Thursday and Friday - Hot and Humid!

I took Ken to Gus's Restaurant at 8 to meet Gary for breakfast.  I had an 8:20 appt. with my urologist about 10 minutes away.  Dr. del Terzo just wanted to have a consultation and discuss the results of my recent oncology urinalysis.  I was thrilled that the results were good but he would still like to do a cystoscopy about every year so I will have an appointment in November before we head to Florida!

Ken walked from the restaurant to Jamie's (about a mile+) and I drove there to meet them.  Jamie, Bria, Cali, Ken and I walked to the Ephrata Community Pool (about 1/4 mile) to the girl's swim team practice.  While they practiced, Jamie, Ken and I, along with their dog, Samson, took a longer walk.

Ken I left there and went to Wal-Mart for some groceries.  I did a little more cleaning, we had lunch on our deck, and then spent from 1 to 4:45 at Masonic Village playing Pinochle with my mom and dad.  It was another victorious day for the men.  They won 3 of our 4 games - frustrating for us ladies!!!!

We stopped at Subway for a quick sandwich and then drove to Lancaster Country Club to watch the Ephrata Tidal Waves win the swim meet.  Again, Bria and Cali had an awesome meet.  We got home at 8:45 and believe it or not, I put on my SAS and Ken and I went for a 45 minute walk.  It was a gorgeous evening, but rather warm.  Showers were needed when we returned.

Got to bed around 10:15. 

Today, Friday, we were both up early and Ken drove me to Ephrata to meet my Curvette friends for breakfast.  He went back home and then our friends Jackie and Dan picked me up at the restaurant and we went to the Lion's club Park near Rothsville.  Ken met us there and the 4 of us enjoyed a fun time playing pickleball.  We are looking forward to spending more time this summer playing this great game.  It brought back lots of memories of when the 4 of us used to get together years ago and play tennis.

We were home by 10 and I started doing my 3 loads of wash.  I put on my SAS and we went for a walk, stopping at Cafe Chocolate for a strawberry freeze and a lemon/poppyseed scone.  Today it was exactly 3 years since Ken retired so we thought we would have a little celebration!  We were able to sit at a sidewalk table in downtown Lititz while enjoying our treat!  We are the last of the big spenders!!!

I continued my wash, we ate lunch, and by 12:45 we were at Costco to do some shopping and for my appointment with Dr. George, the eye DR. to get my check for glaucoma - no problem.

Back home to finish the washing (yes, it is finally done!) and Ken dropped off some unwanted things at Matthew 25, a thrift store here in Lititz.  We both took a brief nap and then Ken made us salads for dinner while I cut-up a watermelon and pineapple.  Ken grilled.  After cleaning up, Ken did some reading and I worked on our blog, downloaded photos, and watched America's Got Talent.  We were in bed by 10:00.  

Tuesday and Wednesday Were Gorgeous Weather Days!

Ken and I went for a walk and it was a positively gorgeous morning!  It went fairly well in my SAS.  When we returned we made omelettes and had delicious bowls of fresh fruit.  It was the perfect morning to eat on the deck.  

Ken went to work at his desk while I made of batch of healthy oat bran muffins! After cleaning up the kitchen I had a chat with John, my brother-in-law, about pickleball and then a long phone conversation with my good friend, Jackie, about doing some events together over the 4th of July.  We look forward to spending more time with them!

Ken left to have lunch with his former real estate partner, Kevin.  I went through some of my closet and then had fun trying to balance my business checkbook. When Ken returned he took a short nap (he gets up soooo early) and then he grilled and I made salads for dinner.  Went to Bria and Cali's swim meet and got to enjoy watching them having some amazing times in their heats!  We were home by 9 and watched America's Got Talent.  We did get a text from Joyce and Rick today.  Their house settled and Rick is feeling great!  Hallelujah!

Wednesday I made another cooked breakfast before Ken left for his volunteer work at MCC from 8:30 to 12. 

The welcoming sign at the Resource Center
of the Mennonite Central Committee!

A list of recent shipments from the Resource
Center to places around the world!

Brian Snader who has worked at
the Resource Center for 6 1/2 years.
Brian, his wife, and 2 children will
be leaving for Kenya for a 3 year
service term with MCC.

One of the guiding principles from
Matthew 25!

