat with Doloris while they were on their way to Gettysburg Farm to camp for a long weekend.  Ken did some clean-up outside while I gave Waldo a thorough cleaning inside.

We met Dwane and Priscilla (Ken's sister and brother-in-law) at the Hideway in Mt. Gretna at 5.  What a gorgeous evening to eat outside on their large deck.  It was so nice to spend the evening "catching up" on each other's lives and the delicious food was a bonus!  We left there around 7:15 and they came back to the CG so we played 2 games of team Skip-Bo.  They had never seen Waldo and since I had cleaned today, it was a great day to have them take the "small" tour. We had a delightful evening and the men and women each won a game. They left at 10 and we were so glad they were willing to come to the CG after dinner.

Friday was a very hot, humid day with the temperature reaching 90!  We got up to a 5:30 alarm and were at Jamie's house by 6:45 so we could stay with Bria and Cali while Jamie and Dane went to pick up Lulu and take her back to their local veterinarian in Hinkletown.  They had decided not to do a feeding tube and since Lula appeared to be somewhat "stable" they could reduce her cost of care per day considerably by moving her.  They left at 7 and within 5 minutes both girls were up and wanted to watch a movie with us.  What a nice time.  Jamie and Dane returned by 8:45 and were visibly upset.  They tried to get her to eat (the Dr.'s suggestion), but Lulu had no interest. 

We were back at the CG by 9:45 and by 10 were on the pickleball court to play more games with James and Brenda.  By then it was so hot, but we still had a great time.

After lunch and showers, Ken and I loaded the CRV with things, food, and clothing we would not need until we got home.  We were at our apartment by 2:15 and unloaded the car and put everything in its place.  Then we went to Harbor Freight to buy an air compressor large enough to use on Waldo's tires and then to Costco to get Ken's second pair of glasses (sunglasses).  He needed to have a back-up pair.  

We were back to the CG by 4:45 and Ken built a campfire while I made salads. After dinner, Larry and Doris, who were camping in the site below us came up and sat at the picnic table with us for about 1 1/2 hours.  Doris and I chatted while Larry went over the itinerary for our west trip with Ken and added places we might want to see and roads we should or shouldn't drive with Waldo.  They live in Phoenix, so he was extremely helpful.  It was a nice evening!

A Beautiful Day!

After another good night's sleep (hallelujah) we were up and about by 7:30.  We got ready to play pickleball, ate breakfast, and were on the courts by 9:00. Unfortunately no one else showed up to play.  Denise and Holly and her boys had left the CG yesterday so that really limited the number of players in the CG. Ken and I played some points and practiced hitting and serving, but after 1/2 hour we decided to stop and take a long walk around the CG.  It was a gorgeous morning with early temperatures around 61, but it warmed up quickly.

On the way back to Waldo we saw James and he said they would have played pickleball this morning but they thought we were leaving to go see my parents. They didn't realize we weren't leaving until after lunch.  So, the 4 of us will meet on the courts at 9 tomorrow morning!

After eating lunch outside, we headed to Masonic Homes and played Pinochle with my parents from 1 to 4:30.  Not a good day for the women - we lost all 4 games.  Some were close, but still we weren't able to beat the men!  But Mom did treat us to delicious whoopie pies from Eli's Amish Market - so good!  (You know what we are talking about, Chuck and Melissa!)

We were back to Waldo by 5, had salads for dinner and watched the news.  This was the 1st night we could actually get decent TV reception at the CG.  At 7 we left for The Jigger Shoppe in Mt. Gretna for a delicious ice cream treat.  We invited our new neighbors, Larry and Doris from Arizona to go with us and they were happy to go along.  Ken and I shared their Chocolate Marshmallow Sundae!  (Remember that special treat, Chuck and Melissa?)  After chatting for awhile at the Jigger Shoppe we took a short walk around some of the cottages in Mt. Gretna. It was a gorgeous evening for a walk and they thought it was a fascinating place.

We were back to the CG around 10 and called it a day.  

