A Happy Hodson Family: Family Fun

For our big vacation this year Nicole and I met up with our family to travel out to Pennsylvania. I know, same as last year, but this year we were able to be in Mandy's wedding. More of that to come.

Unlike last year Nicole and I traveled out with her cousins, Justin and Dylan, and Grandpa and her Uncle Eric. It was fun having the boys to hang out with. One of our first stops was a pretzel factory. Right now I can't find those pictures, so maybe I'll post them later. It was a lot of fun, and the boys and Nicole enjoyed the play doh time.

If you didn't know, there is a Crayola Factory not too far from Lancaster. Really it was more of Canal fun on the top levels and crayola play place below. The Canal part was the best, and the only part I would really suggest. The rest was just craft time.

Nicole and I found a mule we could help harness. Well, it was a fake one of course, but Nicole was strong enough to care the harness, although it was pretty funny to watch her carry it.

Nicole and Dylan enjoyed the hand washing. I just think it was really cute seeing them playing with it together.

The next day we headed out to America's first zoo, Philadelphia Zoo.

I really like this picture of my nephews and sister in law. I think it would be a great family picture if my brother made it in.

And here is my sweet angel. When she is in a photogenic mood she can be quite the model. Oh, and it was cold at the zoo! Glad I brought the gloves.

Here are all the grandkids except the infants. Poor baby Ethan didn't make it out to PA for the trip, and baby Tyler was eating. The boys and Nicole sure did love climbing on the bears though.

I love the facial expressions on all the kids. Nicole is all smiles, Dylan looks like he is about to cry, and Justin looks about as indifferent as possible.

I don't know what type of eggs these are suppost to be, but I would guess dinosaur. Think I should have been adventurous enough to climb in one too? Honestly I was kinda worried I wouldn't be able to get back out again.

Now for the wedding pictures. Mandy had a great rehersal dinner and gave little gifts to those involved in the party. Since Nicole was a flower girl she got a really cute Hello Kitty scrapbook kit and Go Fish, among other things. The kids had fun "playing" the game. Their rules were just find a match and put them together.

Oh wait, did I mention that a crown was part of the gift Nicole got? Yes, Dylan did love it and cried when we took it away, and yes, I do plan on brining this up to his parents when he gets married. Love you Dylan.

Finally, after some tears, Nicole got the crown back. I love my princess. Goodness, I think she now has about 5 crowns.

Sorry this one is a little fuzzy, but here is my little flower girl. She was perfect. Thank you so much Mandy and Joe for letting Nicole be your flower girl. She had lots of fun and did her job very well.