Another summer has arrived, and with it, our annual trip back to Pennsylvania to visit my side of the family. Before Rost came along, I used to make this trip every four years or so, but now I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the tradition of going back every year.
Rost needed a haircut before our travels and specifically asked to visit Nate the Barber—his friend’s dad.
Our journey from Kalispell to Pennsylvania involved two flights. Rost charmed the Delta flight crews and got the royal treatment along the way. We landed in Pittsburgh, slightly exhausted but excited to start our adventure.
Rost soaked up the humid country air and loved spending time in nature with my parents. I, on the other hand, relished having someone else cook for us (huge thanks to Rost and Gimmy).
The next day, we picked up a rental car and headed to a small town near Hershey for a big family celebration. First, we attended the beautiful wedding of my cousin Nathan and his lovely bride, Rachael. Then it was off to Hershey Park for family time, complete with rides, laughter, and, of course, a chocolate-induced coma.
On our way back to my parents’ house, several of us stopped at a park near Harrisburg to play a real-life game of Chutes and Ladders. Not to brag (okay, maybe a little), but I won—and didn’t let my family forget it!
Back in Confluence, I had the joy of reconnecting with one of my favorite people, Mrs. Ruppel. She was my 1st and 2nd-grade teacher and has been a cherished family friend for years. Catching up with people like her is one of the best parts of these trips.
My brother surprised Brian and me with a rafting adventure down the Lower Yough. Even though I grew up near the Youghiogheny River, I’d only ever floated the Middle section. It was an amazing day filled with laughter and some fun new friends. While we were on the river, Rost was thoroughly spoiled by the family, so he didn’t miss out on the fun either.
Pappy planned a special outing for Rost and his cousin Parker at a nearby farm we’d visited last year. Rost was over the moon with all the tractors—some new ones had even joined the lineup since our last visit. Needless to say, we’re already looking forward to going back next year.
Before nap time that day, Pappy pulled over by a creek and made sure both Rost and Parker reeled in a fish. It was such a sweet and memorable moment.
Our next stop was Washington, D.C., to meet Brian’s Uncle Tommy and Aunt Tina at the National Zoo. Despite the humid heat, Rost kept up his boundless energy. Ironically, his favorite animal at the zoo turned out to be a cow—something we could have easily seen right next door to our house in Montana!
We wrapped up the day with dinner in D.C. with one of my former teammates from Parnall Law. We’ve both moved on to new roles but have stayed in touch. It was great to catch up before heading back to southwestern Pennsylvania.
The timing of our trip was perfect, as we got to celebrate my sister-in-law’s 50th birthday. The intimate family dinner on Friday night was actually a decoy for a surprise party the next afternoon, which was a total hit.
Before heading back to Montana, we squeezed in one last big event—cheering on my oldest nephew, Ben, at his football game.
Thanks for all the fun and memories, East Coast. We’ll see you again next summer! Xoxo
