Sunday, September 17, 2023

More August Fun

 It's September, mid September at that, and I will go back to more fun days we had in August.


Ellen's Birthday Getaway

Sunday, August 27 our Ellen celebrated her 29th birthday!

Gifts waiting for her to open.


She seems to be a bit excited =)


Ellen really needed a new backpack purse.
So many times she would say we needed to look for one.
BUT, I already had one
I knew she would love!
She just had to wait for the correct day to find out about it.
She's pleased!

Later that day we drove to the historical town of Jim Thorpe, PA.
It was the first time we have ever been there
and weren't sure what all we would do other than ride the train.
Ellen loves trains and that was a big reason for visiting.


We got on the last ride of the day!
It was a lovely ride in the open air car.
Got some coffee in a shop as we walked to the train.



The scenery along the ride was gorgeous!


Lots of cars including open air,
regular cars, dome cars.



Hoping to see an eagle but none sighted .

We got some ice cream before heading back up the street to our cute apartment.

We loved staying here and would again in a heartbeat!

Jim Thorpe is all hills...

our apartment was pretty far up the street so we got exercise a-plenty!



Had dinner at Roadies,
a restaurant out of town and on a hill, of course!
The views were stunning.
Had to take a picture of the sunset as we were leaving.
I love a pretty sky!


Ellen's birthday dessert.
She brought it back to the apartment to eat.
Her pajamas were a birthday gift!

Monday morning Ellen slept in till 11.
Our goal this day was to take the trolly ride.
We booked the next one and had time to check out the area around 
this part of town.

Train Station/info center, trolly ride area...
was a beautiful shaded area to relax.


Didn't get a picture of the trolly but I did take a selfie with Ellen!

We thoroughly enjoyed the trolly!
It took us all over the Jim Thorpe area.

Jim Thorpe statue and burial place.
The history of why he is buried here
and why they changed the name of the town
is super interesting!

Could still catch a tour of the Asa Packer Mansion.
But first we had to walk up a steep hill and lots and lots of steps!

Was worth it to see this historic home!

Looking down to where we walked up.
It's a lot steeper than a picture shows!
Should have taken a pic of the steps.

No pictures were allowed of the inside.
It was breathtaking!
Everything was preserved
including artwork and original furnishings.



That porch 💕

By the time we were finished with the tour
we were tired and very hungry!!

Stopped for pizza about halfway up the hill to the apartment.
We could have easily spent more days here but we only planned for two.

Tuesday
Had to say goodbye to this charming town and apartment.

Ellen standing in front of the colorful building
we called home for two days.
There are several apartments in this house.



Beautiful flowers along the side street to the parking area.

Next stop,
Bushkill Falls!

More walking, more steps, more hills =)

But the gorgeous views!


Some of it is boardwalks, some is not.


Peaceful!


Had to watch where I was walking...!


We call this our sweaty selfie 😀
We were indeed sweating.


Aw yes, worth it!!


Gotta get a picture with the bear!


More ice cream before heading to the hotel.

Our hotel was not the nicest but for one night it would do.

Found a fabulous place to eat though. 
Alaska Pete's did not disappoint!

My big salad..
it was delicious and I ate the whole thing!


Ellen enjoying her burger.


Wednesday
Time to head home again.
Ellen thought we should go back to Bushkill for another hike first...
nope, my knees were done!

Stopped for ice cream on the way home...
our girl loves ice cream!
(her parents do too!)

We don't often go past this little place anymore,
therefore it was a stop that had to be!


Ellen got a milkshake.


Dale and I enjoyed soft serve ice cream.

Was nice to get away and so nice to be home again...
no place quite like home 💖














Saturday, September 2, 2023

It was a Fun August

 The calendar says it's September and that blows my mind. Then I noticed that my last post is dated August 3! What?? It doesn't feel like it's been that long ago, sigh. 


What did we do in August?


We went to Knobels Amusement Park for two days!

This park is old fashioned and we love it. Parking is free, rides are by ticket or an all day ride wristband. Ellen loves all the rides so a wristband is for her. Dale and I do tickets per ride which works for us. I only ride the train! The park has lots of trees, the food is amazing and not super expensive. So much to love about this amusement park!

It rained that morning but it ended up being a great day.
It was cloudy and the park was not full...
lines weren't long and they rode lots of rides!


Everyone was having a great time!!


Just one of the many gorgeous flower beds.



French fry break!


Scott's amazing funnel cake strawberry dessert 😲


The train!


Sweet Cambrie


Swinging and spinning from side to side higher and higher...
NOPE!
Ellen loves this one...and all the roller coasters.



Noah saying goodbye to his cousin Toby.
Greta and Lynn were camping with Lynn's family so they only 
came to Knoebels for one day.


Was their first time to this park...
I think their boys will want to go again!

Day 2

Was a hotter day and the park was much busier.
Marcy and Scott had to leave at 3 because Paityn had a 
a soccer commitment.  
Brinley got to stay!

Corey and Christy stayed at the park in a very rustic cabin.
We stayed at a hotel in a nearby city.


After 2 days at the park 
and before going home,
we visited a coal mine.
It was about 30 min. from the park.

Before going into the coal mine
we took a very bumpy train ride to a pretty overlook 
and learned about mining coal.

Noah picked up a big chunk of coal for a souvenir!
I'll repost that picture because my groupings always get cut off at the bottom.


He is so proud of that chunk of coal!!
His hands 😀


Mines are dark, damp and COLD!!
Not a good picture because this ride was a bit bumpy too.


We totally enjoyed it and learned a lot.


Carson had a birthday!

Carson loves cats 
so his very talented mama made cat cookies and cake!


Do you think Carson loves Legos?
He saw this jeep in a store and told his mama he'd like it...
so Nana and Pop Pop got it for him!


We did more fun things in August but it will have to be a part 2.