Pennsylvania: Road Trip Wrap Up

After our time in St. Louis, we spent the rest of our trip exploring Pennsylvania. We did pit stop in Columbus, Ohio for a night before heading to the Lancaster/Hershey Area. We crossed into our 20th state (if my counting is correct), West Virginia! On our drive from Ohio to Lancaster we stopped at Gettysburg Battlefield and looked around. It's hard to imagine in a beautiful green place like this what horrors occurred years ago.

 Next, we spent a full day in Lancaster/Hershey, Pennsylvania. We wanted to see Amish country and Hershey World and it didn't disappoint. With only one day, we spent the morning at Kettle Kitchen Village, an Amish touristy village, and the afternoon at Hershey World. Seeing horses and buggies on the road was pretty interesting, and there were gorgeously made wooden crafts everywhere. Unfortunately, we didn't have time (or the kids have patience) for a farm tour or anything, but we did see Amish women making corn relish and the kids got to decorate their own cookies from the Amish bakery.

 

  

  

Our next stop was Hershey World. I don't know who was more excited...me or the kids! We skipped on the giant amusement park (our kids are too little for all those rides anyway) and just enjoyed the factory tour, taste testing, and lots of chocolate. Ledger was so in love with the dancing cows on the ride. He did not move one bit on my lap and just watched in awe the whole time. The cutest thing was watching him on our second go-around! He remembered where the cows were at each section of the ride and anticipated so eagerly. Watching moments like that made this trip so worth it! 

 

 

I think I got just as excited by these beautiful rows of cupcakes. Everything was so beautiful! We each chose one for later. Can you guess who choose which one? 

  

(pb cups- Riley, Carmelo-me, pink flower- Vyla, hugs- Hinder) 

Our next stop was the giant aquarium in Camden, New Jersey (state #21). This place was SO AWESOME! I've never seen hippos, full sized sharks, and giant eels at an aquarium before. And the exhibits were so viewer friendly. The kids all loved it and we were so glad we decided to splurge a little and take them.

 

They loved touching the manta rays and playing in the kids play center too! 

 Megalodon jaws! Right up Hinder's alley!

 The hippos were my favorite. I failed to get a good picture because once I was at the glass, I wasn't thinking about my camera. Who knew such a giant animal could swim so gracefully??

 The next day were took the train into Philadelphia and took a Big Bus Tour around the city to see the sights. Sorry for the photo dump, but I could never remember all the details about all of these buildings. Long story short... we saw Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, the Art Museum made famous by the Rocky movies, and lots of things named after Benjamin Franklin. :)

 We got off the bus and walked around the art museum (much to Hinder's dismay) and it's a really enormous and beautiful place. Too bad there was massive construction right in front.

 After a lot of walking and touring, the kids and I hung out in front of Independence Hall while Riley ran to grab us authentic philly cheese steaks. I never was a philly cheese steak fan...until now. I could eat these every day.

The next day was our last drive. We hit one more new state (Connecticut, whoop!)...

 Before making it back to the beautiful state of Maine.

 22 states, 11 hotels, 3 kids, one van, two crazy parents, all in one summer. We had a blast! I can't believe Riley agreed to my plan and I can't believe we pulled it off. Thank you to our families for hosting us so much and for everyone along the way that took time to see us, share a dinner, and chat. The true highlight was visiting so many loved ones. 

And it must be mentioned that we did the entire summer without once getting pulled over or suffering a car problem. I know this is because each day we prayed as a family before continuing our drive. God hears our prayers and answers them. I know this! 

And this guys should get a little credit too...

 In the combined 90 hours of driving time (not including driving around each of our stops ) this guy did all but 6 of the hours. That's 84 hours, people! He's a champ and I love him to bits. 

It was the best of times...and worst of times...and I'd do it again in a heart beat. 

When can I start planning the next one? 

It's a Midwest Thang

Omaha was the next stop on our cross country adventure.Nebraska was a new state for us on this trip, and the first thing we did is what the kids always wanted to do. Swim at the hotel pool.

 That evening we were able to see the Winter Quarters Temple and memorials on the temple grounds.

 The kids really enjoyed the Mormon Trail Center and learning about pioneer life and their trek to Utah. It was cool to compare their journey west to ours. I can't believe their faith and endurance!

 

Any place that lets them push around a handcart is a winner! 

 The next morning we headed straight to the Omaha Zoo, one of the top ten largest zoos in the world. It was large enough that we opted to take the tram around at times rather than just walk. The exhibits were beautiful and the kids loved it. Unfortunately, our trip landed on a Saturday so it was BUSY with patrons and after 4 hours we called it good and got on our way to Nauvoo, Illinois.

 I was so excited to show Nauvoo to Riley, who didn't come with me the time I came for the Killian Family Reunion. It was just like I remembered, as it was almost the exact same time of year. My aunt Joanna and her family live there and hooked us up with a comfortable condo where they work. If you are ever going to Nauvoo, stay at Nauvoo Villas. They are seriously the best place for a weary traveler. We loved every minute and only regret that it was a short three days!

 The kids loved the Family Learning Center and learning how to make their own rope. The senior missionaries were so patient and kind with my rambunctious kids!

 Vyla wasn't very sure about getting near the oxen, but she warmed up after we took a little ride around the yard.

 Seeing how little pioneer children had and the fun they made for themselves with simple toys was eye-opening for the kids and us parents.

 Cute pioneer girl!

 Ledger would have fit right into a pioneer family, he entertained himself the entire time with just the bark. ;)

 The highlight for me was being able to go through Carthage Jail and see the place where the Prophet Joseph Smith gave his life for the gospel and the church. (to learn more about who Joseph Smith was and what he did go here). There was an amazing spirit in that room, one that I will never forget. I'm so grateful to my Aunt Joanna for watching our kids so Riley and I could experience this tour together!

 Our next midwest stop was St. Louis.  Missouri was a state I had never been in. I was nervous about coming here because it was in the midst of the Ferguson riots, but I'm so glad we did. Our two night stay was AWESOME. This city is beautiful and clean, the food knocked my socks off, and **double bonus**, I got to see my sweet childhood friend, Julee Walker Heslop, and hang out with her awesome family.

 Julee met us at the awesome Science Center, which I cannot believe was totally free. Unbelievable. The kids loved it and Riley loves places like this too! No surprise these kids found dinosaurs to get pictures with. haha

 The St. Louis temple was beautiful!

 And the Arch was pretty awe inspiring. We walked from our hotel downtown to the Arch and I was seriously impressed with out clean St. Louis is!

 And I was taken aback at the size of the Arch. I guess I thought it was more the scale of...a house? It was massive!

 The Heslops treated us to the best St. Louis BBQ ever and a little Ted Drewes custard. We wish we lived closer to those fun friends!! Our night ended the same way most night in a hotel ended this summer.

 Swimming, jumping on the bed, and watching a cartoon. This picture pretty much sums up the summer.