Leaving 'our backyard'

We have left home, and have spent about 2 weeks exploring 'our backyard.'  We went apple picking in NH with papa.

                       

We stayed for a week with Papa, in NH, while the RV was in for service. We did a lot of shopping!  But, I think we are ready to head out now.

                               
While we were up there,  we had the opportunity to meet up with very dear friends that we haven't seen in about a year.  The kiddos were over the moon to be together again, as were the mamas!  It does the heart so much good to reconnect.

Every minute was full of joy, from exploring the old forts,  running through the fields, climbing trees, and fluffing the cattail seeds!

                          

The munchkins share a birthday month, so of course there had to be cake!!  Happy birthday little loves!

 

 

 

                                 


Once the RV was ready, we headed to Vermont. George spent our time there organizing the 'basement' of the RV.


                                
 We hung out at the campground's playground a lot. They had a cute little mini golf course too.

                               

Papa came and joined us for a night.


                         
 We showed him what camping is all about!

                            

  Cooking over the fire, making s'mores, and star gazing (star walk on the iPad, to help you identify the constellations- awesome app FYI).

 

 

 

 

 

                       


Our next stop was near Syracuse, NY.  We got to visit with friends that we haven't seen since our college days together- ahem, 12 years ago. It was like those 12 years and 3 children hadn't happened. We were able to pick up where we left off. The children had a great time playing together.

They found a snake to hike with.

                       

While we were hiking a woodchuck ran across our trail. I've never seen one before, he was a chubby little guy!  We had an opportunity for 'the circle of life' conversation, after we saw a dead chipmunk on the path as well.  Later that day, I brushed a stuck bug off my arm at the campsite!



We went out to dinner at a fantastic Italian restaurant with our friends. The kiddos had a blast playing flashlight tag, in the dark, back at their house.  I can't wait to meet up with them later this year, at their new house in Texas!

                     

I highly recommend Green Lake State Park.  It has many beautiful trails, a nice playground and of course spectacular green lakes!

                              

There is a fresh water reef growning in Green Lake.  It's amazing to see. Couple the reef with the aqua color of the water, and it's easy to believe that Mermaids live beneath the water.



George and I have never run while having such spectacular views to see.

                              

I'm sure it's just the first of many parks where the views will take our breath away.


While we're in upstate ny, we visited my college. It was amazing to see what had changed, and what was still the same as I remembered it. 
                                               

I can't wait to see what the "classrooms" look like when Mae is ready to go herself!

 We are off to Niagra Falls!!  We are now traveling to places that none of us have ever seen before. Let the exploring continue!