We did talk to Jamie 2X's today to get an update on their puppy, Lulu.  Dane and Jamie actually had a face to face meeting with one of the vets at the Emergency Animal Center where Lula is really not improving.  She hasn't eaten for 1 week.  They are now suggesting that she may require a feeding tube. Unfortunately Jamie and Dane are so confused about what they should do. They have decided to wait for the feeding tube and the hospital staff will give her some new drugs to coat her stomach and increase her appetite.  If that doesn't work, Jamie and Dane will have to make a decision about the feeding tube.  It is such a tough time for their family.

A Gorgeous Day for Pickleball and Bike Riding!

After one of his best night's sleep in a long time, Ken only got up around 7:45. I was actually up before him.  Imagine that!

We were on the pickleball courts by 9 and it was a perfect morning for playing. Plenty of sunshine, but low humidity and it had dropped to 52 degrees this morning.  It was about 62 when we got on the courts!

There were 10 players today so we had to take turns, but we played until 11:30. Throughout those 2 1/2 hours there were some great games and points.  It was a lot of fun.

We sat outside of Waldo relaxing and cooling down before having lunch at the picnic table.  We did some reading and then got ready to drive to Cornwall to the Lebanon Valley Bike Trailhead.  James and Brenda, fellow pickleball players followed us.  The 4 of us got on our bikes and headed towards E-town.  What a nice trail.  Brenda turned around after riding 4 1/2 miles right before the beginning of the Conewago Bike Trail.  That trail ended after 5 more miles, so the 3 of us turned around and headed back to our cars.  It was a perfect day for our 18 mile bike trip.

A beautiful trail that is shaded
a lot of the ride!

James and Brenda's Day 6 bike look so comfortable!

At the end of the 9 mile trail.  What do you mean we have
to turn around and ride back?????

We were back to the CG by 5 and Ken and I decided to sit outside to cool down and relax.  New neighbors had just finished setting up on the site right below us in their Itasca Motorhome.  We chatted with Larry for quite awhile and then his wife, Doris joined in.  By 6 Ken and I headed inside to start prepping dinner. 

After dinner and clean-up, Ken built a campfire and we enjoyed the evening sitting around the fire.  Larry and Doris joined us from 8 to 8:45 when we all decided to head indoors.  They are from Phoenix, AZ and we are looking forward to discussing our west bound itinerary with them to see if they have any recommendations for us when in their area.

Ken and I showered and were in bed by 9:30.  It was a wonderful weather day and a great day of fun exercise.

Just another update on Lulu.  She is still having trouble with diarrhea and vomiting and not eating.  They took her off the critical list and is now considered guarded because her vital signs have improved.  But, the next 2 days are critical as far as whether she will be able to  "pull through".

Got To Play Pickleball!

Ken had another restless night.  He read during the night and was up very early.  Not sure why he is having such "short" nights!

I was up by 7:30 and we worked together to prepare breakfast.  Then we got ready to play pickleball.

We arrived at the courts at 9 and it was a positively beautiful morning.  Lots of sunshine, very low humidity and the temperature was about 70 degrees. Amazing!  Upon arrival, we realized we knew James and Brenda who were there.  We had met them on the pickleball court at TT in Orlando in the fall about 2 years ago.  I recognized them because the always were the same colors in their outfits.  Even their shoes match!  We enjoyed connecting with them again.  Denise was there too, so the 4 of us took turns playing.  We had some very good games.  Ken played well considering that the old glasses he has to wear since losing his in the ocean are about 2 prescriptions behind what he needs.

We only left the courts around noon and made lunch.  Ken did some work on the computer while I downloaded some photos to order from Costco.  He left at 2:30 to pick up his new glasses (yeah!), get a few groceries, and stop by the apartment to get our mail.  While he was gone I ordered photos from Costco and completed the camping scrapbook pages for our granddaughters from our trips in 2015 and ordered them too.  (I was only a little behind!)  So glad to have that projected completed.  Now I just have to do the pages for our 2 camping trips with them this year!

Ken was back by 5 and left again at 6 to go to Celebrate Recovery.  I spent the evening working on the blog and finishing the ordering of photos from Costco. That was an all afternoon and part of the evening project!

