Celebrating Memorial Day in PA...

Winnie traveled to PA for the first time this past weekend and was such a trooper. We drove up on Friday and she slept about 90% of the ride (PTL!). We were so excited to introduce her to a lot of our family and she loved everyone (but did cry when my male cousins, Albert & Stuart, first held her...poor thing). My Aunt's house is like home and I had some of the best memories of my childhood at her home (I even called her Grandma as a kid, since all my cousins did).

Winnie with Cousin Albert's wife, Ellen

Cousin Albert holding Winnie for the first time...think she is a little upset...and Albert finds it funny!!

One of Cousin Stuart's doggies (either Blackjack or Gamble)...she is too cute!

On Saturday I woke with an amazing craving for pancakes and sausage... My Aunt Mary Ann makes the best pancakes and an all-time favorite when you visit her. Oh was I excited to have those for breakfast! After lunch we headed to some of our favorite places to shop....Gabriel Brothers and Ollie's!! Now if you have never been to these places I HIGHLY encourage you to visit some day and be prepared to find some deals. Gabriels sells clothes, shoes, housewares, etc and its hit or miss.... this time was a HIT....my mom & I found Ann Taylor Loft clothes for $5 a piece...no joke...$5 each!! I've gotten PB housewares there before too, very cool. Ollie's on the other hand sells housewares, food and books...very cheap. They have a HUGE section of Christian books, cookbooks and kids books.

My mom had her 45th high school reunion on Sat night so we grilled out with some family at my Aunt's house. Winnie was too cute starring at her cousin, Amy, during dinner...she was eyeing up her cheeseburger!
On Sunday after we put flowers at my Grandparents (and other family members) gravestones we had a visit from some of Tom's family. His mom, sister Mandy, Aunt Margie & Uncle David spent the afternoon with us, enjoying Aunt Mary Ann's back porch. Was so nice to visit with them unexpectedly...

Aunt Mary Ann's porch...so relaxing to sit out there...

On Monday we celebrated Memorial Day starting with a parade down their main street. Winnie was bounced around as everyone was excited to see her reactions to the band and people. She didn't even flinch when they shot the guns and the sweet girl even fell asleep on her way back to the house. We had an All-American lunch of grilled chicken, baked beans and macaroni salad!

Here she is with her Great-Aunt Mary Ann...

She loves her cousins, Ashley and Amy...they were so fun with her all weekend...
On our way home Monday we stopped in Woodbridge, VA for a little shopping at IKEA and a quick visit with our friends Stephanie, Tom & Ava. We've been dying for them to meet little Winnie! Ava was excited to see the baby and has gotten so big! We haven't seen them since our beach trip last Sept...way too long!

Wow that was a mouth-full....what a weekend!