Museum train

Lancaster County is also home of he Pennsylvania railroad museum and a museum train with old steam engines that runs about 5 miles from Strasburg to Paradise.
 Little boys and their parents are the majority of the passagners but Mia enjoyed the train ride as well.

 

Exploring Amish County

We did not try a buggy ride but there were plenty of other things to explore.
We started the day with a wholesome breakfast at an Amish dinner that had a great buffet. One of the highlights were the sticky buns. Their charge for children was only 45 cents per year of age.

We also went to former Amish farm were a tour was offered and were Mia could see some farm animals and farm equipment.

The day concluded with some local ice cream - chocolate and blackberry:

Amish County: Fulton Steamboat Inn

During our long weekend in Amish County we stayed at the Fulton Steamboat Hotel just outside Lancaster, Pa. It was a wonderful place for children with a great playground,

Also mama enjoyed the swing fot two

There was also a small pond with ducks and fish that Mia enjoyed feeding

 Mia even wanted to come back after dinner for some more climbing

After a little break we then headed for an evening swim at the indoor pool

Another highlight for Mia were the warm chocolate chip cookies and the ice cold lemonade that were waiting for her in the lobby after her afteroon nap.

Movie Night

Mia started last weekend with a dinner at the pool and a movie night with all her friends at a neighbor's place.

It was the story of a little pig and the other animals at a farm.

It got a bit late but we all enjoyed it - including the cookies and fruits other snacks.

Summer days

Wih another string of hot days Mia has to play more inside.

Swimming Class

This summer we have signed Mia up for a swimming class for small children that is offered by Arlington county at a nearby public pool. She doesn't really have to get comfortable with the water since she spends almost every evening in the pool but maybe she can learn how to swim properly. Right now she can swim through half the pool but she doesn't know how to do teh breathing part.

In the first session she was not too excited about the teacher but the second time she enjoyed the 30 minute class more

Slumber Party

After a evening at the pool Mia had a little slumber party with Erika and Jacob

The highlight was of course the ice cream.

A visit from Ben and Ella

On a day with record breaking temperatures - the high twas 104 F - cousins Ben and Ella came for a visit to cool off at the pool and hang out with Mia.

While Mia and Ben had a little swimming competition Ella was a bit more relaxed

After the afternoon nap and some snacks the three stayed indoors and played a bit in Mia's room

4'th of July

On the 4'th of July our neighbor Silvia invited us to watch the fireworks of the National Mall from her rooftop terrace. She had organized a party with a few friends and some good food for the occasion.
For Mia it was the first fireworks she watched. in the years before she had been already asleep at the start a bit after 9 p.m. when it starts to turn dark.

Not sure if she liked it. She did most certainly enjoy the deserts after the fireworks: Chocolate cupcakes, chocolates and strawberries