The Crane Family

BACK EAST

Philadelphia, New Jersey, NYC,  New York, Boston, New Hampshire

CRANE FAMILY REUNION

July 11-18

Another- AMAZING - SUPER -DUPER- AWESOME Crane Family Reunion!!

We have been looking forward to this trip for quite some time- like 3 years?!!  Brian and Laura were in charge this year- so they decided to do it on their stomping grounds.  Great idea- and SUPER FUN!!!   The reunion officially started on Thursday.  We thought we would take advantage of being back there,  and go see Doug, Amber and girls in South New Jersey on Wednesday.

Our family in the Airport these days is great for all those people watchers!  Our whole train---- pulling, carrying, pushing along.  This is only half of our stuff going through security.  

 Thankfully Mark was able to take the day off and fly out with me. . . .  

At least on the first leg of the trip.

It was great--- at first.  And then, we remembered what it was like to travel with a toddler.  I seriously can't believe we survived all those years- going back and forth across the country or traveling here and there with the 4 little ones.  At least this trip we didn't have anyone throwing up- like usual.   Jackson just thought the plane ride was a dandy idea!  No car seats..... passing back and forth between everyone.  Until that started getting old.

And he started looking a lot more like this.

Couldn't be happy no matter where he was.  Maybe It's that we're older, maybe it's that we have older kids and are emotionally, physically more tired,  or maybe it's just that the kid can't sit for more than 20 seconds-- that this 4 hour flight was a nightmare.  There were no moment's of ...... let's read a story, let's color, let's play with this, let's take a nap (with us even  holding him since he didn't sleep the night before.)  Nope.   Maybe our bigger problem, is that we thought it was a great time to get a lot of scout requirements etc.done-- not the best idea with little Jack Jack.  

Oh well- he sure is super cute to make up for the busy-ness! 

The poor kid probably had no idea what kind of week he was in for.  By the end of the flight, he was screaming at the top of his lungs..... no consoling. 

Thankfully we made it!!!

Our flight landed at 11- and we made it to Doug and Amber's by 1:45.  

We were so thrilled to see their cute house!  They made us feel right at home! 

  Since we had arrived so late, we ended up sleeping in a bit.  As we finally got up and going -- it was almost 10 before we went out for a run.  Amber is an amazing runner..... She took us on her route- and introduced us to Vineland, and some SUPER HUMID weather.  Wow- how quickly you forget!  I don't ever remember it being so humid when we lived in Virginia (even though it was.)  I think you just get used to it.  Anyway-- I'm pretty sure we lost 5 pounds of sweat on that run! 

After we cleaned up, we headed down to the hospital to visit "Dr. Doxey" in his full glory!!!  It was awesome to see him in action!

Doug was super nice, and had arranged to take the afternoon off since we were there.  Thanks Doug!!  So.... we first hit the Amish Market.  Mmmmm mmmm- they have some tasty finds!  All super fresh!  You should have seen their produce.  But, we opted for some mexican food, hot dogs, and then of course afterwards we hit the Amish Doughnut Stand.  Oh my..... I don't even like doughnuts- but these were unbelievable.  After I took this picture the whole store- EVERYONE was totally staring me down.  Totally forgot about the Amish --no taking picture rule.  Ooops!

Seriously- like none else!  These doughnuts were FRESH- and Oooohhhh so good! 

Doug and Amber live 30 min. from Philly.  So of course...... we had to go 

into Philadelphia and catch up on some history.

 INDEPENDENCE   HALL

These are the very desks, our Founding Father's sat as they wrote, and rewrote the

 Declaration of Independence.

This is the very chair that George Washington sat in, as he helped lead all of the founding fathers.  In fact, Benjamin Franklin said "I have often looked behind the President wondering if  that sun-- was rising or setting.  Now I know..... it is rising!"   

The kids were fascinated with all of the rich, deep history here.  They loved learning about each aspect of our Constitution coming together.  Our next stop was across the street 

The Liberty Bell

Loved taking a closer look at the inscription.  What has happened to our country??

Since we only had,basically one afternoon to do all of Philly- We didn't get to too many things.  But..... we made sure we got to the important things.  Josh and Zack were thrilled we went to "Pat's and "Geno's"  Philly's two big competitors for Philly Cheese Steaks.  We went to both to put them to the test, and see what one really is better.  The kids all voted for Pat's ---complete with cheese whiz.  

The Mark and the kids loved them, -- even with Cheese Whiz?? I might have already been too full from the doughnuts earlier- to truly appreciate them.

