Bev, Kaye & I were planning a party for Mom in Kansas on the weekend of her 80th birthday (April 5th). In the midst of our email conversations (
without Mom's knowledge) -- Mom emailed us forwarding an ad she had got via email about the production, "Behold the Lamb" at the original Sight and Sound Theater in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. She said,
"I sure wish we could go see this......." (
wishful thinking, of course). But that got the ball rolling.......Kaye & Rob offered us their free airline miles for our flights and Mom offered to pay for the rest of the trip -- so off to Pennsylvania we go!! This picture is out of order -- but to begin my blog --
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM - and thanks for such a memorable trip!
I drove up to Girard, Kansas Wednesday afternoon, April 1st, after working part of the day, in time to be at Mt. Olive for the last night of the revival services Jeff was doing. Then after the services, Jeff, Mom & I drove to KC and stayed in a hotel near the airport. We took off very early Thursday morning for Philadelphia. Bev & Don flew from Dallas and Kaye & Rob flew from Little Rock. We all arrived within a few minutes of each other. After arriving in Philly, we went to the Visitor's Center at Independence Hall and got a "game plan" for our visit. We then drove to our hotel, unpacked and then had a fun evening at P.F. Changs and back to our suites for a little 9,8,7!!
Friday morning, we woke to the sound of rain :-( and it rained (
sometimes poured) till the middle of the afternoon. However, it was warm, so that was a blessing and in spite of the rain, we had a really fun, fun day! Please overlook the very "
flat" hair -- rain and pretty hairstyles do not go together!!
We drove about an hour to the Lancaster, PA area, enjoying the beautiful countryside, dotted with many Amish farms. Then we took a very interesting tour of a AmishVillage.
We were first given a tour of a former Amish home with explanation of their way of life........clothing, traditions, etc.
The Amish women wear no buttons or snaps on their dresses.......but use straight pins to pin it all together very day - very strange and what a pain (
ha)!!
They sure can make some beautiful quilts!
After the tour inside, we took one of the grounds.....thankfully the rain let up for this tour! Here is Bev, Don & I in a covered bridge.
My favorite building was the old schoolhouse -- reminded me of my "Radley" school days! Jeff is the teacher (
of course).........
Bev, Kaye & I are the students.........
Rob & Kaye by a buggy -- we saw lots of these horse drawn buggies and their owners as we drove the roads/city streets........
Bev & Don.......
The Amish do not want you to take pictures of their faces......but we did "
sneak" this picture from our car window of a school yard with the cute children. Even though we were in the Lancaster area, we didn't try to find the school that had the horrible massacre :-(
From here, we went on to Strasburg and took a fun train ride through the countryside....
From the train station, we journeyed on to the Theater.....but since we had a few extra minutes, we couldn't resist getting some ice cream!
We got a "
kick" out of the name of this town and their newspaper -- so Kaye made Mom pose for a picture :-)
We saw this Amish man pull up to a bank, so while he went inside, Bev & I had to get some pictures!
He's back - whew - just made it back across the street!
As you see - they just travel along the same roads as the vehicles.........
We have arrived to the Sight & Sound Theatre..........
A couple of pictures outside in front of the pretty Lion and the Lamb statute....
Yes, the wind was blowing!!
This was a fabulous production!!! Great performances in re-telling the beloved story of our Savior's life, death, burial, resurrection, and now His place in Heaven on that great Throne!
No pictures were allowed during the play......
Afterward, we stopped at a nearby restaurant that served Amish food. Some of it was very good.....other things not so good. But it was neat to try out the local fare.
*********
Saturday - the sun was shining! Yeah - but it was chilly and very windy....25 mph with 40 mile an hour gusts. But thankfully, no rain. We went back downtown to Philadelphia on this day to tour all the historical locations that marked the beginning of our country. We got an all day pass on this double-decker bus and just got off and on as we pleased........
One of our first stops was at the home of Betsy Ross.....
One of our stops was at the first state penitentiary.....goodness, I sure would not wanted to be incarcerated there! Horrible conditions........but it was very interesting!
Then to Freedom Hall and the famous steps from the Rocky Movie......Jeff & Rob looking at the Rocky Statute.......
Here are our cute "
Rocky" boys!
Jeff running those famous steps.....
He said it was a '
piece of cake!'
From there, we went downtown to South Street and ate a delicious Philly Cheesecake sandwich--yum, yum!!
After eating, we hurried back to Independence Hall, before they closed, to tour the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall Center where the Declaration of Independence was signed.........
This family was in line in front of us to go inside Independence Hall.......this little girl was such a doll and Beverly immediately fell in love with her........she's hoping to be a Nana to a little girl like this someday!!
Pretty Street.........
Where the Declaration was signed.......
Taking a break........
The family before heading back to our hotel for the evening. Another great day!
*********
Sunday, we had just a few hours before heading back to the airport, so we decided to tour Valley Forge which is not too far away. This too was interesting. George Washington.........
Inside one of the cabins, our soldiers slept in that winter getting prepared to fight the Revolutionary War that gave America her freedom from Europe.
We were treated to the pretty sight of a herd of deer........
Last shot before we left here to head home.......
Wonderful, wonderful trip. And as always on our family trips - I know to never take one for granted. I'm so thankful for Mom and my sisters and brother-in-laws and love each time we are able to travel and spend time together.
Again, thank you Mom, and Kaye & Rob for making it all possible!!
Love to each of you -- and Mom, we pray you have many more wonderful birthdays!!
Josh & Erika gave us some great news recently! Their heart's desire is to adopt! Most probably internationally and preferably twin boys or brothers. We are thrilled at their announcement and would appreciate your prayers that God will open the door and lead the way to bringing one or two homeless little boys into their home and into all of our hearts. This is what Erika posted on her blog:God has burdened our hearts for the many, many children who do not currently have loving, Christian homes to be raised in. We want the opportunity to make an eternal difference in two little boys lives.
