Easter is always a special time gathering with our family to celebrate our Christian faith and just being together along with the traditional Easter egg hunt with the grandkids.  Yes, that’s my almost 94 year old Dad…looking great as usual and pretty sharp for his age. He continues to be such a joy for our family.  

Ron and I love just about anything and everything that involves our grandchildren, including a special family tradition when each grandchild turns 10.  At this milestone, each grandchild has the opportunity to pick where he or she would like to go for a week with just Ron and me. Last Spring we took on our fifth “10 year old trip” with our grandson, Graham, on a Disney Cruise, together we swam with the dolphins at Discovery Cove and had some happy times in Disney World and stayed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.  We are savoring these wonderful memories. Wyatt’s next up!

Enjoying a Phillies game is another favorite thing. As a family and team, we went to Talen Stadium to watch the Union soccer match. We have all this to look forward to in the future. It’s wonderful to have some forced unhurriedness but honestly, we will miss our routines this Spring–attempting to keep up with the grandkids sporting events, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries with our loved ones. It’s hard to believe our miracle babies turn 3 this month! It’s our daughter, Courtney’s, birthday month, our grandson, Tyler, turned 12, and our son, Ryan, and daughter-in-law, Stacy, celebrate 17 years of marriage! 

Sam’s favorite activities are all outdoors: golfing, playing pick-up basketball, hiking, and biking. Growing up in Abington, he would play chip-and-put with his brother and cousins at Alverthorpe Park. Abington Township residents can enjoy the following amenities at Alverthorpe Park: https://www.abingtonpa.gov/departments/parks-recreation/parks-facilities/alverthorpe

TopGolf is another place Sam likes to join friends in a fun game of “golf”. Word on the street is that King of Prussia has been approved to build a TopGolf right along North Gulph Road. To learn more about the proposed plans visit: https://visitkop.com/topgolf-facility-approved-in-king-of-prussia/

Traditionally, every Spring, Olivia, her dad, uncle, and Sam hike 30+ miles over the course of 3 days (all while carrying 26 lbs on her back) and sleep 2 nights in a tent in the great outdoors. The Appalachian Trail in Pennslyvania, also known as Rock-sylvania, is famous for it’s rocky terrain which makes it a great challenge to conquer. Bears, deer, snakes, and other animals add to the thrill of hiking! Trail routes can be found here: https://www.visitcumberlandvalley.com/outdoor/biking-hiking-and-trails/appalachian-trail/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1_m3k4DD6AIVAVYMCh0EZweCEAAYAiAAEgK1MPD_BwE

Olivia is an avid runner and the springtime is the perfect time for running in races. Most recently, she completed the St. Luke’s Half Marathon in Allentown. Given our current situation, virtual races are a fun and safe way to get involved with the community but run your race, on your terms. For a list of virtual upcoming races click here:  https://www.virtualstrides.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqLuGvu_H6AIVhIXICh2OQQK4EAMYAyAAEgI8OfD_BwE

Chris, Emily, and their three children enjoy taking family bike rides on many of the local trails.  Some of their favorites are the Schuylkill River Trail and the Pennypack Trail. For a list of many of the great area bike trails you can visit https://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/bike-trails-philadelphia/ Most trails remain open and allow for social distancing!

Attending a Philadelphia Union game at Talen Stadium is terrific family treat and a wonderful opportunity for children to see live professional soccer. Ticket and game information can be found here https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/stadium.

Taking time to enjoy nature and spend time together as a family is something that Chris and Emily both value.  Even if it’s just around the corner, you can find the beauty in nature and enjoy tie together as a family and away from screens.  Some of Chris and Emily’s favorite hikes are at Valley Green and along the Green Ribbon (aka Wissahickon) Trail. Great strides have been made in recent years to connect many communities through nature trails.  You can learn more about local trails here https://www.montcopa.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/17