Thanks Doug and Amber-- it was seriously -the best -----to see you guys.  We miss you Leah, Paige and Sydney-- and of course Doug and Amber!!  Thanks for showing us a spectacular time!!!

NEW JERSEY

And then, just like that, we were headed out of town on our way up to Brian and Laura's.  We were so bummed, because we ended up hitting a ton-o-traffic, which meant we didn't make it for the barbecue.  :(  That's ok-- at least we got to say hi-- and see their cute house too!!   We love seeing everyone's homes.  It definitely creates a better connection as we talk on the phone etc.  

So, while in New Jersey, Brian and Laura took us to their neighborhood pool.  It was so awesome!!!  The kids were diggin' the watersides.  

Jackson and Jill also had a great time!!  

Kate and Allie are best buds!!  They are so lucky to have each other- 

and always have such a fun time when they are together.

It was so fun to see all these little cousins finally get to play together!!

The diving board became the highlight- as everyone took their turns showing their moves!

Josh challenged Mark to a race.  Love it!!  They fought hard..... but in the end, Mark barely won....  
 by about 3 feet-- Josh held his own though, and did pretty awesome!  

This pool was the shiggidy!  Everyone loved playing baseball- on the fields.  These kids are super hitters, and Kate- has a killer arm!  She is quite the pitcher!

Meemaw and Annabelle-- So cute!

After we finished playing at the pool, we all packed up to get ready to go into NYC!!

Wow- going into the city was such a treat!  Our drive in was best, as we tried to follow Brian the maniac city driver!  With traffic being so crazy, and realizing that we would miss the Broadway play.   If we stayed in it---He thought he'd take an alternate route.  It didn't go so well, and ended up being hilarious- as he was pulled over- and then had to describe that we were all following him.  Thankfully- he knew what he was doing, and eventually lead us to the ferry.
We parked our cars, grabbed some tickets,  and barely made it onto the boat.  What an adventure!

Heading into the city-- via water.  This totally added a new adventure for the kids- So exciting!

These are all iphone pictures-not the best quality.  In the haste of things,  I totally forgot to bring my real camera-total bummer!

Even though they are totally blurry- I still love remembering all the fun times!

It was fun to see the Freedom Tower almost finished.  Wow- that building is HUGE! So cool!

As we got off the boat, we walked our little hearts out- and barely squoze in "The Shake Shack" before we headed to the Broadway play NEWSIES!! 

 Newsies on Broadway- is  Amazing!!!  I totally had the show memorized as a kid- so watching it again....live.... with everyone- what Superb!!  The kids had such a great time.

Wow- What a treat to be able to go- Thank you Meemaw and Grandpa!

Afterwards we raced back to catch the last ferry of the night!  Running through NYC was sweet!

The next morning we woke up early to head towards Upstate New York. 

 Fun times caravanning with everyone.

Aren't our reunion shirts the cutest ever?!!!  Brian and Laura and Meemaw did a great job designing them!  They couldn't be more perfect for our New York-reunion adventures!!
I thought they were extra cute on Annabelle with her super cute red Toms.

We got up there early enough, so that we would have time to see some sights before The Hill Cumorah pageant.  We decided to first hit the Book of Mormon printing press.

The kids were loving the chance to actually visualize how the Book of Mormon came about- as well as the cool stories of the Lord's hand to make it happen.

;

Just next door to the Book of Mormon Printing building was a unique little find.  The store was full of--- It seemed--- every Grandma's jewelry that had been sitting in her jewelry box for years.  It seems  Mom Gibson would have made a killing-it was almost as if it all came straight from her old jewelry box!  Love that all the retro stuff is so-- In!

This store was cool for that---- but EVEN MORE SUPER COOL, because if you went to the back of the store- you were in for a treat!  Tasty, tasty giant Ice Cream cones.  Grandpa was so thoughtful and bought all of us one.  Mmmmm Mmmmm -- the perfect treat with the heat and humidity.
We were all in heaven!

They were HUGE!!!

From here, we headed over to Joseph Smith's farm-- and the Sacred Grove.  We had been here once before when we lived in Virginia over 10 years ago...... but the kids had mostly forgotten everything.  This was extra cool to see it for real, and envision what exactly went on- in Joseph Smith's day.  Josh especially loved it, because they had just studied the Doctrine and Covenants in Seminary.

Such an incredible spirit there.  We all loved going in his home, where the Angel Moroni had come to him.  And then, to see the barn and the surroundings- made it all so easy for the kids to envision the very start of our Church.  It was sweet to be there.

