Our Pennsylvania Getaway

With our house on the market and potential buyers ready to arrive at a moments notice, we decided that it would be better if we took the opportunity to go away for the weekend. Since we moved to DC 4 years ago, we have wanted to go and visit the famous Chocolate World in Hershey, PA. We had driven through late at night on our few trips from Oberlin to DC, but there was never time for the detour.

The kids loved the Factory Works Experience. They gave them hats, pushed a button that filled up their "gears" with Kisses from the conveyor belt and then asked them to shake them up with a little dance before sending them away. The girl in charge of the exhibit was so energetic. She really acted as though it was the first time that she had done it that day and yet, it must have been the trillionth!

We then headed from the Hershey's Great American Chocolate Tour to learn about the chocolate making process. This was the kids' favorite part. It was a short ride and probably has not been updated since the 1960's, but we had to go on this ride 5 times in the course of the two days. It turned out to be the best bargaining chip for good behavior available. If only we did not have to bribe our children... :)
Hershey's Really Big 3D Show is an animated 3D show meant for children. We wore 3D glasses, were "rained" on, and felt rats under our feet. A huge spider even exploded on us and it felt like all of it's guts had gone all over us. Peyton refused to wear the glasses, so I can only imagine what she thought was happening. She was really confused when the water sprayed down on us and spent 3-4 minutes looking all around the theater and up at the ceiling.

In the morning we woke up and headed to Hershey Gardens including The Children's Garden and the Butterfly House. Although it took some time to sell the idea to Steve, we
all had a great time. Peyton insisted on kissing all of the animal statues (as she kisses just about anything that looks alive and non-threatening). Steve and Abe found their own fun by playing hide and seek - the tall bushes were just too irresistible. Abe was enthralled in the physics of the ball at the top of the fountain and sun clock.

On our way home from Hershey we took a detour to Lancaster. I am completely intrigued by the Amish people. I am not quite sure what my fascination is exactly. I love the peaceful country roads and getting a glimpse of what life was like not so long ago. Living in Ohio, we had many opportunities to go to Amish country, but we thought that the kids (abe in particular) would appreciate the horse and buggies. We found a small petting zoo and park in the heart of Intercourse. There were modern and Amish families enjoying the weather and it was nice to sit and have a conversation with an Amish woman and her 5 nieces.

Fall is my favorite season and it was a great time of year to make the trip. Gourds decorated the facades of many quaint buildings, tall corn filled the fields
and the trees have begun to change into many brilliant shades of orange. As much as we had hoped to be overseas by now, I am grateful to have one more beautiful fall in Virginia.