California Company

This week, Jeff's cousin, Chad, and his wife, Michelle, are visiting from California. They are staying in Doylestown with the majority of Jeff's family for most of the week, but we were glad to be able to have them in Harrisburg with us yesterday.
Jeff was unable to take a full day off to be with them, so I started the tour of Harrisburg for them early in the afternoon. Our first stop was at our beautiful state capitol building--which is a must-see for anyone visiting Harrisburg. It is one of the most beautiful capitol buildings in the United States (not just my opinion).

A funny thing happened to us while we were looking around inside. We were on the second floor and I was trying to get a picture of the Rotunda and Chad, Michele and the kids. While I was setting them up, an older woman came over and said, "Well, I guess you'll want me in the picture." Trying to be polite, I said, "Of course!" and she went over, scooped up Gracie on her lap and posed for the picture. I was a little surprised by her comfort in making herself a part of our picture, but I didn't mind. Then, she surprised us by saying, "How about I take you on a tour of my office." I turned around and there was the large title etched above her office doors stating LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR! I had just taken a picture of Catherine Baker Knoll.

We did take a tour of her 100 year old office and had our picture taken in front of the fireplace and original green leather chairs in her inner office with all the former Lieutenant Governors looking down on us. It was a fun surprise in our tour of Harrisburg.

After our visit to the capitol building, we walked along riverfront and Jeff was able to meet up with us. From there, we took them to Hershey and they were able to visit Hershey Chocolate World and see the famous Hershey kiss street lights. We had such a fun time with them and were so glad they could join us in our home and see what we have around us.

By the way, we would love for more of our distant friends and family to come and visit us in Harrisburg. We'd love to give you a tour of the area, too. I can't promise Catherine Baker Knoll, but we'll do our best!

Trick-or-Treating

Harrisburg has a random tradition of hosting trick-or-treating on the last Thursday in Halloween. No one is sure why this was started, but it has remained that way for many decades. So, last evening, the kids dressed up in their slightly-seen-before costumes and collected candy with the host of other kids in the neighborhood.
Joost went as a jolly pirate (you may recall parts of his costume from his 4th birthday party) and Grace went as a cow (a costume which has been worn on pervious Halloweens by her older brother). They had a fun time and collected far too much candy.
It was a fun evening to be out with our neighbors (most people sat on their porches and no doorbell ringing was required) and we enjoyed the autumn weather.

Super Tot and her sidekick, Raccoon Boy

In preschool today, Joost learned about night animals and made a raccoon mask. Now, Super Tot (who disguises herself as a normal two year old during the day) and Raccoon Boy (who pretends to sleep at night but is really tracking bad guys) are fighting crime together.

Mother says....

This is a very funny song. Take a listen if you have the chance....
(click on the underlined phrase below)

William Tell Mom's Overture

I'm getting married in the morning....

Yesterday, Jeff and I were honored to attend a wedding of a girlfriend of mine that I've known most my life. Jaime and I attended the same school and church as we grew up and our mothers are best friends. It was a beautiful wedding and a fun reception where I was able to see good friends and family (this is a picture of Daphyn, Jaime, myself and Laura, my cousin.) And I was also able to enjoy dancing with Jeff as he pulled out his "Bill Cosby" moves out on the dance floor! (If you've attended a wedding with Jeff, you'll know what I mean.)
In other wedding related news... my cousin, Laura, has recently become engaged to marry Lowell. I am happy that she has found love and wish them both a life of happiness and service to God. They are planning for a spring wedding.

Noah

It's been a rather dry month for blogging--I'm not sure why since every free minute we possess these days is filled with something. Some of you occassionally ask about our three-legged cat, Noah, and so I thought he was due a blog as a loyal member of our family.

He and Joost are actually quite good friends these days. I honestly thought that day might never come. (There were some rough days for Noah while Joost was 2 and 3. I guess little boys just can't help it...) After some serious training in gentleness and kindness, Joost has learned how to care for the cat. He helps with feeding Noah and sits and pets him softly for long periods of time while talking to him encouragingly ("Noah, you do such a good job running with only 3 legs...").

Noah has been allowed outside as he wills since we lived in Mt. Airy in Philadelphia. He's made friends with many cats in our current neighborhood.

Noah's a good and loyal cat and, no matter what Jeff says, he's a great part of our family.

A Wednesday afternoon picnic

Today, we have been tempted, once more, into thinking that a cool autumn might come at last. I've heard that this has been the hottest fall since 1932. We've been itching for weather that we want to be out in, and today we have it. So, the kids and I packed up a lunch and went down town to steal Jeff away from work, and picnic on the riverfront.

This cow was near our picnic site and is one of many in the Harrisburg area. The Cow Parade was done a few years ago and they are one of Gracie's favorite sites. If we pass one, she's sure to be mooing for several minutes after.