 Somehow my morning "flew" - cleaned up the kitchen, made a couple sea glass pictures, talked to Cindy, and then talked to Diane Weaver, a lady I knew from working at Green Dragon years ago.  She also brought the SAS and we wanted to "compare notes" on how the suit is working for us, concerns, and expectations.  I really appreciated our phone conversation.  We plan to keep in touch!

Ken was home by 12:45 and we ate lunch on the deck.  After taking a 45 minute walk Ken took the CRV for an oil change.  While he was gone Cindy and John stopped by and then the 4 of us had a nice time visiting.  They left around 6 and I had a phone call from Jamie.  Cali is struggling with her OCD and Jamie is always her "go to person"!  The thoughts that go through Cali's head and then her expressing them to Jamie is so hard on both of them and also for Bria. Jamie and Cali had a meeting with Dr. Ruth today and they may consider some medication to help Cali.  

I cleaned most of the apartment and by 9:30 we were in bed.

Pickleball, Walk, More Help for Rick and Joyce, and Ken's Step Class!By

Ken and I both left the apartment at 8:30 but he went for a 50 minute walk and I drove to play pickleball.  We both had a fun time.  I was back by 10:15 and Ken agreed to go for another walk.  What a guy!  So I put on my SAS and off we went for about 45 minutes!  It was a perfect morning for outside activities!

Yesterday I had text Joyce and asked if she needed anymore help before their settlement on Tuesday.  She left us know that she would be so thankful if we would be available in the afternoon to do the last minute things at the house.

So when we returned from our walk I got a text from Joyce that she had just picked up Rick at the hospital (only 72 hours since robotic heart surgery - wow!) and they were doing some necessary errands.  I quickly showered and then I called her and said we were ready to leave.  They were going to go to the Exeter Diner for lunch so we said we would join them (nothing like inviting yourself!)  

We were there by 12:45 and Rick looked amazing.  I wondered if he actually had the surgery!  

Doesn't he look amazing for just having such serious surgery!
Joyce looks great too with all the pressure she has had on her
the last 6 days!

After finishing lunch we went to their house and Rick sat on the chair we brought along for him.  We loaded somethings in the back of their pick-up, clothing in the back of our car, and then cleaned out the frig and freezer.  Joyce and I finished cleaning the house - she had done most of it last evening. 

Deb and Lloyd arrived with their large pick-up around 3 and we managed to fill the back of it with boxes, etc.  By 3:45 we had a "caravan" driving to Hamburg to Joyce's niece where they where storing all the items that are going to Florida in her garage.  After we finished unloading, Ken and I said our good-byes and headed back to Lititz arriving around 6:00. Rick, Joyce, Lloyd and Deb drove on to Joyce's brother's home to unload just a few things and it is where Rick and Joyce will be staying until they leave for Florida in about a month. Ken quickly showered and left by 6:10 for CR.

I spent the evening watching American Ninja Warrior while downloading photos and working on the blog.  It appears that our schedules for the next 2 days are a bit more "quiet" which is probably a good thing.  We are a bit tired!

A Fun Althouse Family Picnic!

Ken and I were at LCBC by 8:50 and enjoyed the service while sitting with Jamie and Dane!   The month of July is At The Movies theme for all of our sermons (we do it every July) and the entire lobby was set up to look like a movie set.  It was amazing.  Maybe we can get some pictures of it next Sunday!

We headed right home after the service and made delicious omelettes and bowl of fresh fruit.  We changed and loaded the coolers with the food we were providing for the picnic at Cindy's son and his wife's home in York (about a 40 minute drive for us).   It was a gorgeous sunny day and about 84 degrees, perfect for an all day outdoor picnic!  Everyone that was invited was there including my mother - Cindy and John, her 3 children and their families, John's son, Dustin and his family, and our 2 daughters and their families.  We played yard games all afternoon and if you know anything about the Althouse clan, every game becomes an intense competition.  We always have a great time!

Most of the family is participating in the outdoor games!
Bria enjoys Kan Jam

Ladder golf is always a fun, competitive game!

Cindy's oldest granddaughter, Alexandra (she is married) and
Cindys youngest grandchild, Jack!

Jamie is enjoying watching all the activity!

The grandchildren enjoyed some time in the pool and the
water guns!

Cindy's son, TW, and our mother!

Cindys daughter, Michele, and her friend, Lawn! 

