Gone camping

Wow, what a lot of stuff it takes to go camping - and this doesn't show the tents, the bikes, and the camping chairs. We're finally packing up the Explorer and will hit the road soon. We have a one-hour drive to the camp. We're in for another HOT, HUMID weekend, just like we had a few weeks ago when we were camping with our church. Oh well, we'll still have fun. They have a great pool there.

Chili, anyone?

Like I said, I was cooking up a storm today. Here's the chili I made for my meal this weekend. Years ago Miki introduced me to Mexican Pile-up, which is basically a glorified taco salad. It has become a tradition that I serve this meal for Sunday noon at our annual Stauffer camp out. I serve it buffet style and everyone piles onto their plate any or all of the following: rice, chili, shredded cheese, tortilla or corn chips, black olives, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, salsa, and French or Ranch dressing. Yummy!! For a light dessert I always make jello with fruit mixed in, and for our sweet tooth I make my peanut butter rice krispie treats topped with melted chocolate chips. That's all ready to go now, thankgoodness.

I missed this little piece of sunshine today. This is the last picture I took yesterday as they were leaving. But I'll see her again this weekend. This will be her first camping experience. Her mom's first camping experience was at four months of age in cool, rainy weather. We were die-hard campers, I guess! But believe me, you're not any kind of a Stauffer if you're not a die-hard camper! My children may beg to differ!

Here's a picture from the other evening that I forgot to post. It's too special not to share, especially for my sisters who live out of state. After we watched the video of Lori and Jim's wedding they asked my dad to pray with them for their marriage. It was very touching.

Movin' on

We had one last morning together before Lisa and family hit the road. They will be spending the next few days in State College with Anthony and Lori. Then this weekend we'll meet up again at Camp Hebron for the annual campout with Dick's family.

Yesterday I gave Lisa an old dark green sheet to put up at the bedroom window. Sophie slept later this morning than any time since they left home. Apparently Lisa took the sheet along when they left today, because I got this picture from her iphone with the word "naptime". Looks like she made a tent out of the sheet in the car and Sophie took a nap while they were driving - her first nap since last week. Yea for the dark green sheet! Does it look familiar, Jeremy??

Now I'm down to the business of getting ready for the weekend. I bought enough groceries this evening to feed an army. I'll be cooking up a storm tomorrow.

The fun continues

Yesterday George discovered Wilbur Chocolate in our quaint little town of Lititz. He stocked up for himself, for us, and for all the people he wants to send gifts to! While he did that, Lisa visited her high school friend Monica and her two kids. I'm sure Lisa will have pictures of that visit on her blog eventually.

Destiny and I went to a used clothing shop in Lititz because I wanted to find some shirts to match the camouflage capris Jess gave her the day before. While there, Destiny discovered a child's microscope for $1.00. You can't beat that price! Here the girls were looking for bugs to put under the microscope.

Sophie knows how to close one eye while looking into the microscope with the other!

Late in the afternoon Destiny read a few books to Sophie before her quiet time. (Mommy hoped it would be a nap time, but naps just aren't happening in PA!)

In the evening we went to this community hall, in the lovely community where my parents live, for a family event.

I went early to help set up.

A local caterer (and friend of mine) took care of the food.

The featured family of the event was: my late sister Janet's daughter Lori (center), her husband Jim, her children Sydney and Jared, and Jim's son Bradley (front). Jim and Lori got married in Michigan (where they live) in December, and this event was a reception in honor of their marriage.

Pictured below are: Lori's son Jared, Lori, Jim with Bradley, Sydney, Lori's dad Elvin with his wife Pauline, and Lori's brother Scott with his son Corbin. Unfortunately Scott's wife Sheri had not yet arrived - she flew in from California yesterday and was still enroute from the Philly airport when this picture was taken.

Before long Sheri arrived and Corbin was happy to see his mommy!

At the beginning of the meal Lori introduced her new husband to everyone, as well as his son Bradley. Dear Bradley stood up and waved at everyone when he was introduced - so cute!

During the evening the children enjoyed feeding bread to the fish and the swans in the lovely lake.

My nephew Richard's son Josh (who is one of my school worship team guitar players) was such a fun and patient "babysitter" for Destiny and Sophie.

Lori's daughter Sydney shows her "stuff" with her brother Jared!

After playing outside for a long time, Destiny and Sophie enjoy sipping some cold punch together.

It was a great evening for catching up and conversations. Here are my husband Dick and my brother Dick.

My nephew Scott, my dad, my brother's son Richard and his wife Jennifer, and my stepmother Mary sit together and chat. In the background my brother's wife Nancy chats with granddaughter Emily (Richard and Jennifer's daughter.)

Our son-in-law George and my brother-in-law Elvin discuss health, nutrition, and medicine.

My nephew Scott's wife Sheri with our daughter Lisa, Sheri's little Corbin in front, and neice Lori's son Jared in back

The babies of the family: My sister Janet's son Scott with his son Corbin.

My sister Doris's son Corey with his two-week old son Aidan.

Corey with his wife Christy and their newborn son.

My sister Doris's daughter Marcy with her husband Scott and their daughter Paityn.

Next year there will be two more babies - our son Anthony and his wife, as well as my sister Barb's daughter Jill and her husband are each expecting a baby in January. This family grows and grows!

Three generations: my dad, Janet's son Scott, and his son Corbin. Missing from the picture is my sister Janet. How she would have enjoyed this evening of family and grandchildren.

Four generations: my dad, me, Lisa, and Sophie.

All too soon it was time to clean up. My sister Mary Ellen and my parents were discussing where to put some of the things.

The two hard-working women who made this event possible: my sister Mary Ellen and my brother's wife Nancy.

Another good family day

This morning Sophie woke up before I did (and I woke up shortly after 6:30!) After a couple of hours I told her to go in and wake up Destiny. What a sweet way to be wakened!


They had a great time playing here at home this morning. The first thing was play doh, then a tea party with real tea,


then dress up.

And here's a peak at my first little girl!

These techie girls enjoyed playing with each others' video games.

When we were ready to leave for the park we noticed that both girls were dressed in brown and pink!

Sophie enjoyed the swings......

...while Destiny had fun in the sand.