Part I: Annabelle’s Hogwarts Birthday
On Saturday, Annabelle turned 11 years old (at approximately 4:56 AM). She wanted a party with a Harry Potter theme as she was really into the book series. Right now, she’s reading the third book, The Prisoner of Azkaban. Recently, I got back into the series myself and I’m not far behind her in the second book, The Chamber of Secrets. Reading Harry Potter definitely runs in the family as most of my cousins have read the books, some through the entire series. Gram got to the fourth or fifth book before she passed away in 2006. My family from Centre County got the fifth book when it came out in June of 2003, standing in line at the Barnes and Noble in State College to purchase it. I might be dating myself here, so don’t quote me on that.
Back to the birthday party. The weather was nothing like it was early in the week when it felt like Summer. In fact, it was very Fall-like and, it was a perfect opportunity for me to wear my Wizard Weather sweatshirt that I got a few years ago. I planned on layering up when I saw the forecast just in case the winds made it colder. Annabelle had fun with her cousins, classmates, and her friends from karate. There were lots of Harry Potter treats and the pavilion was decorated with everything Hogwarts. We ordered pizza and had enough to feed all of our guests. The cupcakes Katie ordered from Sam’s Club were just perfect and represented all the houses of Hogwarts. They even got the colors right too. We also got to experience the Giant Slide just across the road from our pavilion. I went down it twice and felt like I was doing the luge at the Winter Olympics. I don’t think I placed in the top three but I still had fun.
Annabelle was blessed with many gifts, which she agreed to open when she got to our house. It felt like Christmas but without the decorations and the Christmas tree. Annabelle loved all her gifts, including mine. I got her art supplies from Michaels as well as a Michaels gift card. She also got Harry Potter Funko Pops, some of them in protective cases. Those were a gift to her from her Aunt Pam. That was probably the coolest gift ever, and there were plenty, including Bluey. I might be looking for a sketch pad and some art supplies myself as I find yet another new hobby.
So wraps Day 1 of our big weekend. We’re headed to Laurel Hill today for the Gaffron Fall Family Reunion. It will be chilly, but the cooler fall air will help change those colors and make for a nice drive down PA 31 and through the park en route to our pavilion.
Part II: Gaffron Fall Family Reunion 2023
We continue this awesome weekend at Laurel Hill State Park for the annual Fall Gaffron Family Reunion. For the third year in a row, we held it at the indoor pavilion. That came in handy with the cooler weather and clouds, even though there was some sun during parts of the afternoon.
We had an amazing spread and we ate good. There was nothing left of the fried chicken, and I enjoyed the macaroni and cheese and chili along with some chips. I also provided coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts and Katie made apple cider. We even had a charcuterie board. The last few years we have held the reunion it has gone over well. Last year’s turnout was smaller due to other family members vacationing in Key West but still a great time was had by all.
The kids had fun playing with Benny’s wheelchair and pushing each other around. Henry was especially fond of it and how it worked. Future hospital employee right there. He even pushed me around the room. I got a few random pictures and then got called up to the deck for family pictures. This was a tradition that we used to do as kids where all the cousins from youngest to oldest would get in the picture. We had everyone except Jason and Nik. Even the second generation cousins got in on one of the pictures. We had a big family picture taken that I can’t wait to see. I also can’t wait to see the cousin picture, one of the first since the mid-1990s. If I can I will post them to this blog. Any pictures I find from today I’ll definitely look at and post a select few.
After I left Laurel Hill, I took the scenic route and picked up PA 711 going towards Ligonier. I drove through Stahlstown and passed a sign for the Foggy Mountain Lodge, which was two miles up PA 130. Feeling a little bit tired, I stopped in Ligonier and sat in the Diamond for a few minutes. I worked on this blog and saw a couple getting some engagement pictures taken at the gazebo and around the Diamond, as well as near the library. No better place for a photo opportunity than this little Stars Hollow.
As I close out the weekend and this blog, we are starting to make plans for Thanksgiving and it looks like we will be returning to Somerset County once again. Once I know the location and the logistics, I will let you know more.
The next big adventure after this awesome weekend? The 2023 Fall Symposium.
Stylish 🍒 