Lanie, Alexandra, and Johns son, Dustin, and his wife Kathy!

This is Arlene (Cindys daughter-in-law) and her son, Bennett.
She and TW were our host and hostess for the picnic!

Bob is the champion of Kubb!

Such form and concentration.  He practices almost everyday
and he and his team will compete in Wisconsin in a few weeks!

Because Bob is so good, we have all the little ones on
his Team.  They still win!

Bria and Cali!

Katelyn is a good Kubb player!

Bria and Cali do very well too!

What do you mean that we lost????

Look at that - we won!!!!

We were back home by 8:15 and decided to go right to bed and read!  It was a wonderful day!

Helped Joyce Pack and Load Truck!

Ken and I were on our way by 6:45 to Rick and Joyce's house to help her finish up some additional packing and then loading the boxes, etc. onto a truck that was provided by a fellow church member! Numerous other folks from our Life Group and LCBC joined us. 

Alton and Jane went to the hospital to be with Rick while we worked at the house!  He was doing extremely well, took a walk down the hall, and then was moved to a private room.  They were talking about sending him home on Monday if he keeps recovering so well!

While the men loaded the truck to take things to Joyce's brothers house until they leave for Florida, the ladies did some vacuuming and other cleaning.  When the truck was loaded (and there was plenty of help to unload it), Ken and I headed back to Lititz, making several stops on the way, and were home by 1:00.  Ken showered and I started cutting and slicing food for tomorrow's family picnic.  

Ken left at 2:30 for his Step Study class and I decided to play some games on the I-Pad while watching the movie, Roadhouse.  I really dislike violent movies, but I enjoy this one.  What can I say????  I am such a Patrick Swayze fan!  Then I decided to head back to the kitchen and prepare my fruit tray for the picnic. When Ken got home at 4:30 he helped me finish cutting the fruit and then he did the dishes while I got ready for card club!

We met our couples card club at Garfield's Restaurant for a delicious light dinner of soup and salad.  Then back to Dan and Jackie's to play cards, have snacks, and then a light dessert.  What a fun evening.  We only got home at midnight, late for these 2 seniors!

It was another busy day!

Rick's Surgery Day!

Ken left at 7:30 to have breakfast with his mentor for the one class he is taking.  While he was gone, I showered and made myself breakfast.  My friend, Jackie, called and we talked for about 40 minutes.  She and Dan just returned last Sunday from a trip to Norway and she was sick most of this week.  She is finally feeling better and called to discuss our couples card club that will be at their house this Saturday night.  We had a great phone conversation.  I also talked to Deb, Jane, and Joyce all ladies in our Life Group.  We discussed our "strategy" for spending time with Rick and Joyce.

Ken was home by 10:15 and by 11:15 I left to head to Reading Hospital to sit with Joyce and her sister-in-law while Rick was in surgery.  He had left his room at 11 and was expected to only return in about 4 hours.  I was so happy I was available to spend that time with Joyce.  It is always nice for people to be with you when your loved one is in major surgery.

At 3 the surgeon came to talk to Joyce and she was very pleased with how well the surgery went.  It was a robotic surgery which will make his recovery so much better.  They took him to what they call Cardiac Intensive Care and by 4:15 Joyce and her sister-in-law went in to see him.  Linda came out after a short visit and said I was welcome to go back.  He was sitting in a chair but looked so groggy.  I only stayed about 5 minutes so Joyce and he could have some quiet time together.  He was having pain, so they gave him morphine.  Hopefully tomorrow he will feel a lot better!

Now the humorous part - I spent at least 45 minutes walking around the parking garage and could not find my car!  How embarrassing.  So eventually some security men came to get my keys and then went on a search.  After about 10 minutes they brought the car to me.  I did not realize I had parked in the lower level and never found that area to look for it.  Quite an adventure!  I headed home and positively drove through the worst torrential rain I have ever experienced when driving.  It poured!!!!  I had wanted to stop at Wal-Mart in Ephrata and by the time I got there the rain had ended.  I don't think they even had any in that area.

Now here is the good part - Ken had dinner waiting for me.  What a guy!  We spent the evening relaxing in front of the TV - Ken read and I worked on this blog!

Tomorrow we will leave around 7 to go to Rick and Joyce's home to help load the truck with the things they will be taking to Florida.  It will be stored at Rick's niece's home until they are able to head south.  They have settlement on their house in the Reading area on Tuesday, so everything has to be out of there.  After that Ken has his class and we have card club in the evening.  It will be another busy day, but good!