Ken was back by 9:15 and by then I was playing games on the computer.

An update on Lulu, Jamie's family puppy.  Late last evening they finally got a diagnosis - she has parvovirus.  It is a very serious puppy virus that is extremely contagious among dogs.  They put her in isolation and started treating her very aggressively.  There is an 80% chance she will not be able to fight the sickness.  Needless to say, the family is very upset.  This morning she had not improved but they had made her more comfortable.  The vet said it will be a few days before they know if she will make it.  She is still getting sick despite all the strong medication she is receiving.  Obviously this is becoming a very expensive process for Jamie and Dane.  Please be in prayer for the family that they can be at peace with the outcome of this situation or have guidance in making the right decisions.

A Relaxing Day for Us!

Poor Ken!  He was so tired last evening, but he certainly had a restless night!  He read in bed during the night and then got awake at 5 and went to the LR of Waldo.  No more sleep for him!  It was a rather short night!

I only got out of bed around 7:30 and he was outside reading.  Ken had a cup of tea while I enjoyed chai and we were able to sit outside chatting and reflecting on the days with our granddaughters.  It was a special time!  Hard to imagine that we had no schedule today!  We had gone to church last night so we didn't have to rise early and could just relax!  It worked for me!

After about an hour, Ken prepped fruit while I made us omelettes and we ate outside.  They were predicting some thunderstorms late morning, so we took a walk around the campground and returned to Waldo just when the showers began.  We did our breakfast dishes and I started downloading photos and working on our blog.

By then, it really started to rain heavily.  Fortunately we did not experience any thunder, lightning, strong winds, or hail.  It rained off and on till about 4:30. Hopefully by tomorrow morning it will be a bit cooler with lower humidity!  

We received a message from Jamie regarding their puppy, Lulu.  She was not doing well.  The vet gave her some very strong medicine to try to control her vomiting so Jamie and Dane could take her to an Emergency Center where they could do an ultrasound.  Poor Lula vomited 2X's on the way even on the strong medication.  After the ultrasound, they still could not determine what is wrong. They did another ultrasound this evening, and they are waiting for the results. The vet reiterated how strange her case is and they truly aren't sure what is going on.  Waiting to hear more!

I spent most of the afternoon going through the albums on our computer trying to decide what pictures to order for our photo frames in Waldo and at home.  It's quite a job.

After dinner, Ken and I drove to the Tabernacle in Mt. Gretna to hear a concert by the talented Susquehanna Chorale.  They were amazing!  One of our classmates from High School, Lamar Dourte, sings in the 32 member choir.  We had a nice visit with him after the concert!  We arrived back at the CG at 9:15.  

We were in bed by 10!  It certainly was a slow down day!!!!

Fun at the CG and Then Family Picnic at Masonic Homes!

Samantha was awake at 6 and was very quiet and played an app. on my new tablet until 7.  Then Katelyn woke up and the 2 of them came to our room.  We were actually awake when they appeared!  They enjoyed playing the new games we had put on our tablets!

Samantha and Katelyn did so well playing together!

Ken and I got ready and then made the "expected" breakfast - pancakes and fresh fruit!  Katelyn, with some prodding, decided to try fresh peaches and discovered she loved them.  Samantha took a small bite but she wasn't "sold" on them!  We ate breakfast outside and then while Ken and I cleaned up, the girls enjoyed playing outdoors.  When it was snack time guess what Katelyn wanted?  Peaches!  Wow!!!

Ken and I played 5 games of Racko with Samantha and Katelyn at the picnic table, each of us helping them play each other.  They did very well and we had a good time.  

By 11 we were finished playing and it was time to change and pack the car for going to the Althouse family picnic at Masonic Homes.  We had it at that location so Dad and Mom were able to be a part of it.  We left the CG at 11:30 and stopped to get drinks for Ken, Dad, Mom, and me.  By 12:15 we were at Masonic Village. Our whole family attended and we had such a good time. Cindy and I had decided to make it simple and bought pizza from Papa Johns and had the rest of the families bring a snack and a "finger food" dessert.  It worked out well and we had plenty of food! 

