Pop-In at Nana & Pop-Pop's

We left NH on Thursday morning and drove a little over 5 hours to a hotel in Bethlehem, PA.  We got there in time to take advantage of the outdoor swimming pool and the basketball court to run out the jittery energy of the cooped-up kiddos.  The next morning after a good night's sleep and after the boys devoured much of the hotel's breakfast buffet, we headed back on the road for a quick two hour jaunt to Nana & PopPop's on our way home.  It was a relief to pour out of the car and get into their lovely backyard.  Nana and PopPop had several gardening jobs for the boys and we were all ready to get active outdoors.  We picked tons of green beans.  The boys picked a huge bucket of enormous blackberries (PopPop helped them reach the high ones and gave them helpful tips on which berries were ripe).

The boys got to help Nana dig out some potatoes, carrots and onions.  Look at Koen's surprise when he saw the proceeds from the garden!

Koen, of course, was elated to be reunited with his favorite dog...Kenzie.  He didn't let her out of his sight.  Kenzie seems to have a certain appreciation for Koen.  It's really sweet.

Penn was super loving and acted very familiar quite quickly with Nana and PopPop (and he said both names so well, it was great!).  Look at the snuggles he gave PopPop!  This Momma's Boy has come a long way!

After about an hour of running around in the yard and doing the gardening projects, it was time for lunch.  Sally had a beautiful luncheon feast for us full of garden veggies and farm fresh fruits and homemade goodies.  It was beautiful and bountiful.  Thanks for all your effort!  We felt so loved and cared for and it all tasted delicious!  I wish I'd taken a picture of the spread!  Not only did she prepare all of that for us, but she also sent us home with fresh-baked bread, jams and preserves she's made over the summer and a huge box of veggies fresh from the garden.  Doug's dad had picked up peaches and apples for us at a favorite local farm as well.  It was amazing!  That cut my grocery shopping errands down significantly when I got home!  Thanks for the amazing visit and generous send-off!  We are still enjoying the delicious proceeds days after our arrival home.  Love to you, Nana and PopPop!!