Time with Mom and Dad and Then to a Swim Meet!

Ken had breakfast with Gary and then went to Reiff's, a roadside stand, for some fruits and veggies.  I cooked breakfast for myself and did a load of wash. When Ken got home I put on my SAS and we went for a walk.  It was fairly warm, so showers were needed when we returned.

Ken drove to Jamie's for a haircut.  I painted some frames while he was gone. When he returned we ate lunch and then left to spend the afternoon with mom and dad playing pinochle.  We played 4 games and the women only won one - what is that about?????

We left Masonic Village at 4:45, enjoyed another "fancy" meal at Subway, and were  at Bria and Cali's swim meet by 6.  It was a nice evening to be outdoors. Again, the girls had unbelievable swim times.  Cali was 1st in 2 of the heats, Bria 2nd in 2 races (by a hair) and both of them swam in the winning relays. Cali's team finished 1 1/2 lengths faster than the 2nd place relay team!  It is fun to watch them and amazing at how they keep improving year to year!

I talked to my sister today to check on her.  She had cataract surgery this morning and is doing well.  Also checked in with Rick and Joyce and he will have surgery tomorrow sometime late morning.  The plan is to do his surgery roboticly.  Both of them seem to be handling this whole situation very well trusting that God will keep them in His care!

We were home around 8:30 and decided to go to bed and read. 

Wednesday - Another Gorgeous Day!

Ken was up very early and spent more time studying and doing devotions.  I arose at 6:40 and cut-up fresh fruit for us and peppers and onions for our omelettes.  We both watched the beginning of the morning news.

I put on my SAS and left for my walk around 7:30.  It was a great morning for a walk around the downtown area but I am still a bit uncomfortable with my hip and back.  Not terrible, but not as comfortable as I had hoped.  I guess I just need to be patient and give the whole process time!

Ken left for his job at MCC and I enjoyed my breakfast on the deck.  Showered, worked on the blog, and then I had time to do some crafting.  Messaged Joyce several times throughout the morning to see how Rick made out at his 11 AM appointment with his cardiologist.  She texted back that they were on the way to the hospital for a catherization that would take place around 1.  Wow things certainly happened quickly.  

Ken was home by 12:30 so we ate lunch on the deck and then he went for a long walk.  I continued working on sea glass pictures.  Around 1:45 we got a call from Joyce that they discovered his widow maker artery was 99.9% blocked and they could not insert a stent during the catherization.  He would need open heart surgery in the next day or 2 and would have to remain in the hospital until that time.  They are hoping to do the surgery robotically, but it may require cutting the chest open to do it depending on what else might need to be done.  What a shock to both of them.  Their house settles on Tuesday and they were supposed to leave later that day for Florida - the best laid plans!  Fortunately they are mostly packed and all of the furniture they planned to sell has been sold and picked up by the buyers.  

Ken and I decided to drive to the Reading Hospital just to give them moral support and pray with them.  I am so glad we chose to do that!  They are still in a bit of shock but handling the whole situation very well.   We will go to their home on Saturday along with others and load up all of their things that will be going to Florida and taking them to Joyce's niece to store in her garage until they are able to leave.

Ken and I stopped at Subway for dinner and were home by 6:45.  I spent the evening crafting and Ken had a hour chat with Ernie in Canada.  They must have had a lot to talk about.  I sent messages to our Life Group to keep them updated and had a nice conversation with Deb, another member of our Group.

I worked on the blog, downloaded some photos, and the 2 of us were in bed by 10:00.  What an unexpected turn of events today, especially for Rick and Joyce!

Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers!  

Left Hershey on Monday and Tuesday Was Still a Busy Day!

We were up by 7 on Monday and after a light breakfast we were on the pickleball courts by 9.  We had Wilbur all ready to depart when we left him - all we needed to do was "turn the key".

It was already very hot and humid when we began playing.  Wade and Tiffany, the folks who gave us their wooden paddles and taught us the basics of pickleball arrived at Hershey yesterday and it was so great to see them again and actually play pickleball together.  There were 7 of us who played and we had a very good time.

