My Slice of Americana

This past Fourth of July weekend I had the privilege to visit Jake's home town of Wyomissing, PA. The weekend visit started out with me finally watching the infamous sledding video of Jake and Nick. (anyone close to Jake has heard the story a million times over) I have to admit the sledding video was pretty funny, especially the third time Jake showed it, just so he could slow down the part where Nick slams his head into the ice, followed by 12 year old Jake saying, "oh shit, he's bleeding"... with chuckles of his dad video taping!

(Jake and I on the Fourth)

(the street Jake grew up on)

The weekend was filled with Family, Friends, and Food. It was perfect.

(the Johnsons)

Jake wanted us to stay at his parents house so we could experience all of the fourth. (let me tell you... it is quite the production) On the morning of Fourth of July, the Wyomissing fire chief (who lives across the street) played his patriotic music over the loud speaker at 7am to mark the beginning of the morning. About 45 minutes later the oldest fire truck in Wyomissing, travels down the parade route with its siren on to clear the route for the parade.

By 10a.m. the street was filled, guest had arrived, and we are all in our spots to watch the parade. At the start of the parade a family walks the route passing out flags. This happens every year... after years of collecting flags, the Johnson's and their neighbors have enough to cover the entire street. It was so awesome to feel the closeness of this town and to experience how everyone comes together for this yearly event. Of course I always get teary-eyed when it comes to patriotism and such. I admit I teared up when one of the bands walked by playing, "Your a Grand Old Flag" and the Pearl Harbour survivors followed.

(The Johnson's front yard)

(My Flag)

(Nina and Katie awaiting the parade)

(All the flags)

(Nina Doing her part in setting up)

The weather so beautiful. I think the hottest day was 84 degrees. At night we slept with the windows open. Thanks to Katie, Nina and I got to shop at the Vanity Fair shoppes. It is an old factory turned into an outlet store. It is a really good place to get deals. One section of this old factory, I was able to purchase authentic Red Sox gear for $9!

On Sunday Jake, Myself, Nina, Nick, and Katie all piled into the Rav 4 (the rental) and drove to Hershey Park. It was sooooo awesome. I have to say, Hershey Park blows both Disney and Busch Gardens out of the water any day. There was soooo many roller coaster and even a water park inside the regular park. Anybody and everybody had something they could participate in. One funny experience I encountered that day, was a ride called the Mouse. To the untrained eye one might think it was merely a child's ride, like the one at the fair. As I sat on the ride, Jake and I began to reminisce about the Lombardi's experience on a similar ride, and how they were a little freaked out. At that very moment those words came out of my mouth... My heart stopped. The ride turned into the scariest ride I had ever been on. High up on the top it jerked you around, giving me the feeling we would fly off. I have to admit now (or else Jake will make me) I did cry. I was petrified on a child's ride. I could do any of the roller coasters that flipped, looped, hung, had 97 degree drops, but I could not handle the evil child's ride!! uggghhh.

(Hershey Park Sign)

(In route to the Chocolate Factory)

We unfortunately did not get a chance to go into Philadelphia. However, Jake and I are planning to make a trip next year to see the Phillies play and stay the night in the city.

(Downtown Philadelphia)
(My first Locust)

I was able to enjoy a Philly Cheese Steak from V & S Sandwich Shop. It was yummy, messy, and all around delicious!

The trip was a success. My favorite part of the trip was the Fourth of July. Thank you to the Johnson's for having us at their house. It was amazing!! I can't wait for next Fourth...