Cocoa-Vegas Vacation Part 2

On Monday (4.6) Tom, Tennyson, and I went to The Outlets at Hershey. It was cooler and windier than I thought, but I didn't want to stay indoors because I do that at home most of the time anyway. The highlight was the Disney Store (a shock, I know), where we bought Tennyson a Mickey Mouse placemat, bowl, and fork and spoon set, all for under $10. He was very excited about those!

We headed back to Chocolate World for lunch and of course we couldn't resist one more ride. It turned out not to be such a great idea. Tennyson was fussy and tired and refused to eat. So we cut things short and went back home to put him down for a nap. (We did manage to get in another ride though, and Tennyson was much more animated this time around.)

That night Lynley, Dan, and our little family went to Red Robin for dinner. We always go when we're in Hershey cuz I loves me some RR! We kind of rushed through dinner though because my sister had arranged an awesome surprise for Tennyson, a chance to see the Penn State medical helicopter, the Life Lion. Lynley's co-worker is dating one of the guys who works for the emergency transport. As soon as we got out of the car we heard the helicopter getting ready to take off. So Dan grabs Tennyson and goes running with him across the field. Meanwhile, I amtrying to grab the camera yelling, "Um, Dan wait. I need a photo!" Tom caught it on video, which Tennyson still wants to watch every day, over and over again. Tennyson was so cute hanging on to Dan saying "Opter! Opter!" Then we went into the hanger to see the other Life Lion. Tennyson was SO excited to see it up close and also to see a riding lawn mower, too! Ha ha ha!!

It was great to see his big, blue eyes light up, and his excitement made us all excited! Thanks, Lynley, for giving Tennyson such a great memory from our visit! It was the highlight for sure!

With Uncle Dan (and Lynley in the background)
watching the helicopter taking off

He even got to sit in the Life Lion!

Driving the tractor

Playing with Cheeto

Mmmm, fondue! Complete with pound cake,
strawberries, bananas, and pretzels for dipping!

On Tuesday we mostly stayed around the house, knowing that the next day we had a 3-4 hour trip ahead of us. We thought it best to keep Tennyson out of the car. Well, I honestly can't remember what else we did that day besides make a great dinner that night. Tom and Lynley made a fire in the fireplace, since it was a chilly night, and once Tennyson went to bed and Dan got home, we sat around the fire eating chocolate fondue and playing games. It was such a special way to end our vacation! The next morning we packed up, I threw a load of sheets and towels in the washer, and we met Lynley and Dan for lunch at The Hershey Pantry. It's such a quaint little eatery, and we somehow always end up eating there, too! (Yes, we ate LOTS of good food in Hershey!)

Thanks Lynley and Dan for having us! We really enjoyed our visit, and we are looking forward to coming back with Baby Boy Bates in the fall!