Surviving the Delaware Water Gap

Jefta and Ben swimming in the pools

Just when Ben and I had thought that we exhausted Philadelphia's local and regional attractions our friends from church, Jefta and Tate, were kind enough to share their campsite in the Blue Mountains of NE Pennsylvania over the weekend. At 1500 feet it's not exactly the Alps, but the elevation was low enough to enjoy the warm paradise-like swimming holes, waterfalls, and breathtaking views.


At the base of Raymondskill Falls

We also learned that the Water Gap is not in want of H2O. On our way up Mt. Tammany a thunderstorm soaked every inch of our clothes, but we managed to make it down the trail--more of a river by that point--and back home.


On Mt. Tammany in the rain

Just Another Day at the Shore

Heading out after a relaxing day on the beach.

In DC for the 4th

Headed up for the fireworks

This past weekend Ben and I were able to experience the joy of having family so close. Ben's brother Paul and his wife Jodi just moved back to DC after 4 years in Germany. We are so happy to have them back.

It was a fun weekend of many activities and great food (thanks Jodi!).

We are looking forward to many more trips down.

Thanks for the great time Paul and Jodi!


Shopping at the farmers market in Alexandria, VA


Paul and Ben headed out for some serious biking

Smokey Mountains...etc.

Ben and I are home after a dozen summer days in the south. We started out our vacation in the beautiful Smokey Mountains in Tennessee with the Brandenburg family. We had a ridiculously large cabin for all ten of us overlooking the mountains with a hot tub, pool table, and even air hockey! But these luxuries paled in comparison to the entertainment received from our one year old niece and seven month old nephew.


Brandenburg Family at the Falls


Our view from the cabin

It was a fun time for all of us to be together and enjoy the mountains. We spent most of the days relaxing around the cabin and doing little day hikes. For the other half of our vacation Ben headed out on the Appalachian Trail for 4 days with a good friend while I headed back to Charlotte with the rest of the family for a few more days of R and R.


Silas and Ben ready for the Appalachian Trail


Ice cream and live music in Charlotte

On our way home we were able to spend time with some good friends in Durham, NC and then lunch with Ben's brother Paul and wife Jodi in DC.


In Durham with Silas and Laura

Hot Week in Philly!

This week has been a hot one in Philly...with temperatures into the 100s many of the days. So when it was only 89 today it was a relief.
We also had a good friend, Katie, staying with us this week. We were able to get out and show her all the sites around the city in her short time here. Thanks for making the trip out Katie!

Cheese Steaks on Market Street

Chipmunks, Foxes and Bears, Oh My!

These were just the creatures we discovered above ground in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Shenandoah Valley. Below ground we discovered a vast world of caverns--one mile long to be exact--available to well, any tourist shy of claustrophobia.

Our good friends, Silas and Laura accompanied us over Memorial Day weekend as we hiked, played hours of Rook, swam, spelunked, and attended festivals in the beautiful region. Summer. A blessing indeed.

Girls Weekend

Last weekend my good friend Heidi flew out here from Minnesota for some girl time. We had a lot of fun going to NYC for the day, heading to the Jersey Shore for some sun, eating Philly Cheesesteaks in the city and ending the trip with a morning at the spa!

Thanks for taking the trip out here Heidi!

A Rainy Morning at the Today Show


Ocean City New Jersey Boardwalk


Fun in Philly