Rolling hills and dairy farms! As soon as we got close to where my husband’s family lives in Pennsylvania, I fell in love with the landscape.  We were in Amish country and Mike had always told me I would love it up there. He was right. It was so green and just breathtaking.

It took a little convincing for me to agree to make the 6 hour trip.  Mike’s aunt and uncle were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and having a celebration to mark the occasion. We had been wanting to visit them for a long time and this was the perfect opportunity.  But, we had just gotten back from our vacation at the Outer Banks, we’d have to board the dogs again and traveling with a 19 month old for so long in the car seemed less than appealing. But we did it and Steven was awesome. I don’t think we could have asked for better on the ride up and back.

Mike’s aunt and uncle and their 3 children and their families all live up in Pennsylvania. They are some of the nicest and most welcoming people you will ever meet.  The first time I met them I loved them like my own family.  Mike’s cousin Sarah and her husband Ben, along with their 3 children welcomed us into their home for the weekend.  The moment Steven saw their two oldest children, Jacob and Rose, he hugged them. He must have known they were his family too!! 🙂

We had the most wonderful visit and I’m only sad we didn’t do it sooner.  We got to visit with family and took a trip out to Ben’s family farm.  Steven loved petting the sheep, seeing the cows and even taking a ride on a skid loader.  I think he would make a great farm kid!

I am so glad we made this trip happen. I think we might have to make it an annual trip now that we’ve got that first one under our belt. We love our family up there and want Steven to know his cousins and family up there. The trip wasn’t too bad and the landscape and memories make it all worth it.

The car ride up and playing with his cousins.

Football at the reception. Steven thought the pile-up was a hug pile! 🙂

Mike’s cousin Jesse and his youngest daughter Caroline.

Mike’s Gram, her granddaughter Sarah and her great-granddaughter Corrine.

Beautiful flowers at the reception.

Mike’s 3 cousins, Jesse, Sarah, and Renee, sharing stories of growing up with their parents.

Our visit to Ben’s family farm.

Steven had such a wonderful time playing with all his cousins.  I truly wish we all lived closer!

A water fight broke out and everyone got soaked!

Mike’s aunt Susan and her youngest grandchild Corrine.

Nana and her Steven!

Sisters with their grandbabies.