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That Time We Went To Punxsy.

Something special about living up here in Pennsylvania for a year with my little family are the super fun memories we are making together.  I always envision us looking back fondly of our time here saying, "Remember that time we....", and reliving the moments, smiling and laughing.

One holiday that will never quite be the same for us is Groundhog Day.  From the time I learned we were moving here, I was determined to spend Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, PA and to find Punxsutawney Phil.  I mean, how many chances in life do we have to do this?  Likely ... once.  So I grabbed it and ran with it!

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We made the two hour drive from Erie to Punxsy and it snowed the entire way.  It made for an absolutely gorgeous drive, and driving in and out of all the small old towns was too fun.  So charming, those main streets.

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When we got to Punxsy, it was the day before the big day and there was a festival in the town square (town squares - a LOVE of my heart).  We partook in all the festivities and the boys were super excited about all things groundhog.  The town goes NUTS for groundhogs, I tell you.

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There were these groundhog statues all over town and we took pictures with as many as we could find.  Levi had a blast doing that.  :)  We found the best little souvenir shop and loaded up on Punxsy Phil goodies.  (Ezra still sleeps with his every single night!)

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The highlight of the festival was seeing the one and only PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL!  Oh, I was so excited!  I read the plaque to the boys of how old he is and the special meal he eats every spring to live so long ;), and we just had so much fun watching him in his little burrow.  He was eating Ritz crackers, which I found super funny.

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(Making our predictions!)

After partaking in all the fun in the town square, we headed out for THE place - The Gobbler's Knob!  Since it was the evening before the big event, the news crews were all out there getting things set up. It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL down there.  I can't even explain it.  With the peaceful surroundings set down among enormous trees, the snow peacefully falling, and the quiet excitement of Groundhog Day, it was just wonderful.  Such a fun moment with my boys.

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(Love!!)

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We ended our day at none other than ...

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of course!

We had a super delicious breakfast for supper and eavesdropped on the locals around us telling visitors like us the do's and don't's of Gobbler's Knob.  So fun!

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We had to head back home after supper, but not before a stop at a local bakery for some festive treats!

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Husby had to work the next morning, so we didn't stay to see if Phil saw his shadow or not, but really ... I wouldn't have wanted to.  Apparently it starts at 3AM., and there are no lawn chairs or anything allowed on the property.  So you basically have to stand there in a crowd of thousands in the wee hours of the morning in wet snow.  And cold.  With children.  Um, nope.

It all worked out beautifully for us and we truly had a day we'll never forget.  On the actual GH Day, we watched Groundhog Day with Bill Murray and had a greater appreciation for that fun flick.  Husby said on the way home how this day will never look the same to us, since we truly "experienced it".  It's typically a day that just passes without another thought for us, but now it's special to us.

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Special times with my people.  Blessings!


I am a modern day homemaker with a passion for family, cooking, celebrating, decorating, travel, and memory making! The Lord has blessed me with the desires of my heart in my husband and our two sons. We recently built our dream home and cultivating a loving and happy haven for my family is where I find so much joy.

Comments

  1. I just have to say how awesome it is that you are making such an experience out of your time away from home. I know how hard it is to be away from family and friends, but you guys are doing it right and making it an adventure! I've loved following your travels!

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  2. You're totally right! Find the groundhogs while you can! I love your scarf by the way :)

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  3. Wow, when did Ezra suddenly grow up?! He's a real little man now! I have never been to America, so I live vicariously through your wonderful posts. They make my heart hurt to see such amazing things that I will never experience for myself, but it lifts my spirits to know that you and your gorgeous family are having a blast!

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