A Family Weekend Away -- by Robin

My family just returned from Willow Valley Resort & Conference Center (http://www.willowvalley.com/) for a three night stay this past weekend, and we had a lovely time. We had stayed there previously when we visited Hershey, but this time we took in other attractions, both at Willow Valley itself and beyond.

To quote my six year old son, the indoor water park at Willow Valley is "awesome." It stays open late, and we were there one night after dinner from 9 - 10PM, and Seth didn't want to leave. Who could blame him?! Whether sliding through the mouth of the huge grinning frog or going down the huge, winding slide, he loved it.

Sunday morning, we visited the farm at Willow Valley, and both Seth and I fell in love with the cutest five month old pot belly pig named Pansy. Anyone who knows me, knows I've been a collector of pig items for years, and my son has grown to love them as well. But, it's not too often that we get to pet a real life, adorable, baby pig. We didn't want to leave the barnyard. And, the staff was very warm 'n friendly, as they introduced us to the array of animals and gave us the opportunity to personally spend time with them.


Outside of Willow Valley, in neighboring towns, there is much to do in the area that is kid friendly...and fun for adults too.

We paid a visit to and took a ride on the Strasburg Rail Road. Located in Strasburg, PA, the Strasburg Rail Road holds the unique distinction as America’s oldest short line railroad. A real working railroad, it's known for its picturesque ride through the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The 45-minute narrated train ride departs daily from Strasburg station. Guests board a restored Victorian wooden passenger car pulled by a steam locomotive on a journey through the beautiful Amish countryside to Paradise, Pa. and back. http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/. It was a lot of fun, and I was grateful for the opportunity to rest my feet for a bit from all the walking we were doing.

While waiting for our Rail Road ride, we took in a visit to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania across the road. It is quite a spectacle with amazing history. http://www.rrmuseumpa.org/. At the museum, you'll learn about the heritage and technology of railroading. You can board some of the trains, and take a step back in time as you envision what it might have been like to travel during a different era. They have lots of special events that make it a worthwhile year round destination.

Another of our stops was the Toy Train Museum in Lancaster. http://www.nttmuseum.org/. It features hundreds of toy trains in a modern museum built like a historic train station. My son was like a kid in a candy store here. He didn't know where to look first, as he ran back in forth pushng various buttons and switches to make things go and light up . Very cool place, as he would put it!

Downtown Lancaster offers a bunch of good shopping opportunities...whether clothing, gift items, toys or pieces of art. While my husband wasn't thrilled I did some spending "damage," I was pleased with my unexpected purchases. There's also a wide array of dining options, whether ethnic or casual American.

While we didn't get to Choo Choo Barn -- Traintown U.S.A.®, this trip, we have in the past, and kids enjoy it. Also located in Strasburg, it features more than 1,700 square feet of model train displays with more than 150 hand-built animated figures & vehicles, and 22 operating trains. http://www.choochoobarn.com/.

We took a short drive to the charming town of Lititz, PA. We had never gone there before. The main drag featured quaint country shops, antiques, clothing and more. And, we went to the Wilbur Chocolate Candy Americana Museum/Factory Store, and bought Seth a box of dark chocolate mint marshmallows (which of course I had to sample). Really good! Admission was free, and they ship. http://www.wilburbuds.com/.

We took in a guided tour of the historical Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. Established in 1861, you get a hands-on lesson in pretzel twisting and learn about the art/evolution of pretzel baking, including free samples. http://www.juliussturgis.com/. We are now all certified pretzel twisters (yes....they give you a certificate)!

My son also had a blast at Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park in Lancaster. "A Kingdom for Kids," it features rides, entertainment, etc., complete with Halloween decorations (for now), and kids parading about in their costumes. http://www.dutchwonderland.com/. If you have young children, this is the perfect theme park for them.

We dined one evening at Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn in Ronks, right near Strasburg. http://www.hersheyfarm.com/ You can order off the menu or sample their various offerings on the smorgasboard, which is what we did. It was a good way to experience PA Dutch recipes ranging from BBQ chicken to chicken pot pie to ham balls to pecan pie. It was time to hit the gym at Willow Valley after this meal.

PS: Many thanks to Willow Valley and some of the various attractions for hosting our visits. For general information on the area, visit http://www.padutchcountry.com/.

