Monday, July 7, 2008

"Sweet" Vacation

After leaving Morgantown Tuesday morning, we headed for Hershey, PA. Micah had done the roller coaster research and wanted to ride all of them at Hersheypark. We had great weather. We first went to Hershey's Chocolate World where they have every product made at Hershey and they have a simulated tour of the factory. It was really interesting. Greg and I loved the history - Micah loved the candy!
On Chocolate Avenue, all the street lights are covered with a giant Hershey Kiss. We rolled our windows down while driving because the town smells like chocolate. It is a very clean place and the factory, Chocolate World, Hersheypark, and Hotel Hershey are all right together.
At Hersheypark, we went up in the kissing tower and of course, we kissed at the top much to Micah's dismay! It isn't easy taking a vacation without siblings. Micah was outnumbered.
Greg and Micah are in the cars going up extremely high. I can't take the loops - they make me dizzy so I just took the pictures.
Here they are getting ready to head straight down!
Greg finally got his chocolate milkshake at the end of the day.
Micah is standing by the statue of Milton Hershey. If you ever get a chance to read his biography, it is really fascinating. I read one before we left and then shared the info with the fam on the trip. I think they might have gotten tired of all of my explanations.
On Wednesday, we headed to Gettysburg. WOW! This was a great place to visit. We were there on July 3rd, the 145th anniversary of the final battle in Gettysburg. There were tons of re-enactors everywhere getting ready for all the battles. This is the station where Abraham Lincoln came to give his Gettysburg Address.
This is the church where he went to pray before giving his speech.
We went to a parade in the town where a lot of Confederate troops were taking over the town. Again, you need to read the history. It was really amazing. As we were watching the parade, Micah said, "That kid goes to my school!" He was in a wagon in the parade as one of the re-enactors. We can't go anywhere away from people we know!
Ladies of the soldiers - they were watching the parade.
This is a Union General we saw at the sight of Pickett's Charge.
This is the view from the top of the hill where Pickett's Charge took place. We were there about one hour before the actual battle took place 145 years ago. It was an incredible sight.
This marking is in the Cemetery where Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address. They had the soldiers buried by state.
All the Ohio soldiers had an Ohio flag by their grave. It was a memorable place to go and visit. So many soldiers gave their lives. Having a soldier in our family, it really made me proud of our country and thankful to God for our freedom and for Nathaniel's safety while he was in Iraq.

5 comments:

Jennifer said...

Sounds like you guys had a great vacation...but poor Micah! I hope you used the "only child" situation to your advantage this vacation!!!!

Erin said...

Oh I bet that was fun! I want something chocolate, now!!

FarcinsFollies said...

The pictures are great. I'm glad the weather was nice for you. We had storms the days after you left and I was afraid you did too. I think I need to visit Hershey Park just for the "samples".

Beverly said...

Looks like fun. I hope it wasn't as hot for you as Washington was for us. Micah - I hope you took advantage of being the only child on the trip and the only one there to spend money on.... :)
--Beverly

thumms said...

I guess you HAD to pick Hershey Park instead of Va Beach--since I was "homeless" during your vacation!! Looks like fun!