Monday, July 20, 2009

Silk


July 19, 1997


July 19, 2009

The title refers to the traditional gift associated with the 12th wedding anniversary - ours was yesterday! We've never been big gifters at anniversary time, celebrating most years by a nice dinner out. This year we decided to try the Hershey Spa as our anniversary date and a night away at the Hershey Lodge. (Unfortunately, the Hotel Hershey was booked...we think that may have been more worth the cost, but it was still a nice night away.) Maybe the robes at the spa can qualify as the silk/linen aspect to the 12 years!
We've been enjoying the summer, me reading poolside - or chatting with the ladies - while the boys swim the afternoon away with friends. A few of our neighbors are members of the same pool we joined so there is always a familiar face. Shawn has been very busy with work but we try to get him down to join us for lunch or dinner if he is in the office. Also, our neighborhood has get togethers every other Friday over the summer for the whole family. This has been so nice, being that we are the newbies this year, and is a highlight that I try to schedule around. All in all, we are doing very well here and the move to PA has been very positive for both us and the kids.
One of the many things we love about being back in the home state is how much more convenient we are to the majority of our family. Not only have we been able to see a lot more of Shawn's sister's family but we were also able to host a family picnic a the end of June for Shawn's extended family. We all had a great afternoon of ladderball, LOTS of yummy treats, and super company.

We decided to do a staycation this year, taking a few days to explore Hershey Park, and a few days to lounge by the pool. Shawn is always up for whatever I might suggest, but I knew he was wanting a little down time at home since he's been gone so much. I have to say that I enjoyed the staycation more than I thought I would, and I know that Shawn appreciated the time much more since there was limited travel and preparation.

Grady loves to form bubbles with his saliva. Ah, boys.
The boys and the Hershey's bar.
Much to his dismay, Grady is not quite tall enough for the more exciting roller coasters. We spent some time catching ladybugs while Conner was riding the racer.
Recently, I've been given some subtle reminders about my age. Spinning rides, or more specifically, my much lower tolerance for them, is the most memorable.

We had the Junker kids for a few days in June while Shawn's sister and husband went away. The kids all had a great time together.

The whole gang at the picnic.