Almost a year ago, Jeremy approached Chris and I with a proposal regarding our children when they turn 13. He invited them to go on a short vacation with him and Shawna during the summer they are 13, to pour into them and spend individual time with them. Of course, Brooke and Brecklyn will be 13 at the same time, so he suggested that one go when they are 13 and one go when they are 14. Chris and I liked this idea of the kids gets special time to go on a trip with their Aunt and Uncle, and we began planning for Bri to go to Hershey, Pennsylvania with Jeremy and Shawna at the end of July.
Initially, we discussed Bri flying from Tulsa to Memphis to meet up with Jeremy and Shawna, but ultimately none of us were comfortable with that arrangement. Instead, the other kids and I drove Brianna to Little Rock on the afternoon of Monday, July 24th where we met Jeremy and Shawna. The three of them then stayed the night in Little Rock and flew out from there on Tuesday morning.
We met at about 4:00pm on Monday afternoon so as to give the other kids and I time to get back home before it got too late. This meant Jeremy, Shawna, and Brianna had the evening to explore a little in Little Rock before they needed to turn in for the night.
They paid a visit to the William J Clinton Presidential Library,
and enjoyed the various sculptures on the grounds.
They also got ice cream at a local ice cream shoppe,
before settling in to their hotel for the night.
They had an early flight out of Little Rock on Tuesday, July 25rd. But they were ready to get vacation started!
Jeremy, Shawna, and Brianna on the plane from Little Rock to Atlanta
They landed in Atlanta with plenty of time to grab lunch at Five Guys.
Jeremy and Bri
Then it was off to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania!
Brianna and Shawna at the airport in Harrisburg, PA.
After getting their rental car, they drove to Hershey where they stayed for the remainder of the week.
Before calling it a day, they ate dinner at Chili's (one of Shawna's favorites).
On Wednesday, July 26th, they set out to explore Hershey, PA.
The first stop for the day was the Hershey Factory Gift Shop. Brianna enjoys shopping, so this made her happy!
Brianna at Hershey World
A little later, they got tickets to see a show/informational presentation about the history of Hershey (the company and town) and how some of the sweet treats are made. The tins they are holding were souvenirs full of chocolate to sample during the presentation.
After the show, they decided to do another activity where they got to make their own chocolate.
Brianna and Shawna ready to be first class chocolatiers!
Brianna picking out what chocolate to make
Following the morning at Hershey World, they took a Hershey Trolley around town to learn more about the history of Mr. Hershey and the town. They also received more chocolate samples on this tour. Because of course!
Brianna, Shawna, and Jeremy on the trolley
After a full day, they drove by the Hershey Disc Golf Course so Jeremy would have an idea where it was located for another day.
The day concluded with an evening Bible study at the hotel.
Thursday, July 27th was all about more chocolate! They began the day at The Hershey Story, a museum that told more about Mr. Hershey and the Hershey chocolate story.
Jeremy and Bri being ridiculous waiting in line for the museum
Shawna and Bri waiting patiently
Brianna shopping again!
As part of the museum, they were able to go to The Chocolate Lab where they taste-tested chocolate and learned to harden chocolate.
Jeremy and Bri waiting to get in to The Chocolate Lab
Shawna and Bri enjoying the lab
Shawna and Bri at the end of the lab class
Back at the hotel that night, Brianna wrote postcards to several of her friends and family. And of course the pen girl had to have allllll the pens with her on vacation!
On their last full day in Pennsylvania (Friday, July 28th), Jeremy took the gals disc golfing.
But first . . . breakfast! Bri said the pancakes she ate there were delicious!
Ready to disc golf!
Jeremy won, but everyone had a great time!
After disc golfing, they paid a visit to the Hershey Gardens.
Just beautiful!
The flowers were in full bloom and so colorful.
Bri and Shawna enjoying the lovely gardens
It ended up being a very warm day, so after the Gardens they went back to the hotel to change and clean up a bit before dinner at Primanti Bros.
Ready for some grub!
Bri and Shawna dined on pizza while Jeremy had a pretty insane sandwich!
After enjoying Hershey for three full days, it was time to head back to the midwest. Saturday, July 29th started out super early for the traveling crew.
Bri and Jeremy in the Harrisburg airport
Enjoying Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast before leaving Harrisburg
The 3:00am wake up call was more than Bri could handle!
Bri, Shawna, and Jeremy flying from Harrisburg to Atlanta
Patiently waiting in the Atlanta airport
Jeremy and Bri flying from Atlanta to Little Rock
We had driven to Little Rock from home that morning to meet Jeremy, Shawna, and Brianna in the airport. We were happy to see our girl!
After grabbing lunch at Chick-Fil-A, we said our goodbyes and parted ways. Brianna slept pretty much the entire way home!
I sent the above photo to Jeremy and Shawna and told them they must've worn her out. They sent me this photo in return :-).
Brianna had a blast being an only child for a week with her Aunt and Uncle. We are grateful for the opportunity she had to travel and to have people pour into her for a week!
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