PPS: We look forward to returning one day, and enjoyed spending time with the other families from MotherhoodLater.com and beyond who joined us. This was the first group getaway we planned, and if you were unable to attend, we hope you'll vacation with us in the future, whether here or another destination. Be sure to sign up for our monthly email newsletter to hear of our activities. Visit http://www.motherhoodlater.com/.

Where There's a Will

It's not something I like to think about or talk about. And, I don't embrace writing about it. But, I wanted to share with you a couple of discussions that recently came up with mom friends, both of whom are 40 something, like myself.

We were out to dinner with a family that has a three year old, and the subject of camp came up. As you know from my previous blog post, my husband and I have been visiting various summer camps and debating where to send Seth this year. Thankfully, we have made a decision on that front, and now it's just a question of how long we are sending him for.

In taking about it with these friends, they said that they, too, have signed their son up for camp, and there is the option that most camps offer of having him bused. It is not in their town, and would probably be about a 20 minutes bus ride, depending on how many children also have to be picked up/dropped off.

I recalled when Seth first got on the bus to go to nursery school. He was 3.5. I cried after he left, but he had a total blast. I got tearful because it was hard to believe he was capable of going on a bus without me. When I shared with these friends my experience and how Seth adored it, the mom said that wasn't her concern. She was worried for his safety. Who is the bus driver? she asked. What kind of driver is he? etc....etc. Her preference was to have her stay-at-home-husband drive him back 'n forth to the camp they selected.

When Seth first got bused, we met the driver and spoke to the school about it, and basically put our trust in this man. Thankfully, it has been ok, and he is Seth's driver again this year.

Then, we had lunch with a mom friend and her four year old twins. She was talking about taking a drive with her husband to go to a meeting they both had to attend. Her children didn't need to be there and could potentially be left home with the nanny, but she opted to take them. Then, she made a comment that I found a bit intriguing/surprising. She said she wanted to take them with her in case something happened. That she and her husband don't typically do things just the two of them without the kids for that reason.

To be honest, I didn't know how to respond. I asked, you mean that if G-d forbid you got into a car accident and got killed that you'd want your children to die with you? Not that she is a doom 'n gloom person and was anticipating this, but yes, that was her thought.

Then I asked, do you have wills? Have you provided for your children? Do you know who would care for them if something did happen to you and your husband? She said no.

Marc, my husband, and I, invested in hiring an attorney last year to draw up wills for us and other paperwork so that we know Seth will be secure, if need be. It is not something pleasant to discuss, and it led us to really examine who is in our lives and who we would want to raise Seth if we were gone. I don't want to think about that. Who does? Mortality? That's a hard nut to swallow. But, I do at least have the peace of mind to know that we've put things in place for Seth.

This leads me to the question...shouldn't we all as parents?! Isn't it our responsibility to have a will and whatever else is necessary, for our children's sake? Sure we want them to be safe, but there's only so much we can do.

Bring on the Chocolate....Dark Please!

I am psyched...I think.

We are going away this weekend to Hershey, Pennsylvania with another family who has a son Seth's age. They are good friends, as we are with the parents, so I'm generally looking forward.

What's not to like? Chocolate is my weakness.

My concern is that it might be exhausting.

I spoke with my friend yesterday who has gone there before. I asked how long a drive it is from NY? She said...."Well....it should take around 3.5 hours...but with traffic, it could be 5." Yikes! I hate gridlock....and this will be the longest car trip we have taken with Seth.

A woman at my gym went to Hershey recently and said that she needed a vaction once she got home. No doubt it will be good exercise walking all over the park, and I'm sure Seth will adore it. But, I'm not a big fan of crowds and waiting on long lines, especially in the heat.

It is daunting how many theme parks there are for kids....especially those with water. And, as a parent, you feel compelled to visit as many as possible. At least I do. I mentioned to one of my single girlfriends that we were going to Hershey, and she recalled being there as a child and loving it. It had etched a fond memory in her mind, and I'd love Seth to think back on the vacations we took with him and smile.

Our hotel, Willow Valley, is supposed to be great, and I always enjoy time away from home. And, being away with friends is a new experience that I welcome. So, I'm going to psych myself up.

Just have to make sure that I wear my most comfortable sneakers.

And....if I need a little energy booster, we'll be in the right place.

Bring on the dark chocolate kisses, please! No doubt I'll walk off the calories, and experts say dark is heart healthy. That works for me. :)

PS - Have you gone to Hershey, and what was your experience?