After walking around and through everything- it was nice to take a break before we headed down the path into the Sacred Grove.

Along the path- it was so peaceful.  We loved seeing the temple peek through the trees.  Wow- so cool to have a temple there!

The Sacred Grove

Glorious!!  What a beautiful, reverent, calm place.

 After we finished up there, it was time to head over to the pageant.  Good times playing together, and patiently waiting for it to start.

The kids did a great job waiting.......waiting......waiting!  

Love that these boys have so much fun together!

Meemaw is always so awesome with each Grandkid--- They all adore her!!!

Kate and Allie- were loving the chance to meet the characters before the show.  This was actually one of the three wise men.

Lots of waiting!  Hey, but at least we got some great seats!

The Hill Cumorah Pageant

The next morning we headed off to church (the singles ward.)  Kind of funny with all of our kids- in their tiny branch.  Afterwards, we went back to the hill to see the Angel Moroni Statue- and the place that the plates were hidden.  So amazing!

 Wow- time goes too quick.  Just like that the reunion was over. :(  We ended with a bang, and went out for some tasty pizza for lunch- before we all parted and went our own ways.

We had such  a fabulous time!!!  Brian and Laura did a stellar job organizing everything-- Thanks so much guys!  It truly paid off, and it was definitely one of the tops!!!  Thanks so much Meemaw and Laura  for arranging everything!    We packed it all in- and experienced so many awesome things!!!   The best part of all though, was....... BEING WITH EVERYONE and having time to hang out- and watch the kids interact.  So. Much. Fun!!!!!  Our only regrets are that Paul and Raeanna and kids couldn't come due to their new twins- and Paul on trek with the youth.  We GREATLY missed you guys!!!! It just wasn't the same without you guys!!!

It was sad when it ended, and everyone went their ways.   Meemaw, Grandpa, Jeff and Becca flew out of Rochester Sunday afternoon.  Brian and Steph's family headed down toward Jersey, while our family, and Stephen and Jonelle's family headed towards.......

BOSTON

We had a great time caravanning, but as we got there- we both went our separate ways-- that way they could see Stephen's brother, and we could go tour Boston.  We only had one day- so we thought we'd make the most out of it, and go for a walk on the "Freedom Trail."

Park Street Church- 

One of the very first cemeteries in the US. Sam Adam's and John Hancock along with  

Ben Franklin's parents are buried here.  Wow- crazy old headstones.

It was a super refreshing find to see these fountains in Down town Boston.  

We were all dying from the heat and humidity!

Paul Revere's House

Doug gave us some awesome tips (from his times here in Boston,) He said we can't miss Mike's Pastry.  Wow- he was right.  I guess the POTUS (been seeing that acronym a lot lately) have all of these pastry's flown in for all of their fancy ball's and big events at the White House.  We thought we'd get a few and share them- so we could try them.  Mmmmm - loved their canoli's!  

For the most part- the kids were loving Boston's History......however, it did get a bit old sometimes- Following the brick path- seemed to go on forever.  

Zack loved jumping the hydrants to make it go quicker!

After a long day on the Freedom Trail..... We headed to the most exciting event of the day.  A game at Fenway Park!!  The boys were thrilled.  One of the most exciting things, was that we were going to meet the Standards (our friends from our old house that the kids grew up with.)   

While waiting, we couldn't help but notice this fine man- working hard to take care of the streets of Boston.  He was really funny directing traffic, and making sure people knew what the rules were.  Funny face Josh said..... Anyone need a pen? :) Love putting those boots to good use.

And finally...... The long awaited moment came!  Zack got to be with Arthur again!  When we knew we were headed back East, a couple of years ago--the kids begged that if we were there.... could we  please go see the Standards?   Each year they have waited to see them, keeping in touch through email, letters, and phone calls.  So of course- we had to say yes.  

It was just like picking up where we left off.  They all looked so good- and felt so comfortable to be with them again.  What an awesome family they are.  They have always been such great friends, and it was awesome to see them!

The game--- was SUPER DUPER fun.  The crowd was seriously the most devote crowd I had ever seen.  Fun stuff going on the entire game, with everyone totally engaged,  singing their hearts out for each song.  Our favorites....."Sweet Caroline"  and of course the 7th inning stretch- "Take me out to the ball game."

