Homeschool Vacation Part 1

If you are a homeschooler, or just want to show your kids some really interesting things that cover PA history, nutrition, geography, etc., etc...let me recommend a visit to Lancaster County, PA. We spent two days there over the holiday weekend and it was amazing! So many things to see, do, and learn. What an excellent experience.

We drove out late on Thursday night but that didn't stop anyone - we were all up, dressed and ready to head out by 7:45. New things and places seem to bring an excitement that is lacking in the typical day of school ;0) We are so blessed to be able to take these field trips!

First stop, Lancaster Central Market. This is the country's oldest continually operating farmer's market. Longest...like in the 1700's!

A promise to get up early came with the expectation of breakfast at the market. First stop, the doughnut stand...freshly baked and so yummy!

Then, some time to wander around and see the sights. Since we've been studying the Amish as well, it was nice to tie that in, since many of the stand holders happen to be Amish.

 The market opens at 6 AM so you know the workers are there at the crack of dawn.

 

 So many wonderful things to see and taste!

 

 Orange crème milk!

 

 Veggies, fresh from the farm.

 

Had I seen the "gummy fried eggs" I probably would have made a purchase at this awesome stand.

 

Turned the corner and, in the next aisle, found an awesome stall...

 

which sells my new favorite breakfast food...I would move to Lancaster for only this...it's like eating vanilla ice cream. Unbelievably tart and delish.

Mores stalls with more unbelievable stuff. German delights (Blondie wanted to smell the Limburger cheese)...fresh poultry and meats of every kind. So much to see.

 

He was on the trip...just not his smiley self.

 

Then, of course, there needed to be some breakfast dessert...so, they headed to the pretzel stand, closely followed by the Amish doughnut stand. Don't know what the Amish do with their doughnuts exactly but it's much closer to a Danish...flaky and delish.

I regret having had the faces of the Amish in these photos. More on that later but, if possible, it's more polite to leave them out entirely. Alas, I no longer have a nice photo program with a "blur" option :0(

 

We picked up some fresh sunflowers on the way out the door and headed to our next destination. By then it was getting crowded so we were thankful to have gotten there early. Our bellies were full and our imaginations were stoked. I can't wait to see what they decide to write in their school journals.

 

Hope you had a wonderful 4th. We are blessed!