Exploring Philadelphia, Park Style

Nathan and I have not been home together for a weekend for the past three weeks, so we decided a recreational and leisurely weekend at home was in store. We often explore local, state, and county parks to enjoy the natural beauty of Philadelphia. Plus as you can tell from previous posts, the Falls are gorgeous!

This past weekend we traveled about an hour northwest to Green Lake County Park. It was a beautiful day. We set out for a simple picnic lunch, followed by some hiking. There was a large lake there, so we began to hike some of the trails. I found a path toward some falls. We got to the base of the falls (nothing enormous, but beautiful none the less). After taking in the sights we got back on the trail to continue hiking. As we travel along the water's edge, I saw a clear path of rocks in the water that led to a large rock about 10-15 ft out, and wanted to get out to it!

 Nathan and I both made it to the big rock. As I climbed up on it and went to move over for Nathan to join me, I slid down the other side, right into the water! So needless to say, I shortened our hiking time,  because I didn't want to get sick from being wet from waist down! Though we did explore the park for a little longer. Nathan was a good sport, we had a good laugh, and I would do it again! We definitely want to go back to this park!!!

 It was beautiful, though the colors have already begun to change and the leaves are falling.

 the falls

My fall at the falls

 simply beautiful

It was an awesome day!
a few more pictures: http://gallery.me.com/cyjoy#100374&bgcolor=black&view=grid

Vermont

Nathan's region of missionaries met up for a weekend at the University of Vermont, in Burlington (capitol of Vermont) for a regional gathering. The weekend was meant for prayer, recreation, and fellowship for the missionaries. I benefitted by traveling to Vermont for the weekend! We heard we had missed the peak of colors by a week or so, but it was still gorgeous. Probably the prettiest Fall I have ever seen (even though it rained most of the weekend)!!!

Nathan had traveled there earlier in the day. I met him late that night after my got flight in. We were graciously hosted by one of the Monsignor's condos. On Saturday we traveled around with a couple of the missionaries. We traveled to the town of Waterbury, where I believe is the home of Ben & Jerry's. We ate at one pub, stopped for a drink at the next, then bypassed the infamous Ben & Jerry's to taste the what we were told, the Brag Farm Creemee. What is a Creemee you may ask? Well it is actually maple flavored soft served ice cream. But trust me, this was no artificial flavoring. This farm makes it's own maple syrup, so we were sure to take shots of syrup too! I never knew there were so many types of maple syrup!!! I would have brought some home if I was not flying!!!

That night we attended men's and women's nights among the missionaries. Then the parties combined. Sunday, following Mass, we hosted brunch with the other married couples in the region. Then we were able to explore Lake Champlain! This was a beautiful sight, a sight I did not realize existed because I hadn't taken the time to look at a map before I left, and it was dark when I got into town!

Here are a few pics from the trip, but more can be seen at: http://gallery.me.com/cyjoy#100359&bgcolor=black&view=grid

(many of the pictures are taken at the car at first, because that was the first time I was able to taken in the beautiful colors, granted they were taken in the car and it was raining, so I definitely did not capture the beautiful colors!)

 These pictures do not do justice of the beauty. Imagine all of the tree tops being a sea of vibrant red, orange, yellow, and green, just like an oil painting!

 Not everyday you see a moose in the back of a trailer! We must be in Vermont!

 What is a Creemee? We had no idea! But it is Maple Bliss!

 This is Katie, another Kansan and missionary here in Philly!

 Check out this window view from the Creemee shop/maple shop!

Now for Lake Champlain... Look out!!!

Sam, Michelle, and Miriam. Sam is a missionary at UConn

 Lake Champlain

 Just some more color!

The most shocking thing about Vermont is that it's largest city is Burlington, populated at 38,000, but it is still a state worth your visit!!!

The colors of Fall in Philadelphia

These are the colors of fall in our own neighborhood. I also added some pics of the trolley that runs behind our home!

Do you want to wok tonight?

Walk v. Wok, two very different things for the same sound! :) Or as my students would say, they are homophones!

First Attempt: Chicken Fried Rice

Second try: Ginger Chicken

Nathan and I have enjoyed spending time together in the kitchen. For two people who used to just cook and eat out of necessity, we are finally starting to put more time into the preparation of our food, and we savor every bite! Thanks to Nathan's mom for this awesome wok! Our next thought is to have a wok party where people just bring goodies to contribute and we will see what turns up!!!

Bon Appetit!

Our Monthly Anniversaries!

We we are happily married now for three months!

As you can see from our posts, we have been busy! But life is good!

Here are pictures from our first month anniversary! 

Since our belongings had delayed in coming, we spent a week at the Conrad's while they were out of town. So we had an anniversary dinner at their table!

In September, we enjoyed a lovely Italian dinner nearby! Most of the Italian restaurants here are BYOB, and so we enjoyed a nice bottle of wine with our dinner! Dad you would really like this place...It reminds me of Rich and Charlie's! This picture was taken at home following dinner!

We are holding a wedding gift we received in the mail from Nathan's friends Keith and Kelly. This great piece of art is scripted with the words of Josemaria Escriva: "To love is to cherish one thought, to live for the person loved, not to belong to oneself, happily and freely with one's heart and soul to be subjected to another will...and at the same time to one's own." 

This is now hanging with our collage of family photos on the walls of our dining room.

And as of 10.10.10, we have been married three months!!

When I picked up Nathan from the train station, he came walking to the car with these beautiful fall flowers for our 3-month anniversary :)