Afterwards- Josh, Maddie and Zack headed up for a giant party to sleep at their house.  This was the original plan for all  of us, but with Mark flying out at 7am the next morning, Allie, Jackson and I decided we would rather be with Mark and  head up to New Hampshire after we dropped him off at the airport.   As we got up there, the Standard's had the whole day planned.  We took a tour of their awesome city.  Love how quaint it felt.  The New England Architecture is awesome, and you just can't beet the beautiful tree's surrounding everything!  This is their church right by their house- so cute!

After the tour, we headed to the BEACH!!  Wow- This trip was loaded with everything for these kids! What a total party..... from Philly, to the fun pool in Jersey, NYC, Broadway, The Pageant, Joseph Smith sights, Freedom trail, Red Sox game, and now the BEACH- what a hoot!  

We won't mention how tired we were after all that!

Playing together in the sand- just like old times in our old sandbox, when they would fill it full of water, and make a "pool!"  It's like they had never left each other.  Even the big kids had a great time.  We were worried because things have really changed these last few years- like how big they are!  

But, they all had a great time!

Jack-Jack just loved eating oreos and sand.  Mmm mmmmm

Charlotte was super sweet!  Of course the day we came was her birthday.  I had mentioned to change things up so we wouldn't invade..... but she insisted that "Having us here was the party!"

So, she totally shared her day with us.  When we got back from the beach, we had a big
barbque and cake and icecream!  

 Just like old times- she had her little Danish cake- with all of the Danish flags.  It was so awesome to be with them again, and see their cute New Hampshire house.  Charlotte has always been so inspiring.  When they bought the house there was no crown moulding.  Her Danish background would not allow that.  So, she ended up buying a saw- and decked out the entire house herself with the most amazing trim work.  She even invented a newspaper cabinet- that has an in and out- that is built into a pillar, so no one can tell.  It brought back old times- as we would share ideas of inventing and creating different functional- but decorative ideas.  She's so awesome! 

And there you have it!  What an AMAZING Trip!!! Flying home was a real gem- I vowed I would not fly again until Jackson could either watch a show- or sit for longer than 2 minutes.  It was a rough go that's for sure!  At the end of the trip, as we were driving home..... I asked the kids what their very favorite thing was about all that they saw and did......Their answer.....

Playing with the Cousins!  Love it!!!

So- We got home on Wednesday around 3pm.  And, of course- keeping with our usual- cram, slam, jam it all in.  We had Josh's Eagle project at 7pm.  So, we quickly started making cookies  (I had planned to buy them- but Josh had other plans.....he said the boys really like my homemade ones.)  Sucker me- got busy and made enough for all the young men.  It ended up being so worth it!  They worked so hard to help Josh complete it.  Here he is in Brother Weaver's shop in
the early stages of the project.  The next few times they met- we thought gatorade/pizza/ ice cream sandwiches would be much easier.

He found that at the local "Respite Care" (facility for Handicapped kids) there was a need for a toy shed so their toys didn't get ruined from the weather.  So he got to work.  It looks like a little outhouse, but I can assure you--by the time he was done- it was lined, and had nice shelving and hooks galore.  He wished he could have just made it bigger- so he didn't have to spend so much time cutting everything down, but they didn't have much space so they asked him to make it this size.    He and his scout buddies spent well, well over the 100 hours gathering supplies and making it.  All while he didn't have his license.  Which meant we had hours and hours of fun times in the car- driving from place to place to get it done!  So worth it- to be with Josh!

We are so grateful for Brother Weaver-- What a stellar guy!  He and his wife got their mission call to Turkey- but don't leave until November.  He had two handicapped kids that went to Respite Care for several years.  Our Ward's current community service place is Respite Care (that's how we heard about the toy shed.)  When Bro. Weaver got word of this- he jumped right in to help Josh.  He was Josh's mentor in the whole thing.  Between Bro. Weaver and Mark- Josh really learned how to build things.  They didn't do the project  for him- but taught him exactly how to build the entire shed--roofing etc..  Josh learned a TON  from both of them-hopefully he will be able to use these skills in the future!  Josh was super motivated- and amazingly organized through the whole process.  He was incredibly determined- and motivated to take the initiative and get the job done.  We rarely helped him, besides providing food, and rides.  Otherwise he just let us know what exactly was going on.  He did this almost the whole month of July--what a champ!  Good job Josh!!
We are proud to say-- his hard work payed off, and his Eagle Court of Honor is coming up soon (just waiting for a couple other boys in the ward to do it together.)  He was so happy to be done with it!  And MOST happy he was able to get his license and START DRIVING!!!!  

Seriously- might be one of the best days ever for the Crane family.