One more go 'round in Hershey Park

Hershey is a nice town and a great park. Note to Papa Jeff - I went on two coasters unlike anything I've ever been on before. One of them was genuinely heartstopping. There were 4 others I just didn't get the chance to ride, one of which could've been crazier than the two I did.

Speaking of coasters, I'm proud to report that BOTH boys rode their first coaster - The Trailblazer. There were several tight turns with definite g-forces which Quinn loved and Jack was very uncertain about - until the end when we rallied around him and told him he did it! Then he thought he was cool. The coaster was just Cindy's speed.

Chocolate World was a whirlwind. We didn't go on the actual factory tour ($) but we did go on the "experience" which was much more kid friendly and free. And yes, they did give away free samples (2 kisses each).

The water park which is right inside the amusement park was a much bigger hit with Quinn than Jack. Quinn has become supremely confident in the water and he loved the wave pool. Jack was okay with it but didn't mind when it was over.

Jack loved lots of other rides. Quinn managed to take one blurry photo of the parents - nearly accidentally smashing the camera thereafter.

We will definitely return. It wasn't too far although the 3.5 hour ride at times did take on a neverending feel with the boys' behavior deteriorating with every passing mile.

Chocolate World

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From Bryan's handheld

The Schneiders & Weinsteins go to Hershey Park

Oh, the fun that is traveling with little kids. In the park, the boys are great (mostly)! In the car, hotel, restaurants, gas stations ... They are our kids!

The wave pool was a big hit, the Kissing Tower was fun & $10 lightsabers were a bargain.

Better pics will come to the site when we get home.

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From Bryan's handheld

Summer Breeze

This weekend. we re-created a trip we took Quinn on 4 years ago. We took both boys for a ride on the ol' timey Delaware & Ulster Railroad in the heart of the Catskills. That smilin' boy you see in the photo is genuine proof of the joy that accompanies riding a train for the first time (whistle and all). That was taken just as we departed the station.

The photo of both boys was taken in a place very familiar to the Schneider side of the family -- 156 feet below ground in Howe Caverns where it's always a cool 52 degrees (which was one of the reasons we went yesterday). Riding the River Styx (the actual name of the underground tributary) was fun for them too. Who knew geology could be so exciting?

The sunflower photo is a testament to the single greatest botanical achievement of the summer. Our lavendar bush or whatever did real well too but Cindy finally got her sunflowers. Notice the the bricklaying job framing out the garden. Not bad for someone who doesn't know anything about gardening, building, fixing or making anything.

Enter The Dragon

After 5 months of diligent attendance (and occasional practice at home), Quinn obtained his first color belt. His performance at his last evaluation was impressive. He really knows his "forms" and is very respectful of his Master. Note to Grandmas - double click the photo to enlarge the size.

Summer is breezing by. Quinn is a stronger swimmer and Jack really knows how to scream loud. Our lawn is sufficiently horrendous but our sunflowers are really looking good. I am trying to flush out the large snake living under our air conditioning unit with moth balls.