Oh YES I did!

Todd and I took a day trip to the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania.  We went to find a few different waterfalls. It's not the typical vacation, and I decided to make the most of the trip!!

I went skinny dipping in one of the waterfall pools!!!

OH YES I DID! 

I was hot and the water looked so inviting.  Being as adventurous and impulsive and I am, I said to my husband "I should go skinny dipping."

He dared me to get in.

He knows me well and knows I can't resist a dare!

I dared him to get in with me.  However, he isn't as adventurous and *ahem* settled for taking my picture.  Sorry folks, I cannot show you all the pictures.  Hubby said he copyrighted those photos.

At first the water took my breath away and I thought I was having heart failure.  

After I got used to the cold, it felt wonderfully refreshing!  

I was giddy with delight that I was doing something this fun.

Here's me in the background with my clothes on.  ;-)

Summer Break

I have been enjoying the summer with my family. I am loving summer with the family.  I am cherishing my moments with my boys.  They have grown up so quickly. There are days I mourn when they were small toddlers holding my hand and I was the center of their world.

• Ahren just turned 23, no longer living at home.  I treasure every moment I can spend with him.
• Zachary is going to be a senior this fall and we have been checking out colleges with him.  He wants to get into audio production. We recently went to an open house at The Art Institute of Philadelphia.  He also has his learners permit.  Surprisingly I am still alive! LOL
• Brandon is a typical 15 year old who wants his own social life. Which would be fine, except we have to drive him to and from.

We have already taken a few day trips around the Philadelphia area.  This weekend we are headed to West Virginia.  In August we are taking a weeks vacation in Ocean City, NJ.

I will post my adventures when I can!

xoxo

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, PA was an American Prison from 1829 until 1971. When it was created the focus was on reforming prisoners instead of punishing them.  The structure is in the shape of a wagon wheel and became a model for over 300 prisons.

Notorious criminals such as Willie Sutton and Al Capone were held here.

Today the historic site is a museum.

During the october season "Terror Behind The Walls" is a halloween attraction.

It began in 1991 in order to raise funds to refurbish the prison.

Toilets were flushed twice a week by the guards.

Hospital Wing.

The green symbol is a "keystone". Pennsylvania is called the "keystone" state.

A keystone is the main stone above an arched doorway.

Prison Yard. The poles were from a basketball net.

The tower was added during more modern times. If you notice, the higher portion of the wall is different than the bottom. The high wall was added after prisoners tried escaping.

Women stayed in the prison too. Eventually they built a separate prison for women.

Each cell was labeled. Cell block 7, cell 29.

Look closely. The stained glass is made of tortured souls.

A greenhouse was on the premise.

The prisoners never left for anything. The prison even had it's own barber.

Below is the cell Al Capone stayed in for one year.

It was called "the penthouse".

Thanks for taking a view of my city.  Check out other views at Unknown Mami.

Frog Talk

There is finally a break of the ungodly heat. I am enjoying the outdoors today. As I sit on my patio near our pond I listen to the frogs croaking at each other.

** I can't help but wonder what the frogs are saying to each other? **

The show-off, egotistical male frog who blows up his belly before sending a loud croak says "Hey baby, How u doin'?"

As if the female frogs are in awe of his bright yellow gut???
Seriously??

There are the female frogs who croak non-stop. Just like chatty, gossiping old biddies.
"Can you believe the belly on that guy?!"

Don't forget the tadpoles, who are like teenagers swimming in a pool all day, not having a care in the world.  As they jump into the pond I can almost hear them shouting

"CANNONBALL"!

Let's Play Crochet

One of the games we played on the 4th of July was crochet.

Brandon showed cousins: Max, Morgan and Tyce how to hit the balls through the hoops.

Tyce was getting the hang of hitting the ball.

I'm pretty sure Max beat Brandon… although he wouldn't admit that.

Morgan was doing very well, even holding the club in a unique way.

Yes, Max is definitely winning!

 Tyce figured out he could just move his ball by picking it up.

Why hit it with the stick if you can win by moving the ball?

Happy Birthday & Happy Fourth

23 Years   at 11:10PM my first baby boy was born. 7 lbs, 21 inches.

Ahren Paul Miller

I fondly refer to him at 'Mommy's Firecracker'. 

Ahren with my nephew, Tyce. Tyce helped blow out the candles.
Watch the video below to see how much fun it was!

Hope everyone enjoyed their 4th of July!

Best Friends

Best Friends

understand

the deepest thoughts and feelings,

and can talk to each other

about anything, everything

or nothing at all.

Best Friends

are there for each other

morning, noon and night.

Best Friends

believe

 in each other,

support one another,

and are stronger and wiser

and more sure of themselves

because of the friendship

they share.

Heather, I am so blessed to have you!