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Hi everyone!
Wow, an entire week has gone by, and this is the first opportunity to post my pictures from vacation. I obviously can't post everything, but I will try to summarize.
We had a GREAT time. We started with our flight, which could have gone either way with 2 children. The kids absolutely impressed us! Will brought along a portable DVD player, and that kept Aiden very happy. Anna was busy with her leapster, and activity books that we brought along. I was shocked to have actually had the TIME to read several chapters in my book. What great kiddies we have!!!
After a little rental car complication - we made our way to my Aunt Rhea and Uncle Steve's house. We stayed there for our first 3 nights. During that time, we went to sesame place, and visit with the Lesnick side of Will's family.
Also, as per my request, my Aunt and Uncle made sure I got a REAL Philly cheesesteak. OH MY GOODNESS... I forgot how good they are! On Sunday we met up with the Lesnick side of the family! It was nice to see everyone in Chestnut Hill... and also NY cousins Chuck and Beth. Anna loved her cousin June!! 
On Monday we packed up the car and went into the mountains. Will's mother's family has property in the deep deep mountains of PA. When we go up there, we stay in a cabin that was built in the 1800's. Over the years family had modernized it a bit. It now has running water, a shower, stove and fridge. Much easier that hit had been in the past! What it doesn't have is a bathroom. Yes, we still have to treck it out to outhouse when nature calls. To me, not a big deal. I wasn't sure how Anna would feel about it... but she was FINE. In fact, if I didn't know any better, I would say she LIKED the outhouse!!!
During our stay at what the family calls Bellasylva, we visited with lots of family, went on hikes, fished, at smores over the campfire, picked blueberries and enjoyed a computer free 4 days! haha! There was one day where the kids stayed back with Will's parents, and Will and I took a nice long (and in my opinion vigorious) hike to Mahoopany Falls. We went with cousin's Penny and Becky, and Uncle Sam. It was a lovely hike and due to the strenous terrain energy I exuted... I didn't feel bad eating all the chicken wings and smores I wanted later on in the evening!! Bellasylva isn't that far from the small town of Dushore, PA. On Wednesday nights there is a town event called "wing night". So we all decided to go and check it out. All I can say is YUMM! :)
The kids just LOVED it up there. Will and I both love watching the kids enjoy nature, and spend time with all the family up there. It was so nice to just get away, and for a few days just leave it all behind and have fun. I can't wait to go back!!
Here are pictures from the Bellasylva portion of our trip:
On Friday after lunch we left to return to Philly for some more family events - this time my family! We arrived at Aunt Rhea's to find my sister and family there as well. They flew up for a big family reunion that was being held on Sunday. It was pretty funny... because my sister requested a cheesesteak as well, so yes, I had my SECOND cheesesteak of the vacation. Yikes!
On Saturday the four of us and my sisters clan went driving. Dori and I felt we wanted to see the house we grew up in. We moved away when I was 12, and wow, even though it's been soooo long, the house looks exactly the same to us, and I still remember every detail. It was a bit surreal to be honest. 
Then went to a quaint place called Peddlers Village for a while. We ate lunch and strolled a bit. 
We returned to my Aunt's place in time for a family BBQ. My mom was there since she was in town for the reunion on Sunday also. My first cousins Barry and Susie came to see us. It was GREAT seeing them and spending some time together. These are family members from my Eskin side, so it's really comforting to see them. If they read this, HI!! It was great seeing you, love you! 
We returned to my Aunt's place in time for a family BBQ. My mom was there since she was in town for the reunion on Sunday also. My first cousins Barry and Susie came to see us. It was GREAT seeing them and spending some time together. These are family members from my Eskin side, so it's really comforting to see them. If they read this, HI!! It was great seeing you, love you! 
The next day we went to the big Lemanowitz reunion. This is my mom's side of the family. It was really need to see and in some cases MEET all of these relatives. I also got to see my cousin Jenn who I wish I could see more often. If we lived closer I know we would hang out, so it's always nice to see her. Hi Jenn, miss you, love you and hope next time you'll make it to Bellasylva!!! :) 
After the reunion Will and I took the kids to Tanner's for ice cream. This was a place I have LOTS and LOTS of memories from. I remember going there as a kid, getting ice cream and looking at the cows. Well all of these years later, it's the SAME!!!! I mean even the cows are there! The kids loved their ice cream, as evidenced by the fact that it was all over their clothes and mouths. Then we went back to my Aunts place to regroup and pack up. We flew home the next day. Another GREAT flight with the kids (and Dori and crew were on our flight, so that was a nice added bonus). 
It really was a wonderful vacation.
We returned on Monday, and Tuesday Will and I went to the John Mayer concert. It was absolutely AMAZING. HE is amazing and I will most definitely be going to his concert the next time he is anywhere near here. We were in the 15th row, so it was just soooooo cool being that close. I was in my glory. Will had a great time too!
So that is the summary on those 12 days or so...
The last week has been full of school shopping and Kindermusik prep. Anna had her "meet the teacher" on Thursday. I will post a separate blog entry about the kids and school, so stay tuned!
Love, Holly
