Poconos 2010

The Kohlenstein's packed up and heading north for our 2nd Annual Poconos vacation with Uncle Joe & Aunt Nancy. It was better than the first year and we know next year will be better than this year!

Cousin Doug & Maria (and baby Salvi) joined us, along with Aunt Kimmie, Angelina, & Gabriella for the first 3 nights. We rode bikes, took a trip to the Crayola Factory, made smores over the bon fire, fed the deer, and of course rode 4-wheelers. Aunt Nancy's close friend conveniently enough planned a surprise baby shower luncheon for Maria... a little girl time and pampering for Maria!

The rest of the week was spent walking in the woods, swimming at the lake and playing in the sand. Owen took his journey on Aunt Nancy's kayak while daddy and Uncle Joe fished from the canoe. We made our annual trip to the waterfalls, the perfect hike for little legs. Although this was a mountain vacation, we ate seafood for 3 nights and Owen ate (almost) a dozen steamed clams.

We were visited by the same handful of deer as last year, amazing that they survived the winter in the mountains (referencing hunting season)… whew! We also had a very brief visit by little black bear, possibly the same one from last year. Unfortunately for daddy, only mommy and Aunt Nancy saw the bear. I managed to take a few pictures as he wondered out of the yard.

Daddy golfed two days, thankfully his game was good… that makes for a happy daddy! Uncle Joe took Erik down to the river to fish – a little adventure for the guys. Good 4-wheeler ride along trails and roads and then good ‘ole wadding in the river to fish. Erik managed to hook his thumb – don’t ask, I sure didn’t. Uncle Joe managed to come almost face to face with a snake (well, snake face to knee)… luckily Uncle Joe was able to slowly back away and then scare the snake back under water. Hmmmm… I wonder if they decided to move their location or did the guys just assume the snake went elsewhere?

The best part of this vacation is the time we spend with Uncle Joe & Aunt Nancy. It is a reminder of how wonderful mom was and how much we miss her and wish she was able to hold and play with our children and their cousins. They are both such a blessing to us and go out of their way to accommodate us and make the week special – lots of talking, laughing, eating, and of course a few cocktails. We always say “Everyone needs an Uncle Joe”. If you know Joe Salvi, you know EXACTLY what I am saying. We love you Salvi’s and can’t wait to see you at our 3rd Annual Poconos vacation. By the way – since leaving the Poconos, Owen has told us that when he turns 4, he can drive the 4-wheeler. Be READY!