Pennsylvania Trip 2010

So we got back a while ago; but there was a lot of pictures to go through and both of our works have been keeping us a little busy lately... sorry for the late update! We went to visit Jason's family in Pennsylvania at the end of September. It was my first time to the state, and wow, is all I kept saying. The trees were starting to change colors, it was beautiful. I sure miss the changing of the seasons!

We started off the trip by going to Crystal Cave, it was a lot of fun, cold, and beautiful. Jason remembered going there as a kid; but couldn't remember the details; so it was an adventure for both of us. That night we spent time with his Grandmother Minich, Uncle John, and pups (big pups). We had some good food and wonderful hospitality. It was great to meet a part of his family that I've only talked to on the phone and to get to know them in person! Thank You Grandma Minich and Uncle John for making our stay there comfortable!

The Next day we hit the Hersey factory. The tour is done by a ride and singing cows. The whole ride smells like chocolate all the way through- delicious. After, we even got a little candy bar to satisfy the sweet tooth. I hope the people working there have a great dental plan from being around all that candy, all the time... it sure makes you want a sugar rush. That afternoon we went to the Amish Town of Intercourse. We got some yummy apple cider at a farmers market and walked around the little town. It had a shopping center that had a bunch of stores with handmade items. My favorite was the music box store... the old antique music boxes are unique and sound beautiful... downfall is that they are pricey.

The next day we got the chance to meet up with Aunt Janice and Uncle John (Janice's John) at the Bloomsburg fair. Holy cow- yummy cheap food and so much stuff to see that we didn't even get the chance to go through it all even though we walked through the fair most of the day. It was great to spend the day with them and finally get the chance to talk to Aunt Janice in person, she reminds me so much of Jason's mom (sisters) that it's fun... makes me wonder if people think me and my sisters are alike? It was a great day... and by the end we were looking forward to the hot tub back at the hotel. Thank you Aunt Janice and Uncle John for spending the day with us and introducing me to some great polish food, awesome polka, and the chance to get to know you!

On Sunday, we toured Jason's home town of Shanandoah. To me it's just like a city squished in a small place. The homes are so close to each other for the most part, that when we were overlooking the valley, all you can see is the main street with nothing but roof tops; but it's still a small town for the area. After we saw the valley part of the town it was off to Grandparents Chesonis's home in the Heights. Grandma Chesonis reminds me a lot of my Grandma Chynoweth... always making sure everyone is full and satisfied. Must be something about Grandmothers never wanting anyone to go home hungry. It was a family dinner- Jason's dad came with his wonderful companion Patricia and we also got to meet the grandparents, Aunt Roel, Aunt Daria, Uncle Dave, Cousin Abigail- All of which were very loving and fun to sit around and talk with (what I love to do most, when family is near).

That night we went over to Jason's dad and Patsy's house. We got the chance to sit and catch up with them... I think it was good to meet them in person and let Jason have some time to talk to his dad- it had been 8 years since they last really got the chance to talk and see each other. I also got to spend the time getting to know Patsy and her mom- what two great women. Her mom is a cancer fighter and Patsy is the loving daughter any mother would wish for. We hope and pray the best for them! Thanks to all the Chesonis's for a wonderful day and making me feel so welcome!

Our last full day there was Monday, in which we hit up some of the malls and then made our way back close to the airport. We spent the day mostly relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Pen State is beautiful and full of history. My favorite is all the colors and the old stone homes... It was a wonderful experience... one of which we plan on doing again; but not waiting 8 years this time to get back to. Thank you to all of Jason's family for making our trip memorable!

I had to make this in two separate post for some reason... it wouldn't let me load all the pics on one post (?). Anyway, we have a lot more pictures from this amazing weekend; but we cut it down to a few of the main ones. All we have to say is WOW... going to the temple and being sealed for all of eternity was awesome... I think all of it is still sinking in (in a good way). Being where such a strong history of the saints and being in that temple. The spirit was definitely on fire within us that weekend! Jason is such a great husband, he drove the whole next day so we could get some sleep and girl talk in (Lacy and Kim flew in the night before). We went to Carthage Jail first and then headed out to Nauvoo. Being were Joseph Smith died is a sad and great experience; but it was just the first layer of the wonderful weekend. We hit up some nature site seeing on the way to Nauvoo, and then some of the sites at Nauvoo. For anyone that has never been there, it is a must! The spirit from all the pioneers truly lives on and comes pouring out as you go through the tours and specially through the temple. For all those that made it Thank You and we are so glad you could share our special weekend with us and for those of you that couldn't make it we understand and look forward to being able to go with you through whatever temple, when we see you next. Love You All, Hope we all can have the strength of the pioneers when we need it, and glory and thanks to our Heavenly Father that has given us so much and a wonderful way back to his presence!