We said our good-byes and were on our way home by 11:15.  We had a fun time at Hershey, but it was not a relaxing trip.  By 1:15 we had Wilbur unloaded, wash started, and we sat down to eat lunch.  We had left Hershey a day early because of predicted storms and because our schedule for this week was rather crazy.  We felt our week would be a lot more "manageable" if we were home a day early!

By 1:30 they were predicting a possible tornado for our area and torrential rain. They interrupted TV shows to have continuous weather forecasting and tracking of the storms.  Fortunately, a tornado never struck this area but we did have some heavy rain and stronger than normal winds.  Ken and I decided to take a walk when it was just "showering", but by the time we got back, we were soaked.  Actually, it was a fun walk because it was so warm.  

Ken did a lot of homework for his class and then left at 6:15 for CR.  I finished all the wash and had a rather relaxing evening.  I was too tired to work on any crafts, etc.  I did have nice chats with Doloris and Cindy and enjoyed watching America Ninja Warrior.  For some reason, I enjoy that show.

Tuesday was an extremely beautiful weather day with temperatures in the mid 80's but very low humidity. Ken and I took a long walk, made breakfast and then showered.  I followed Ken to Beasley Ford in York (about a 35 minute drive) to have some warranty work done on Wilbur's engine.  We were back home by 11:15 and Ken went to his desk to do more homework.  I decided to organize and clean-up our very small outside storage area that is off our deck.  

We ate lunch and I left for my eye appointment at Costco.  Spent some time there just browsing, but I did buy some Tranquility Skorts.  They are so comfortable and just down right cute!  Then I left to get a haircut that was necessary.  Ken spent the afternoon with his brother Phil and his daughter Bella and son Lance.  They drove to Harrisburg to pick up a newly equipped handicap van for Lance that will be much easier for him to get in and out.  Ken drove their older van back for them and was so glad to have the opportunity to spend time with them today.

Lance can now get his motorized wheelchair to the front
of the van instead of always sitting in the back!

Phil and Lance were very excited about all the updated
equipment in this new van!

We both got home after 5:30 and by 5:45 were on our way to Bria and Cali's swim meet in Ephrata.  They are having a phenomenal year and enjoy being on the team.  It was a gorgeous evening to be outdoors and we were so happy to see them swim.  Cali came in 1st in 2 events and also was on the winning relay team for her age group.  Bria came in 1st in one event and was also on the winning relay team for 10 and under girls.  How exciting!

Bria was happy after coming in 1st
in butterfly!

Daddy was happy too!

We were home by 8:45 and I watched America's Got Talent.  Ken went to bed to read and I joined him at 10:30.  It seems like it was another very busy day!

A Very Special Father's Day!

Ken and I were up by 7, got ready for church, and were on our way to LCBC by 8:10 arriving there at 8:50.  We had a nice visit with members of our Life Group and then sat with Jamie, Dane, Sue, and Dan.  It was another very thought provoking service with exceptional music!

After church we were invited to a brunch at Dane and Jamie's house to celebrate Father's Day.  How nice of them!!!!  We had a delicious meal of homemade sticky buns, cinnamon rolls, and an egg casserole with ham, cheese, onions, peppers, and a base of crescent rolls.  Everything was so good.  We had a wonderful time sitting around their table just chatting about life and reminiscing about the early years of our marriage and family life.  What a special time.

We left there around 2 and returned to Wilbur at the Hershey CG.  It got to the high 80's today and with the humidity it felt like 98 - wow!  We both took a short rest and then we started preparing for tomorrow's departure.  Ken worked outside while I dusted and scoured inside.  I also packed most of our clothes and shoes, etc.  Ken vacuumed and I washed the floors.  It was a needed job!

After dinner, Ken did some financial things on the computer while I cleaned up.  Then I downloaded photos and worked on the blog while Ken read the paper.  Around 8:15 I put on my SAS and we went for a walk around the CG.  We could have some rain overnight, but they are predicting some severe storms tomorrow afternoon.  We hope to be home before they materialize, but we also plan to play some pickleball around 9 AM.  We only played about 3 times since we got here and I am looking forward to being on the courts tomorrow morning!

Melissa returned a call to me around 8:15 and we had such a nice time chatting. We certainly miss seeing Chuck and Melissa and hope we can meet up sometime later this year.  It was nice to reminisce about some of our adventures together and to "catch up" in what is going on with each other and our families.

