Visiting Pennsylvania and Family

 It's been awhile since I've had a visit with my family.  We went back in January of 2021 and any other trips we took were because of a quick stop-over on our way to TN, or because of the passing of my Grandma last year.  

I've been intending to visit PA for a couple days- like, not a rushed trip, but one where we could take time to see folks.  It worked out perfectly that we left on Sunday after church and got to my parents' home by 9:45pm.  

On Monday morning, Dan went with my dad to run a few errands and the girls and I went and visited Oliver's pigs up the road.  Man, were they massive!!!  

I dropped in on my sister Katie too.  The girls had fun playing outside with their cousins while we chatted.

When we got home, the girls had their naps (which I photographed because...well, because they look hilarious).

Then we helped outside in the greenhouse for a bit.

The next day I was able to see my brother Oliver and his daughter.  That was nice, albeit short.

Tuesday evening we went over to my sister, Lydia's house for dinner.  The girls loved hanging out with their cousins and playing.  They even got to have a picnic dinner on the deck!

Here are Lydia and I.  I'm getting too old to take photos of my meals, but Lydia's dinner was chill, filling and super fun.  We had chicken tenders, fresh-cut vegetables, fruit, and even donuts and cookies.  YUM.  Especially the cream-filled donuts.  :)  I confess to eating two of them- very large ones!

And all the nieces and nephews with me and the girls.

Wednesday morning we went over to my sister Sarah's house for breakfast.  And what a breakfast!  I certainly didn't leave that table hungry.  

The girls had fun playing with more cousins and watching Max and Ruby too!

Sarah and I 

When we went back to my parents', I helped in the high tunnel for a bit.  

Mostly just weeding this area so that my parents could plant radishes later when the weather warmed back up.

Came back inside to see this.  :-) 

The girls and their grandma- my mother.

Wednesday evening we went to my sister Katie's house.  We ate dinner with Ryan and Katie, and I ate altogether too many of the amazing peanut butter cookies Katie made....and then we drove to their church in Dover, where we attended the evening Bible study.  It was very nice!  The girls went to a separate class, which Gwen definitely enjoyed.  Lucie is still getting used to strangers.  

Thursday morning, we packed up our stuff and said our goodbyes to my parents by 7:30.  Then we drove over to my sister, Martha's house.  She had made a lovely casserole for us for breakfast, and a peach pudding, which I loved!!  

Daniel was supposed to be at work, but he stayed back and spent time with us, which was so nice of him.  He ended up getting to work late because of it, but I know Dan appreciated spending time with him.  

Gwen and Lucie had fun playing with the twins.  

It was so nice to see most everyone.  I didn't get a chance to see my oldest brother and his family.  I usually only see them when there is a family gathering or if I attend a church service at my parent's church.  

But I was thankful to be able to see everyone else!  

Such a nice time and some lovely memories made.  

New high tunnel!

Right now, I am back in California getting ready to start this next semester...but when I was back in Pennsylvania with my family, I took quite a few more pictures that I never posted.  I know...its terrible how behind I get on this blogging! 

 

So my dad and brother had been working on putting up a new high tunnel.  When I got home at Christmas time, they were just about ready to do the plastic.  I was recruited to help with that part, since it is hard to do with only three people. 

 

 

 

We were going to do it this day, but then the wind picked up to about 9 mph...which doesn't seem like much.  But when four people are dragging a HUGE piece of plastic over a high tunnel...its enough.  So we waited until the next morning to put the plastic on. 

 

When we were bringing all of the tools in, Oliver dropped his brand new Christmas present from his fiancée...this huge tool set with tons of little pieces.  So me and Oliver spent the next hour or so sitting on the ground outside, putting all of the pieces back in their places :)

 

The next morning we were able to get the plastic on.  It was really hard to do, and even harder to get all of the little air bubbles out. 

 

But when I left Pennsylvania, the whole project was finished except for the electric work.  So I imagine that by now, it is almost ready to plant in!  Pretty exciting!