Ken, Samantha, Katelyn and I arrived first. They would go home
with Lanie and Bob after the picnic! 

Here come Dad and Mom and the girls and Cooper ran to
greet them.

Everyone was smiling!

Here's the whole Althouse Clan minus the photographer, Ken
and Jamie's family, who hadn't arrived yet!

Jack, who is being held by his Aunt Arlena, is the newest
member of the Althouse family and Cindy/s youngest grandchild!

Hard for me to imagine that my Dad is 92 and Mom is 86 1/2.

We heard bagpipe music in the distance and Mom really wanted
to see who was playing and where!

All of us enjoyed the bagpipe music including the little ones!

Bob and Dane had a lengthy conversation with Dad!

Jamie's family arrived about an hour late because they had to take Lulu, their puppy, to the vet again.  They had her there on Thursday after many hours of what they thought was an intestinal "bug".  After being on medicine and getting several shots, she was not any better on Saturday morning.  She is one very sick puppy and had to stay at the vet.  After some x-rays, they are concerned that she could have a bowel blockage, but they will know more on Sunday morning.

We played lots of games at the picnic including can jam, ladder golf, and corn hole.  It was a very hot day, but we had the picnic in the grove area where there was plenty of shade and a slight breeze.  All the little ones had fun running around the large area and enjoying being with their cousins.  Dad said he had been excited about this day and was so glad it was such a success.  Both dad and mom enjoy being with their family and since dad is not able to go anywhere without having a special equipped van, we brought the picnic to them.  It worked out better than we could have imagined and the weather was so cooperative!

Corn hole was the main competitive game at this picnic!
Dane and Jamie were the champs!

Bria liked holding her youngest cousin, Jack.  She is becoming
such a little lady!

The picnic ended around 5:15 and Ken and I decided to go to LCBC near Mt. Joy for their 6:15 church service.  It was another inspiring message.  We were back to the CG  by 7:45 and feeling rather exhausted.  We sat outside chatting and checking messages and by 9 we were in bed.  

It has been a busy but fun filled last 5 days and these 2 people needed some rest and relaxation.  But, we wouldn't change anything about these times with our families and granddaughters!  It has been amazing and filled with special moments that will create lasting memories!

We are Celebrating Life Daily!

PaPa, Grandma, Samantha and Katelyn at Hershey Preserve Today!

Samantha and Katelyn came to our bed at 7, but they had been coloring in the LR from about 6:30.  We have a rule that they can only come to our room after 7 and they obey so well!

They finished watching the Cars Movie while PaPa and I prepped breakfast - pancakes and fresh fruit again, their favorite breakfast.  Of course they had some dry Lucky Charms while watching the movie and waiting for their pancakes.  It was a beautiful morning, so we ate outside.  While I cleaned up, Ken played with the girls outside.  Samantha is getting very good at the toss and catch game.  Katelyn enjoyed being the ball "chaser" and then blowing bubbles. 

I must be getting better as a photographer!  Note the white
ball flying in the air!!!

Katelyn, the ball chaser, is ready for action!

Katelyn is ready for more action!!!

We all drove to Wal-Mart to get a few items for Waldo.  When we returned Ken was feeling exhausted so he did some relaxing.  After lunch, I took the girls to the pool while Ken took a much needed nap.  They were serving cotton candy at the pool, so Samantha and Katelyn enjoyed that special treat.  When PaPa arrived there was more swim time and then the girls shared a small ice cream cone.  What goes on at the campground stays at the campground!!!!

I came back to Waldo to make salads for dinner and to download photos.  When Ken and the girls returned it was shower time for everyone.  We did some playing outside and then Ken grilled and we had chicken, salmon, pork, salads and mac and cheese (again) for dinner.  Samantha and Katelyn cleared the table and Sam even dried some of the dishes.  

The girls enjoyed playing some games on the I-Pads while I worked on the blog and Ken did some reading.  Then we watched part of a movie before turning off the lights for Samantha and Katelyn at 9.  

It was a fun filled day with the girls and they were well behaved!