We finished our conversation around 8:45 and I put on my SAS and we went for a 30 minute walk around the CG.  What a nice evening.  It was still warm, but there was a nice breeze.  We went to bed to read as soon as we returned to Wilbur.  This has certainly been a great day

No Time at the Campground!

It was a hot day but didn't feel too badly because it was cloudy most of the day. It was a very busy one for us, leaving the CG around 8 AM and only returning at 7:30.

Ken and I made a cooked breakfast and were on our way to Lanie and Bob's, about a 50 minute drive by 8:10.  We didn't take the turnpike, which would have been the quickest route, because we stopped at Shirk's Bike Shop to leave our bikes there so they could have their yearly tune-up.  We arrived at Lanie's around 9:30 and the painting began.

Bob is hosting a Kubb Tournament near Elverson on August 19th and has 17 Kubb sets that needed painted.  They were stained when purchased, but he wanted to paint them blue with 2 white stripes and then an additional yellow one - nothing simple about this project!  He had painted them white and then Lanie and Bob had taped them in preparation for the remainder of the painting. They had everything very well organized and it went very smoothly.  3 of his co-workers that are part of his Kubb Team also came to help.  When we left they were waiting for the kubbs to dry before the final coat on half of the block could be finished.  Then all that was needed was the yellow stripe.  We did well. 

We had quite an assembly line for this project!

Anyone who has an interest in being in the tournament should check out this website eastcoastkubbchampionships.com.  There will be all levels of players and should be a fun and interesting day.  I look forward to seeing some the "professional" Kubb players.  Bob and his team travel to several major tournaments throughout the spring and summer and do very well.  They are hosting this tournament with the hopes of getting more people introduced to the game.  It really is a great game!

We left their home around 1:30, stopped at a local roadside stand for some fruits and veggies and were at our apartment by 2:10.  Ken showered and left for his Step Study and I stayed at the apartment till he returned around 5.  We drove into Lebanon to Hobby Lobby so I could get the mat board needed for the background of my sea glass pictures.  Then we stopped at Leisa's in Palmyra for a light dinner, a place where we often ate with Ken's mother and stepfather.  It was fun to reminisce and the food was as good as we remembered.

Only got back to the CG around 7:30, changed clothes, and took our chairs to Neil and Nancy's campsite to enjoy a campfire with them and 4 of their friends. It was a delightful evening, despite a few light showers.  Back to Wilbur by 9:45 and we went right to bed.

We are supposed to stay here until Tuesday, but I think we will leave by lunch time on Monday because the are predicting severe storms later that day.  We shall see!

Quiet at Wilbur Today!

Ken was up before me and did some reading till I got up around 7:30.  It was a rather cloudy day but did get into the low 80's.  They were predicting some rain, but for some reason it never got to our location!

So, we had breakfast and were on the pickleball court by 9:15.  I was so excited to have a chance to play.  Ruth was the only person who joined us, but we had such a good time.  We played 2 on 1 changing after one of the sides got 5 points.  It was a great way to practice having better ball control.  We played until 11 and felt like we had some really good exercise.

We shower, changed, and then ate lunch outside.  We were at Masonic Homes by 1 and spent the afternoon playing Pinochle with Mom and Dad.  We played 4 games and it was a tie - 2 to 2.  Again they expressed how thankful they are that we are so faithful in coming to visit and play cards.

Back to Wilbur by 5 and we decided to do some prep work inside and out for our departure. We aren't leaving until at least Monday, but they are predicting some rain off and on the next several days with heavy storms on Monday, so we wanted to put the carpet, some chairs, wood, etc. in the basement of Wilbur before everything got wet.

Before we made dinner, I did some work on the blog and Ken read.  He grilled salmon and chicken for dinner while I made salads and sauteed veggies.  It was a great night to eat outside.

After dinner, I downloaded photos, worked on the blog again and Ken did some more homework outside for his class tomorrow afternoon.  At 8:30 we decided to go for a walk (time for the SAS to go on!) and we spent sometime chatting with Neil and Nancy and some of their friends that were enjoying a campfire. We did some more walking (it was a perfect evening with no bugs) before arriving back at Wilbur.  By now it was 9:45, so I quickly finished my blog, showered, and we were in bed by a little after 10.

It has been a wonderful day!

A Busy, Fun Day!