ST Louis Trip

Okay, so I have a bit to catch up on... These are pictures from a trip Jason and I took on our trip up to St. Louis. We went to the Temple to pick up some things for our Nauvoo trip (next on the blog list) and then we went to the Science Center... It's free, except you pay for parking. It was a lot of fun and Jason finally got to try some Astronaut Ice Cream (a dream of his from a kid). It tasted like an ice cream sandwich; but it sucked all the water right out of your mouth... like a creamy ice cream saltine cracker.... yummy.

Dogs make life entertaining

Here are just a couple pictures of our "kids" (the pups). They have such personalities and always keep us entertained, on our feet, and fill us with love and joy. Ruthie (Roo Roo) is smiling because she just got back from a walk where we let her leash go for a little bit... she took off running like a young pup (but still slow enough to catch). After she was hot and tiered; but even later when she cooled off and fell asleep, she was still smiling. Max is trying to get into trouble; but we caught him. He loves the little rubber duckies that we have in the bathroom. He would love to sink his teeth into them; but he just can't get to them... yet!

P.S. I am still trying to figure out how to make it so the words in the post aren't split up in the pictures so if anyone has any hints they can give... it would be much appreciated!

Family Vacation to Las Vegas!

Yeah! I know it's been a while since our last blog- sorry. It's been a little while; but the memory and euphoria of our Family Vacation to Las Vegas is still lingering. Jason and I flew into Vegas where all of my family met up to spend some time together. It was a blast and wow, I can't believe how much the nieces and nephews have grown! The trip went way to fast; but we look forward to seeing everyone again (hopefully sooner than a year this next time)!

While we were there Sicily and Todd hooked Jason and I up with a tour of the Hoover Dam. We loved ridding in the "Pink Jeep"! Even though Todd couldn't give us the tour, we still got the next best tour guide and learned so so so much information. Pink Jeep is the ultimate for tour groups! Thank You Again Sicily and Todd for hooking us up!

Jason got to spend a little time with my dad going to see the huge Bass Pro and new mall center, while the girls and I got to get pedicures. Still jealous of Sienna's Princess Pedi!

Annie and Adam hooked us all up with a dinner out to Merache (spelling is likely wrong). It was very filling and delicious! The food and entertainment made for a great atmosphere... even Holly got up and danced with the belly dancer! Thank You Again Annie and Adam for hooking us up!

We were so excited that Sam, Holly, and the boys got to make it down. I know that it was crazy for them because of work and school, so even though we didn't get to see them as long... I am so grateful that they made the trip down so we could see them! Thank You Holly and Sam!

The next shout out goes to my dad and Judy for being able to make it down as well. It was really great to see them and learn how to "shake awake". The more I get to meet and know Judy, the more I realize what a great blessing she is to not only my dad; but to our family as well. Thank You Again for the special gift.

On a side note to Ashley: Next time- you better get some time off work or Jason and I will worknap you (sort of like kidnap, except we will take you away from work, not your parents)!

Last; but not least is a huge shout out to Christopher! He flew in from Florida to Missouri, to spend some time with us and also watch the dogs for us while we were gone. I'm sure watching the dogs made for a long boring weekend for him; but we are very thankful! It is always fun and great to have him come visit (except Max and Roo Roo want their dog food back).

Hope you enjoy the pictures, we enjoyed the vacation and miss you all already. Till next time...

Vroom Vroom !!!!!

Last Night Jason got to go out for a little fun time- after a little coaxing from me (I was at work). He went with a buddy and his family to the Missouri State Fair Speedway. I talked to him on the phone during the pace round and it was loud then. Jason's says it was LOUD, FUN, and COLD. He had a blast and we've decided to hit it up again together next time. Check out the pics- different classes of cars, a winner, and a nice wreck. Ken Schrader (a NASCAR racer) won the modified class race. WOAH!!!