4th Annual Trip to Amish Country

My mom always thought Christi would love going to Amish country, seeing the beautiful countryside and all of the animals she was so crazy about. Unfortunately, she suffered from carsickness so driving over 2 hours (along with many hills and curves) was never an option.





The summer following Christi's death, Shayla and I took our first trip to Amish Country with mom and Joe.





Now it's something I really look forward to doing with them each summer.





This year we had the date on our calendar for many months. We just couldn't wait for Shayla to be finished with school (yesterday) so we could go (today). What a glorious day we shared!




Starting the day with breakfast rolls at Hershbergers - and driving home with the last of my landscaping riding on my lap - ahhhhhh! I've waited a whole year for this!








I just wish Christi would have been with us in person, instead of in spirit.


Here is our list of "Must See and Do's" (in no particular order) if going to Ohio's Amish Country - the world's largest community of Amish.

1.) Hershberger's (best and most inexpensive baked goods) and their free Petting Zoo
2.) Der Dutchman (for an amazing Amish meal - Shay and I always get Noodles over Mashed Potatoes - so yummy)
3.) Having a Buggy Ride - somewhere, many options
4.) Touring Yoder's two Amish homes and the School
5.) Heini's Cheese (an insane number of free samples - and types of cheese for sale, factory tour, delicious!)

And of course with Shayla's annual "Amish Bingo" it always makes for interesting sightseeing. Last night she planned her game with items for us to find including: a blue ribbon, a house with at least 50 chickens, an Amish person using a cell phone, children selling produce in a yard and many other interesting and intriguing items.












Amish Country, 2007







Amish Country, 2008









Amish Country, 2009







Amish Country, 2010