Thursday was an off and on sunny day, but warm - 80's.  Bria and Cali came to our room at 7:15 after a good night's sleep.  They played on our I-Pads while we undid their bed, got ready and made the usual - a pancake breakfast which we ate outside.  Ken and I chose to pass on the pancakes.

We cleaned up and then we all played Racko.  By then the mini golf course had opened so we walked over to begin play again.  The 3 of them were determined to beat Grandma, but that didn't happen.  I am the reigning champ!!!

On the way back to Wilbur, we checked out the killdeer bird that was sitting on its "nest".  What an interesting bird.  It builds its nest in a depression on the ground and if you get too close, she leaves the nest and acts like she has a broken wing to draw attention to her and not her eggs.  2 killdeers have nests here and both are at "unsafe" locations, so the workers  put a chair over the nest to protect the eggs.  The eggs are rather large and tan with darker brown spots.

I love her stripes!

The eggs are rather large and unique!

The girls decided they would like hot dogs again for lunch so Ken put them on the grill.  We played a game of Skip-Bo and UNO.  After loading the car we helped the girls do some jump roping.  While here, they learned how to jump into a twirling rope.  They were excited.  

The 4 of us were at our apartment by 1:30 and the girls left with Jamie around 2.  I put on my SAS and we went for a walk around Lititz, then showered and Ken worked on his Step Study homework.  I spent time preparing to lead our Life Group study of the book, Boundaries.  It is such a challenging book that is very difficult to lead.  It is a bit too deep for me.

We met our Life Group at The Deck to eat dinner outdoors.  It was wrap night and all of the wraps we tried were delicious.  From there we went to Paparos for our study time.  Fortunately there was lots of participation and the discussion was interesting and thought provoking.  After having dessert we were on our way back to the CG by 9:30.  We were tired and went right to bed where we did some reading.

We have certainly had many fun, busy days on this camping adventure.

Great Day with Bria and Cali!

Wednesday was a partly sunny day and in the 70's.  Ken was up early and really enjoyed doing his devotions outside.  I got up at 6:45 and we made breakfast and then ate it at the picnic table.  

We met Jamie, Bria, and Cali about 30 minutes from the CG at the Quentin Restaurant.  Jamie headed back home and upon the girls request, we drove to Chocolate World to take the riding tour.  We bought Jolly Rancher stuffed bears for the girls and we enjoyed sharing cookies.  We actually took the ride 2X's. 

1st time on the ride!

On the 2nd ride we switched seats and partners!

One of the 3 ingredients in Hershey's Chocolate is farm fresh
milk.  The local dairies is what brought Mr. Hershey to
this town and the starting of his factory!

Chocolate World makes delicious cookies too!

When we got back to the CG we sat outside and played UNO.  Then it was time for lunch.  We all changed, dropped of the beach bag at the pool and proceeded to the mini golf course, where Grandma was the big winner - Yeah!  After spending about 2 hours at the pool it was time for ice cream.  We decided to go back to Wilbur to play more games.

This golf course is rather challenging!

Cali looks like she is really concentrating!

Bria takes it seriously too!

Cali in action!

We had such a good time!

On the way back they also did some playing on the playground and then waded through the creek.

Cali wasn't so sure, because the bottom of the creek was so
muddy!

What are you doing, Bria????

So, after showering the girls played some "volleyball" and did some jump roping.  PawPaw decided to take a nap, so the girls played on our I-Pads while I did some reading in my Boundaries book (I find it a very intense book that is rather hard to understand, let alone teach!).  I prepared potatoes and salads for dinner, and the girls spent time outside with PawPaw playing while he started a fire.  He grilled the potatoes and then we all made our hot dogs on the campfire. After a delicious dinner it was time for dessert - s'mores!  After cleaning up, we played Racko.  

I think the smoke was heading right over Bria!

I put on my SAS and the 4 of us went for a walk around the CG stopping at Neil and Nancy's so the girls could meet their dog Tatum.  They were eating dinner, so they allowed us to take Tatum for a walk.  After returning Tatum, we stopped by Cindy and John's site and they were preparing to head home tonight instead of waiting till the morning.  We had a nice little visit.  

So good to see Bria over her fear of dogs!  They loved
playing with Tatum!

Back to Wilbur and as we promised Jamie, Bria and Cali were in bed by 9 and then read till 9:30.  We didn't hear anything after that!  It was a fun day!