Samantha and Katelyn Joined the Group!,

Bria and Cali only came to our room at 7 after a good night's sleep!  They watched a movie while Ken and I prepped breakfast - pancakes and fresh fruit! It has rained during the night, so it was too wet to eat outside!

The 4 of us left the CG at 8:45 and met Lanie, Samantha and Katelyn at a church about 10 minutes away!  We exchanged cars with Lanie (she has a van) so we had room for all 4 girls.  Cindy and John met us there with Emma and Ellie.  The 10 of us drove to Chocolate World in Hershey to take the ride on how Hershey Chocolate is made.  All the girls rode in 1 car and the adults in another. Made the gals feel like such "grown-ups".  Of course you get a free piece of candy when you exit the ride so we had to do it 2X's.  We also bought some delicious fresh baked cookies for the grandchilden.  (We did beg for 1 bite!)

They were ready to get on the ride, but
were willing to stop long enough to get
their picture taken!

Emma, Ellie, Katelyn, Bria, Samantha, and Cali!

The adults were riding in the car behind them!

Ken thought I should have a "big kiss"!  Not!!!!!

Playing a game in the sales part Chocolate World!

Cindy and John went back to the CG with Emma and Ellie and the 6 of us went to a large playground near the Hershey Pool.  They played for at least 45 minutes and had a great time.  

It really is quite a large playground.  In September it will be
torn down for the building of a "better one"!  Really????

They enjoyed taking turns pushing each other on this swing
that was made for handicapped children!

When we returned to the CG, we packed lunches for everyone and hiked to the top of the hill and enjoyed a picnic lunch sitting on a blanket.  It was a hot, sunny day, but the girls really enjoyed it!

Picnic time....

....on the hill!

Cali was contemplating rolling down the hill (she had done it
last year), but the goose poop was a consideration!

They decided to run down instead of roll!

Then we changed and headed to the pool - Cindy, John, Emma, and Ellie were already there.  We all enjoyed our time in the pool and the 6 girls had fun playing together!  It was another ice cream day and enjoying the playground 
outside the pool gate.

One of their favorite flavors - Playdough!

Swimming builds those arm muscles!

These two 7 year old cousins love being together!

They all enjoy the rock wall!

.....even little Katelyn!

John and Cindy left the pool at 3:15 and decided because they had to take Emma and Ellie home by 5, they would just go home tonight instead of tomorrow morning!  We were sad they were leaving.

Ken and I supervised Bria, Cali, Samantha and Katelyn playing mini golf at the course near the pool.  It is challenging, but they enjoyed!

Grandma has to just relax and let them do their thing when it
comes to mini golf!

Bria played extremely well!

Where did the ball go??????

I took the girls to play in the creek and Ken went back to Waldo to shower and start prepping for dinner.  As soon as we got to the creek, Katelyn slipped on the mucky bottom and she was a muddy mess!  She took time standing in the clearer water washing off the mud and then continued playing with the girls.  It was fun just to watch them.  

Katelyn is trying to "clean up" after falling in the muddy water!

Tree climbing time for Miss Cali!

I just thought this was a cute pose!

Every year when we camp here, we take a photo of the 4 girls
on the covered bridge.  This is the 1st year they could all
climb up by themselves!  Wow, they are certainly growing up!

They enjoy playing in the creek every year!

Yes, the water was very mucky!  It looks like they are wearing
black, rubber  boots!

What happened to my feet?  Katelyn wanted to know if they
would always be stained!

By the time all the girls were showered (with my help), dressed, and we had supper made, Ken and I felt exhausted.  We are not used to so much "activity". Ken had grilled hamburgs and hot dogs and we had mac and cheese and more corn on the cob.  Ken had also built a campfire so everyone had a s'more.  

There was lots of clean-up needed so Ken suggested I drive Bria and Cali about 30 minutes down the road to meet Jamie and Dane.  So we loaded the van with their "stuff" and we left the CG at 7:00.  Poor Ken had all the clean-up to do and try to find a movie that both Samantha and Katelyn wanted to see.  I was back by 8 and everything was cleaned up and under control.  PaPa is the best!

All 4 of us were in bed before 9, exhausted after a very busy day!