Easter Weekend in Hershey

Instead of posting each day we stayed at the Hershey Hotel, I've decided to try and put together a compilation of our time in the chocolate lover's world. Each year, my brother's family takes a small trip for Easter and sometimes, I attend, and sometimes, I don't, depending on the year. This year, since my parents also decided to make the trip, I thought it would be a great idea to spend Easter with most of my immediate family, especially the older kiddies. And, I know my niece would be super excited (which she was) to spend some quality one-on-one time!
Our first stop, in town, after dropping off our luggage was none other than Chocolate World. We enjoyed some lunch and went for a ride on Hershey's Great American Chocolate Tour.

The Sweetest Place on Earth

Joseph wanted to stop and take a photo of the flower pots - he was very eager to use my camera and Diane's camera a lot for his own shots.

A budding photographer?!

 During lunch, the Reeses's Cup stopped by for a visit.

Joseph was a little shy, but Cameron jumped right in for a photo.

And, so did Diane and Liva. 

Reese's are Liv's favorite so it's no surprise she wanted a photo with the peanut butter bud! 

I LOVED (and look a little crazy) as I pretended to turn the chocolate kiss dispenser.  

During the Chocolate Tour, we learned about where cocoa beans grow and how they are deliciously made into Hershey's Great American chocolate. The sweet smells were the best.  

The rainforest

The cows and milk are a very important part of the Hershey process...fyi.

How many pounds of beans are used?! 

The different varieties!

Even though I love York Peppermint Patties, they are - to my surprise - one of the least produced chocolates!

Our final treat, Hershey's Drops. 

A final cousin photo beneath the sign before heading back to the hotel.

For the duration of our trip, we stayed at The Hotel Hershey.  The elegant, four star, landmark hotel was gorgeous and definitely a treat! 

The flower beds out front were re-planted quite often - basically after the tulips bloomed, they were replaced.

The boys loved using Diane's camera to take photos of them while Liva and I took some of our own.

Out back, Liv and I stopped for a photo in front of the fountain before she joined the boys for some faux ice skating while the adults relaxed with chocolate infused cocktails.

Into Hershey Outfitters to get fitted with skates.  

Cameron was a little apprehensive - it was hist first time on skates even though he kept saying he was fine!

Liva watched over Cam.  

While Joseph skated right in to play hockey with some older kids. 

Cameron skated/stepped across the faux ice with the best of them and held on to the side at times for balance! He did a great job.

Cousins finishing up.

During all of this, my dad enjoyed some relaxing "rocker time."

Can you see him all the way over there?!

And, then we enjoyed some drinks before dinner and s'mores.

A Chocolate-tini

The S'mores Pit

S'mores supplies

Enjoying s'mores

I decided to separate my Hershey posts...Hershey Park to follow.

A Chocolate Easter

The first glimpse of being in Hershey, PA!

Comedic Jay

Ever since Jay Mohr was a season regular on Ghost Whisperer, before it was cancelled last year, I have been a huge fan. On each episode and now in reruns, his humor cracks me up! Actually, I think Joe was the first to mention his comedic timing.
That being said, when I found out he was appearing at The Music Box at the Borgata in Atlantic City in April, I just had to purchase tickets. After celebrating my cousin Stephanie's 30th birthday celebration, we headed (in the pouring rain) down to enjoy the show. And, that we did!
As he retold anecdotes from his life, I couldn't help to find him not only relatable, but hysterical as well. Even the stories about his son hit home and made me think about my own nephew and how maybe all little boys are pretty similar.

I tried, tirelessly, to snap a good picture, but the lighting didn't make it easy.

After the show, we headed to one of the Borgata's hotspots for a night out with the boys!  

Sporty skills

This spring, my niece started playing softball for the first time. Although she danced when she was younger, she was a little apprehensive yet excited about actually playing organized sports for the first time. Now, just a month after her initial game, she warmed up to being the team's catcher. She also has a pretty great swing, although I haven't captured that on film yet.

Here she is at third base following her first hit. And, then we just had to capture a quick shot of the siblings after the game.  

"Somewhere behind the athlete you've become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back... play for her."

~ Mia Hamm

Joseph, who has played t-ball and now enjoys both basesball and basketball is an old pro on the field. As a little boy, he also loves anything that moves! Recently, my brother promised him he would be able to ride an ATV, which he absolutely loved (even if he stopped too quickly at times!) and couldn't wait to ride again.

Making a sharp turn and stopping for a picture.

"It is not how big you are, it's how big you play."

~ Author Unknown

Phillies Phun

The beginning of the Phillies baseball season is always something to look forward to and as a partial season ticket holder, I love going to games at Citizens Bank Park. Touring the park before the onset of the season definitely hyped up my excitement. And, even though I miss seeing Chase Utley on the field amidst reports he is doing well and could be playing as early as June, the Phanatic makes the games so much fun!
Here are just a few snippets from a couple games - preseason, opening day and the beginning of April. 

Painting the town RED!

Opening Day 

Lady Phapha made an appearance.

Joseph also wanted to take part in the photographing fun when we took him to one of the first games.

His skills are below.