Another lazy day - I am getting very used to this pace! The kids were up early with Ken heading out to milk Caramel the cow and to collect eggs from the hens, and feed the pigs.
We headed to Ephrata Cloisters today. Ken and I were here 8 years ago, and it was wonderful to return. It is such a peaceful place, beautifully green, and interesting in its history and German architecture and design. Benedict asked some thoughtful questions during our tour of the buildings - "What does 'architecture' mean?" and "How do they know what happened in these buildings?"
"One of America's earliest religious communities, the Ephrata Cloister was founded in 1732 by German settlers seeking spiritual goals rather than earthly rewards. Gathered in unique European style buildings, the community consisted of celibate Brothers and Sisters, and a married congregation of families. At the zenith of the community in the 1740s and 1750s, about 300 members worked and worshiped at the Cloister." http://www.ephratacloister.org/
We bought some lovely gifts for the children's teachers that we (hopefully) will post tomorrow.
Afterwards, we headed to 'Wilbur Chocolate Factory' in Lititz, Lancaster. Any gifts we bought for people here have now been consumed ... but trust us when we say we thought fondly of you as we ate the chocolate delights of Pennsylvania on your behalf.
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| Oliver's new best mate |
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| The Amish boys each receive a scooter for their 6th birthdays so they can travel to and from school. Benedict was disappointed to hand his over this morning as the children headed back to the first day of the new school year. |
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| With Mum at the gate to Ephrata Cloisters |
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| The bakery on the grounds - the bakers slept up stairs and the ovens were downstairs. |
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| Wilbur Chocolate Factory and Store |
