Indian Echo Caverns

We decided to take a tour of Indian Echo Caverns today. We had planned to take a day trip to the beach with our oldest and youngest daughters but the weather wasn't cooperating so we needed to find an indoor activity. We  pass by this cavern often during the week and it has been on our bucket list since we moved (4 years ago!) It was an interesting tour and the guide was friendly and fun (even with her goofy scripted jokes).  On the down side, you were quickly pushed through the rooms of the cavern in order for the other groups to go through the area.  I do wish we would have had a little more time to slow down and look at all of the amazing formations.  I would suggest if at all possible to go another day rather than a Saturday, I am sure it is not as busy during the week. Also, go to the Visit Hershey Harrisburg website to request a travel guide. The guide has a coupon for Indian Echo and many other local activities/restaurants.

Read here about the history of the cave and how it was founded. Also, read here for additional information about William Wilson the Pennsylvania Hermit.

Here are a few pictures of the Cave

Indian Eco Caverns is a limestone cave. The temperature inside the cavern is 52 degrees year round. Take a jacket/sweatshirt along in the summer or take off your coat to warm up in the winter! 

If you are interested in getting a few shots while you are there, hang in the back of the crowd.

Watch your head while walking through the caverns... well, I didn't have any trouble at all for a short girl : )

Some of the formations start to resemble familiar objects such as this one that is known as an "Ear of Indian Corn"

Always look up! 

Love, Love, Love these ladies! 

Just a little silliness...

well...

actually a lot of silliness! 

Published Article written by Breanna on Human Trafficking

 

God has blessed us with some gifted and passionate children. The Lord has given them unique passions and abilities that give them a platform to bring Him glory.

 

Breanna loves art, missions, has deep rooted friendships and a strong bond with her siblings.  She has had her artwork featured in some public shows in the area and she is continuing to explore and try new things.  She has a heart for missions and for people, particularly those who are the downtrodden and less fortunate.  This love has given her a passion for helping to shed light on the human slavery problem that exists throughout the world.  She wrote her first paper about the subject in 9th grade and her knowledge and interest has grown ever since.

 

This is an article that Breanna wrote on Human trafficking that was recently published in a magazine for teens that covers all of south central PA.  We are very proud of her and the hard work it took to write an article on a very difficult topic. It is such a joy to see how her passion and love for people is manifesting itself through her writing.

 

 



Growing Up-She is His

Growing up!

I have no idea how this happened. It just seemed like yesterday I was rocking my first little baby girl. She was 4 weeks premature and so tiny.  Soon after though, I would find myself wondering when she would take her first steps and say her first word. Recently, Breanna got her driving licence AND a job within the same week.

Breanna interviewed and accepted a position at Hershey Park. She is excited about the position but might not be as excited about the uniform. Those shorts are pretty high waisted, I must admit but they do offer to wash them daily! There are several perks with working at the park and it seems like a great place work and she could have a fun summer doing it. We will certainly keep you posted on her first employment.

 

In the same week Breanna, walked in the door with her freshly printed drivers licence and asked to take the kids to Sonic for ice cream. Not, "can I go see my friends, go to the mall, go do something for myself." She asked to take her siblings out and she used her own money to buy them ice cream. They celebrated together and Breanna received praises from her little passengers of how she is a "good driver."  It's little moments like this that I treasure and want to tuck away in my memory forever. I was thankful for their time and I have to admit I breathed a sigh of relief when they pulled back in the driveway.  There are an endless amount of opportunities raising children when I am challenged to trust the Lord; that He loves them far more than I ever can and He is their protector.

Watching my little 4 year old jump out of the car with a bookbag bigger than her body going into her first day of school-stretched me. He is her protector 

 first sleepovers- stretched me. He is her protector 

first walks around the neighborhood- stretched me. He is her protector
 staying by herself for the first time- stretched me. He is her protector

watching my young teen get on a plane to go thousands of miles away for her first of many mission trips by herself- stretched me. He is her protector

 first boy relationship- stretched me. He is her protector

 getting into a car driving away- stretched me. He is her protector

 

Stretched me to trust in the Lord and know that He is sovereign, He is good and 

HE is her protector.  

He was the one who wove her together in my womb, the one who uniquely created her and loves her perfectly. We have been entrusted to raise and train her but to know

She is His.

 

 Getting her picture for the license! smile!

 

 

Here is a video that Breanna took of Olivia when they went to Sonic for ice cream. She was a little excited and maybe even on a bit of a sugar rush.

 

 

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13-14

CN- Visit- Jefferson City, Tennessee

It was surreal to be back at CNC, well now its CNU with our oldest daughter Breanna. Many know our story but here is quick background. Billy and I went to Carson Newman with Breanna when she was about 9months old. Billy and I were enrolled full time at CN. Breanna ran around this campus and rode her barbie jeep all around and waved to all the students. Billy and I planned our classes around parenting a small child and Breanna didn't lack for attention as she was known on campus and participated in college life at an early age.

