Time Away . . .

We've been traveling the past while - to Lancaster, PA, for our church's national conference, to Elizabethtown, PA, spending time with dear family, and to Williamsburg, VA, enjoying the sights and sounds. All that and returneda on July 4 to greet the happy and tired Fisher clan at the GR airport. It was celebratory and tender. Emma is beautiful in person and Seth wants to know when she is going to come to our house. Perhaps soon. :)

Tidbits from our trip:

• The best part of the hotel stay is always the hotel pool! A pool is now a must wherever we stay.
• Amish country...horse drawn buggies frequently seen with beautiful countryside. The kids and I took a ride one afternoon and stopped at little shops with yummy Amish baked goods in towns such as Bird-In-Hand and Intercourse. (really!)
• Leaving at mid-day for our 12 hour trek works well! Children slept in the van a lot (especially helpful during last 4 hours, when the trip gets wearisome)
• Fun hangin’ out and relaxing with Valerie and family - ping pong, 4 square, and celebrating nephew Kirk’s 13th b-day. They are warm and welcoming to us and we always enjoy our time with them.
• Nathan enjoyed Day Camp with cousin Kenton. We were glad to see him display independence and courage in going to Day Camp.
• Kids were brave and had no issues going to their classes at the GARBC conference. Seth – “I go to my cwass!” They liked them a lot. It's always neat to see them excited to learn about God!
• Heard some good speaking at the conference. Felt refreshed.
• We had a balcony off our room in Lancaster, overlooking the pool and just behind a couple of trees. It was soothing to my soul to sit and do devotions, relax in the sun while the kids napped, read some, etc.
• Williamsburg and surrounding area was wonderful. Colonial architecture, rich in history, beautiful nature, and we were told that it’s the 4th most popular vacation spot in US (of course, we were told this during a time-share presentation...so who knows if true?!) The area is worth a second visit!
• Seth has changing identities. You don’t know from day to day what his name will be! “What’s your name?” Sport, Dash, Peter Pan, Lightning McQueen, Crumb Pie, Buzz, Seffy, Scooty, Buzby, etc.
• Robyn especially liked the "blue bag" (soft-sided cooler) anytime we were in the van - "Can I have something out of the blue bag please?"
• Water Country, USA, in Williamsburg, was awesome! We went and listened to a time share schpeal first thing in morning - great breakfast, lots of listening, kids watched Dora, we all checked out the sample 5 star condo, and left $100 richer and our own wallet intact. :) Then went across the street to the cool water park - 3 neat kids splishin' and splashin' areas, Ken and I took turns taking Nathan on some big rides - a super day for all! (N & R were asleep in 3 minutes after getting in van! Seth had taken a nap in the park)
• Seth likes to say, “I’m talking for you!” (meaning “I’m talking to you – pay attention!")
• Seeing the WELCOME TO MICHIGAN sign – Great Lakes, Great Times – is a happy thing when you've been gone! We love our state!
• The children can only handle so long in the car before they go berserk (written on laptop in van about an hour from GR airport by their mother...)
• Colonial Parkway is a historical 20 mile route connecting Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. It is surrounded by picturesque foliage on both sides and you can picture the war and first settlers in our country!
• Ken appreciated that Rhonda packed lightly (well, lighter than normal!) so it was easier to haul everything.
• Not having a big stroller and pack and play made a good difference in packing lighter.
• Diener’s, an authentic Dutch/Amish restaurant in Lancaster, was outstanding! It was so good we went back the next night for the buffet again! Mmmmmm.......and cheaper than the "advertised" Amish restaurants in the area - that's what a local told us who recommended it.
• The Sight and Sound presentation made Genesis come to life for all of us - 4 year old to 36 year old. It was outstanding.
• Time away is good for all! We are blessed with our beautiful country and our beautiful family. Glad to be home. It was good to see everyone at church again today.

Will try to post some pictures soon - wow, with digital camera, do we have the pictures.... :)