Once every 3 years (or so) my parents are able to make it across to America to see us all. They usually come over for a minimum of 6-7 weeks because they also try and see friends while they are here. Tanya was also able to come over which was fantastic. Because they flew in to New York on Tanya's birthday, they decided to spend 3 days in New York to see the sites and celebrate Tanya's 30th. While they were enjoying the sites, Cullen, Jordan and I were on a plane and heading to Pennsylvania - our meeting point.
The boys & I flew via Texas and although we only had hand luggage, I managed to pack movies, books, drawing stuff, etc. for the kids and threw in half the pantry as well since I wasn't sure if we'd be able to get meals and snacks during our flights and airport stops.
We arrived at Philadelphia airport and had to catch a tram to Philly train station. We had some time before we had to catch an Amtrak train to Lancaster County where my parents' friends live and whom we were staying with.
We walked around the station which was quite impressive, grabbed a bite to eat and the boys sat and colored/drew before we got on the train headed for Lancaster.
The train ride was just over 90 minutes and it was fun to see parts of Pennsylvania as we passed through towns and farmlands. Everything was so green and lovely. We arrived at the Lancaster train station and it was hot and muggy. Our hosts Joyce and John Wagner (whom we'd never met) were there to meet us and we piled into their big Suburban and headed to their house which took 20 min. Our hosts are so hospitable and friendly and I enjoyed their company. Their home is beautiful - typical PA style, old and spacious and it had a large pond out back.
The next morning John took the boys to collect eggs from their chicken coop and we had some eggs for breakfast. John also made homemade ice cream (using 18 eggs) in preparation for my Dad's arrival since Dad is a huge fan of ice cream. John took us on a tour of his property in his fun jeep-car-thing and the boys loved it.
Later that day we all went to get my parents & Tanya from the train station and it was great to see them again. We went to Good 'n Plenty which has typical Pennsylvania Dutch cooking - the restaurant was true to its name - it was good food and there was plenty of it! The food kept coming and we were stuffed by the time we left the restaurant. Needless to say we didn't need any dinner!