 Breanna is now starting the process of making decisions on "What's next?" after High School, so it was a great start with a  tour our old stomping grounds from a different vantage point. I must say, we were very proud Alumni as we listened and learned the impact CN students are making in the community and around the world during and after the college years.

For Breanna, we will continue to visit a few more schools and she will be taking the SAT's in March. 

Most importantly we are praying she will seek the Lord's direction and stand firm with the confidence of where He is leading her."For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 

I am thankful that there is rest and reassurance in this passage in Jeremiah. As this culture inundates High School kids with the endless questions of "what do you want to be?" "Where are you going to go?", "When, Where, How, What and Why" I know that she has the Holy Spirit to guide her and He has created her uniquely with gifts and talents. No matter "When, Where, How, What" she does after High School her purpose still remains the same as a follower of Christ. Matthew 28:19

The Historical Swann Hall, just beautiful

Burnett Residence Hall, we used to visit our good friend Mindy here quite often when Breanna was younger.

The sky was beautiful, here is a picture of the football field. 



We caught up with some sweet friends! Total bonus for the trip. Good times talking about all our fun times we had at CN.

Fun times hanging out and catching up. It's great to see some of them chasing after kids now. 

So how do you cap off a great weekend of seeing friends, visiting our Alma Mater and spending time with family?

Welp, just a little accident. The van didn't stand a chance with Billy's dad's brick mailbox. Oh boy, there's never a good time for a deductible payment. 

It was a a great trip and we are looking forward to more college visits to come.

National Honor Society

Breanna was inducted into the National Honor Society recently.

 

The 4 Pillars of the National Honor Society which must be exhibited in order to be accepted into the elite groups are:

 

Leadership

Scholarship

Service

Character

 

 

 

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY PLEDGE

I pledge to maintain my high scholastic standing,
To hold as fundamental and worthy
An untarnished character,
To endeavor intelligently and courageously
To be a leader,
And to give of myself freely in service to others.
In so doing, I shall prove myself worthy
Of a place in the National Honor Society. 

 

 

A picture of a few friends after the ceremony.

 

 

 

 Dads and their girls.....

 

 

Thanks Maya for taking our picture!

 

 

New Year, New York & New Art

 

Breanna had some friends over for New Years Eve. What a great group of kids. We so enjoyed having them here. 

 

Getting the party food table ready...

 This tray was a hit and it was so fun to make! Chocolate dipped Oreos and Strawberries. Now wouldn't this be sweet with Red & pink for Valentines Day?



 

Meanwhile we had our own little party upstairs! Maddy made these little pinatas, one for each number of the new year 2,0,1,3.  She hung them up each hour as a countdown to midnight. 3,2,1,0 and the kids would wack at them with a wooden spoon until the candy would fall out. (a good use of leftover Halloween candy.)  It was rather creative and the kids had a blast.
 

 



We had a great time hanging out with friends and the kids.  We laughed so much our belly's ached. It was a very fast evening!

 Breanna went to NYC with The School of the Arts, her production lab/fashion design class with Mr. Ricky Andries.  A local fashion designer in Camp Hill, PA. The group went to the fashion district as well as Times Square.

Here is an article in the Susquehanna Newsletter about the School of the Arts.  Breanna was pictured in both articles.

This is a dress that Breanna designed and is making under Mr. Andries' guidence in The School of the Arts.

Here is some other Art work she has recently completed...well, she always sees something that needs to be done. So for an artist, it is never done.

 

 



Knight, Princesses and a Royal Ball

Welp, the first and only time this boy has worn jeans this season was for our date night. He showered, sprayed, deodorized and wore jeans for his mama. Logan was so cute as he planned our time out with a movie and dinner. In this picture he was pulling out his wallet as we walked into Applebees anticipating paying before we sit down. "wink"  I so enjoyed his eagerness to open doors like a young man.

 

Chivalry: a quality held by knights and gentlemen offering courage, honor and protection to women. (noun)

 

 Keeping his wallet very close so he can pay for our meal. A little tic-tac-toe game while we waited.

 

same night

different date

the little Princesses and their Daddy

 

 

The girls getting ready for their date night I overheard them talking about how princesses would get ready for a royal ball...sweet.

(my inspiration for the blog post)

 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

 

All ready to go!

 

Billy and the girls headed out to the Farm Show Complex for the PA National Horse Show. They had a great time and stayed out late.

 

Meanwhile...Breanna was all dressed up for the Royal ball..

 

 

Well not really but she was all dressed up for the homecoming dance. Logan and I went by her friends house as they were getting ready and we snapped a few pictures and I was so proud of these young ladies as they went all together as friends and enjoyed the dance. Thankful her knight is still in the making and the wait is well worth it.

 

It was a nice night all around....memories made and time well spent..

I am blessed.

Indeed.