Arrived Saturday, August 16, 2014 in Stroudsburg, PA at the Wyndham Shawnee Village. About a 9 hour drive (including gas and lunch stops). Our condo was a two-story, two bedroom, with a fold out sofa in the living room, unit (#104D). The place could accommodate up to 9 comfortably. The back deck looked out over the floodplain of the Delaware River, so there was nothing but crickets and critters behind us and a nice open field. Off to dinner at the Gem and Keystone Pub where we spotted our first bear (apparently the bear population is at an all-time high in the area).
Sunday, 8/17: we got up early and hit the grocery store (Weis) for the week's provisions and met J.P., Sami, Hannah, and J.J. on the way back. Cheryl made a wonderful brunch while they got settled in, then we 6 had a swim at the clubhouse. Later some miniature golf, played some arcade games, and a few games of bingo (JP WON) and then back to the condo for some beers, sandwiches, snacks and to settle in for the night.
Monday, 8/18: we all took a trip up to Bushkilll Falls and hiked through the trails and stairs for a good part of the afternoon. Sami & JP treated us to lunch and margaritas on the way home - YUMMY. Afterwards we stopped by the clubhouse for ice cream sundaes and swimming again. JP and Sami went out on a date night and we grandparents got babysat the kids. Made a big spaghetti dinner, then the kids had a nice, long, bubble bath in our tub with jacuzzi jets. After everyone was asleep, we enjoyed a quiet cocktail on the back porch and listened to the sounds of nature.
Tuesday, 8/19: saw the departure of J.P. back to NYC to work and the arrival of Sarah, Lily, and Isaac. They got settled in and had some lunch at the condo before swimming the day away. Yard games afterwards while Sami made a wonderful Taco Bar for our dinner - YUM. She also got the kids Frozen and Cars big, iced, cupcakes for dessert. Then we got the little people settled down to "The Little Mermaid" afterwards and popcorn. Fun Day.
Wednesday, 8/20: Cheryl & Chuck treated Hannah & Lily to the Shawnee Playhouse to see "Frog and Toad", a production with all child actors, very entertaining. Hannah and Lily got autographs from the "stars". The afternoon saw us all go on a bit of a goose chase thanks to outdated GPS maps. We were in search of a place named the "Popcorn Buddha". Scrambled all over East Stroudsburg, PA (which is lovely) only to find the place was about a half mile from where we were staying - haaaaa. Who knew. They had gourmet popcorn in every flavor imaginable (and some you'd never think possible!). We also hit up the Christmas Store for an hour for some souvenir shopping. After we got back, Sarah made a yummy tuna noodle casserole and corn bread for dinner. Later another round in the pool with all 4 of the grandkids. Sarah stayed behind to relax, but Sami, Cheryl & Chuck gave all the grandkids horseback rides to the length of the pool and back, probably ran a mile total!
Thursday, 8/21: saw the departure of Sami, Hannah, and J.J. Cheryl and Chuck went back to the Shawnee Playhouse to see "Ring of Fire", a production highlighting the life and music of Johnny Cash - a really cool show. Later a trip into Stroudsburg town with Sarah, Lily, and Isaac which found us scouting out the town for antiques, but settled on a used book store, then dinner at a place called "Sarah's Cafe". Returned to the resort for a round of mini golf. Poor Lily got her hand stuck by a cactus plant while retrieving her ball towards the 16th hole - YIKES.
Friday, 8/22: everyone played on the playground behind the condos, had some lunch (sandwiches), then off to an Alligators and Animal Park, then ice cream cones, then a park with a big playground and a beautiful pond. Afterwards, back to the pool for a while. Cheryl made a big spaghetti dinner and the kids ate the last two cupcakes. Sarah, Lily, and Isaac left for home about 8PM and Cheryl and Chuck spent the evening out on the deck for a relaxing evening of "chillin'".
Checked out Saturday, 8/22: we did a final clean-up, laundry, and were checked out by 10:30 and on our way home. A smooth ride all the way and good weather. We did a quick side trip to Huntington Woods, near our house which is Chuck's UPS route to inspect if they picked up all the basement garbage from last week's horrible rain storm. They got most of it picked up fortunately. We pulled up to the house by 8PM, just before dark. We put away all refrigerated items and then had to do the ALS ice bucket challenge - BRRRRRR.
Annette Rzeznik challenged Chuck and Robin Zaleski challenged Cheryl while we were out of town. We decided to do it together on our back deck. Afterwards we took a hot shower, then decided it was time to relax since it was now 10pm. Unpacking can wait until tomorrow.