Family Visit Day 7

It was hard to believe that we had already reached the last real day of vacation when Wednesday came along. The time went by way too fast. Originally we had planned to do Washington DC, but we’d been doing so much long-distance traveling that I don’t think any of us were really up to another long drive and full day trip. Plus, the van we rented had an 800-mile limit, after that it was 30 cents a mile, which adding that to tolls and gas would have been an expensive trip. (We had about 650 miles already). So as much as we would have loved to see DC, we decided to pass and did Valley Forge instead- which we had all really wanted to see as well so it ended up working out well.

We spent part of the morning getting things rounded up and organized. Dad, Mom, Lacey and Cole did part of their packing just to make it quicker later on. Jeff actually got off early, so he was able to join us on the trip up to Valley Forge. It was a lot of fun as well-definitely a good choice, and a much shorter drive. We started off by seeing a documentary film that gave a pretty good overview of all the events leading up to, during, and after the encampment at Valley Forge. Following the film, we spent some time in the visitor’s center looking at all the exhibits, reading more about the people, and various facts, as well as having some fun with hands-on displays.

(Jeff with the surgical tools display- don't those look fun)

Jacob and Caleb had fun in the store section where they tried on the hats and played with the toys guns. Aunt Lacey even bought them a really neat solider set which they were pretty excited about.

The last thing we picked up from the store was an audio-tour cd so we all went back out to the car and did a tour around the whole Valley Forge park. It was really fun and I admit, sometimes I love those kinds of tours where all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride! We did make stops and enjoyed getting out to see the cabins, statues, monuments, houses, etc. That was a nice break for the boys who don’t love the ‘sit back and enjoy the ride in your carseat’ kinds of tours as much.

It was such a lovely day, and we loved the beautiful scenery. We saw lots of deer throughout the park- the boys loved that. One of my favorite things about Valley Forge is that there is really a sacred spirit throughout the entire park. It was humbling to be there and know we were standing in the same place where General Washington and so many faithful soldiers had been before. It really is a place to renew your gratitude for the sacrifices made by so many for the freedom of our country, and towards Heavenly Father who guided and blessed the leaders and forefathers of the country.

We spent most of our day there at Valley Forge and didn’t even start to head home until after 7:00pm. We stopped for some dinner along the way (KFC-Mom’s request) and had dinner together at home. Although it was a fun evening to spend together, it was also a little sad because I knew everyone would be leaving in the morning. Originally I had planned to go to Boston with the family for Kristie’s reception, but the more and more we worked things out, it was just clear that it wasn’t the best option for me. At first we thought Mom & Dad would be driving up as well, and we figured we would caravan together. However, we found it was much cheaper for them to take a bus (the awesome Chinatown bus from Philly to NYC, and NYC to Boston). So that would have left me driving up in the car alone (Dad would have come with me). But we would have gotten to Boston on Thursday afternoon, the reception would have been Thursday night, and then my family was flying out Friday morning. So I would have had to drive back from Boston all the way home by myself the next morning. We thought that Cole might stay out with us longer, and he would have been able to ride back with me-but his flight hadn’t been changed. And frankly, at the end of the week I was so tired and another 7 hour car ride with three tired little boys, and only me driving was starting to sound less and less appealing. The other option of doing it the Chinatown bus way by myself with the kids didn’t sound like much fun either. So as hard as it was to not go up with the family- and especially be able to see Kristie and Tom, we thought that it was probably the best decision not to make the trip. I was really sad, but I knew it was the best choice. So we enjoyed our last night together and tried not to think about it too much.

It was sad to see the boys saying goodnight to Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Lacey and Uncle Cole knowing that this would be the last time they would see them for a long time. Although I told them that everyone would be leaving, I don’t think it really sunk in until the next morning when they came running into the living room to see everyone, and no one was there. It brought tears to my eyes when Caleb asked with a sad, concerned look on his face, “Where did Grandma Go?” Both of them were pretty sad, they cried a few tears themselves and told me they wished that everyone could come back. Caleb even added, “But my Grandma loves me!” It’s funny, I don’t think goodbyes get any easier as you get older, in fact sometimes they seem to get harder. We had so much fun with the family here. I don’t think our little apartment has ever seemed more quiet, empty, and just plain lonely as it did when everyone left. I didn’t want to put away all the sheets, pillows, and other little reminders that family had been here. This was definitely a trip that all of us will remember for a very long time. I don’t know if my family will ever have another chance to come out and visit us while we’re here. (This was the first time in 6 years) But I’m so grateful for all the fun times, and the wonderful memories that we’ll always have. It really was one of the best weeks ever and I wouldn’t change it for anything. Thanks Mom & Dad (and Lacey & Cole) for coming out to see us- we miss you and love you!!