The farmhouse

We rented a farm house on 80 acres in New York. It was halfway between two small towns, Spencer and Van Etten.

For reference, here is the book I was reading on the trip. It was awesome, everyone should read it.

 Here is a view from the house.

Here is a view of the house (it's much nicer inside than out)

The table where the kids set up Lego shop.

Emma's bedroom.

 Van and Owen.

Maggie, Jake and sometimes Owen's Bedroom.

Andy, Esther, Van and my room.

The house was full of quilts! I took these pictures for my mom.

Esther mowing.

On the running trails around the property you could find frogs and orange salamanders!
Esther and Jake checking them out.

Van Owen and Dave searching for more.

Nice view from the deck.

Fishing at one of the three nearest ponds on the property

Also there was a spot to find fossils on the property! We found several bivalves but didn't take any home.

Clarion, PA

We stayed with Sandy and Joe for 3 days in Clarion. We got to see so much great family, the Virginia Angels were in town, and the Kovacs (minus John), we got to see Andy's cousin Erin and Aunt Kathy and we visited his grandma Myrtle a few times.
I went on the most gloriously enjoyable run.
We played the firehouse playground.
We ate delicious food.
It was all great, but I have very few pictures, I know Andy has more on his phone, but I just have to get caught up on blogging now, I can't be too picky.

Family picture

Esther and I climbing the fire-tower.

The kids in front of Sandy's house with her flowers.

Esther in one of the new outfits Grandma Sandy bought for her.

 At Beartown rocks!

(for comparison, here we were at Beartown rocks 1 year ago)

The kids tired out from a day of climbing rocks, picnic-ing and swimming.

Van taking a rest on Myrtles porch.

Latrobe, PA

Latrobe is the city that hosts the Steeler's training camp!

It's not a very nice city, I took particular offense to the lack of sidewalks, but it was fun to get dressed up in our Steeler gear. Plus Andy went out in the evenings and ran into the Steelers coaches and players.

We got tickets to watch the practice but unfortunately the kids did not last that long. Esther was going without naps for the first time on this trip and that made the afternoon a bit dicey.

Here are the kids looking awesome.

We were able to walk to the training center from our hotel (but not on sidewalks). I wish I had taken a picture of the building, it was beautiful. We got free hats.

This is as many pictures as I have of the before. Once the kids started breaking down, it's no fun to take pictures. Eventually I decided to walk them back to the hotel so Andy could enjoy the practice. Luckily on the way home we found this great outdoor nature center! Ok Latrobe, I like you a little bit more now...

They made up a game that involved throwing shoes.

On the way home we even saw Jack and Lisa who didn't last much longer than we had at practice. It's hard for kids to watch a practice. They didn't even allow sitting on the sidelines. Maybe we can try again in another few years.

Esther had an epic meltdown on the walk home. And so not surprisingly, here was the scene as soon as we walked in the door. Andy had the car keys so Van and I ordered a pizza while Esther napped.

We tried to go to mini golf later that evening, but it was a mess. The kids were so cranky. We ended up playing while they cried. Vacations can be hard on sleep schedules. On the bright side Van said golf is his favorite sport and I am excited to golf with him in the future.

Kids sleeping. It started with Van in bed 1, Esther and I in bed 2. Van always falls asleep first. Then I fall asleep. Esther is always up last. She sneaks out of bed, and falls asleep by Van.