Summer Days: a Visit

Our dear friends the Bankesters came for a week-long visit.  We had a string of lovely days together.  They stayed at Mama and Dad's, but the kids and I would walk over every morning after breakfast and Caleb would come after work.  Talking and laughing, good food and good music.

 

Greta found a special friend to read stories to her!

Alysha pulling the littles in the wagon

Dad and Jude getting water for Silas

These two were particularly glad to see each other :)

Visiting and baking apple pie

Emmy & Josiah;
Lindsey, Jude & Wilson

*****

The Bankesters' music is really amazing.  Bluegrass, beautiful harmonies, talented pickin' and fiddlin'.  Oh, it is such a pleasure to listen to!  (You can check out their new cd HERE.) One evening we drove to the city to hear them play a concert at Nechville Banjos.  A great evening.

*  *  *

On Thursday evening they did a concert for us here in town.

(Mama had the idea to use records on the wall behind the stage--delightful!)

*****

All too soon it was time for them to pack up the vehicles again and drive back home.  Until next time, friends! 

Roadtrippin' with Dad

:)

Summer Days: Wyoming

Caleb's grandma had her 80th birthday this year!  As many of the family as could make it got together for a weekend to celebrate.

The four of us and Caleb's sisters piled into Leah's car and headed down the road in the pre-dawn hours of Friday the 5th.  Several hours (and much on-the-road-with-siblings hilarity) later we arrived in the town of Wheatland, Wyoming. 

It was really nice to spend time with everyone.  We had meals at Grandma Mary's house, a family reunion on Saturday at the beautiful Ayers Natural Bridge, and a family picnic in the park on Sunday after church to wish Grandma a happy birthday. 

Ayers Natural Bridge

 

 My buddies, Charity and Stacie, whom I hadn't see for far too long.

us four 

 

  The kids and Leah and I went swimming in the river.  Whew, was it cold!

Leah was Greta Rose's buddy. :)

 * * * * *

Birthday Picnic

 Grandma Mary, with her lovely smile

 Josiah was entertained by 'Papa' and Ana. :)

 

Looking at family pictures; the one above left was taken several years ago at Natural Bridge.

 Grandma with many of her great grandchildren.

Monday morning early we piled back in the car and drove home.  Good memories, all gifts!