It was down to “The Farm” (no, I am not training for the CIA… I wish… I suppose I have never blogged about my dream of being a spy…)
I DIGRESS!
It was down to “The Farm” for a big-fat-PARTY!
You see, for the last five years most of our trips down to my Grandparents farm have been with preparing for an event in mind, A farm auction, barn cleanings, two weddings… one one summer and one the next… Gramma has her well organized list and we’ve all been ready to help, but this past weekend? All we wanted to do, all we had to do…
was have fun!
I could tell, even in the darkness, when we pulled in over the crackling gravel driveway that something was different; for everyone was outside ready to great us!
There was a buzz in the air… this was going to be a great time!
The weekend consisted of the town’s 150th anniversary, a parade, a 5k, tons of home cooked food, games, more Mac computers and I Phones than the Apple store keeps in stock (we are a hard core Mac family) laughter, laughter and MORE laughter, bon fires, fireworks, dancing, singing, more laughter… the announcement that my brother and his wife Victoria are expecting. (I AM GOING TO BE AN AUNT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!).
Did I mention we had fun?
Sadly, we were missing three cousins and their spouses, Mom’s husband; Grandpa Don, and my Uncle and his family who live nearby and have the option of being in and out the whole time so our big family photo is not so big this year. Oh how I wish we could have had everyone in that photo and around those bonfires…
Sunday was my Grandpa’s 82nd birthday.
Did I mention how much fun we had????
As you will see, My Grandpa has been blessed with an amazing voice. He sings down in Florida for the Cincinnati Reds at their spring training games. Get ready to hear our country’s anthem the way it as MEANT to be sung. Not “licked” to death like Beyoncé or Mariah would do it, but with warmth, gusto and sheer love of country.
Remember – he’s 82!
In honor of his birthday Momma had the idea that as we were finishing up dinner a favorite hymn of Grandpa’s would begin to play on the iPod, we all began to sing and walked over to the side of the room/garage where he was seated. You should have seen the series of expressions on his face as he realized we were singing as a gift to him,
“I’d Rather Have Jesus.”
What a shame all us girls don’t get the chance to sing together more often.
We then broke into “I’ll Fly Away” a cappella, Grandpa as you will see came and we held hands, how I was so blessed to have this moment with him I have no idea, but at one point we locked eyes and we could not get the words out. I’ve said this before, but I praise God that I/we will be with my Grandpa in eternity.
And what summer party would be complete without a two-step?
Again, another moment I will cherish. I’ve danced with him many times, but these moments… they are so precious.
Look how RADIANT my SIL is?!
LeeLee and Hoolie in their matching MooMoo’s. Bet you can’t say that five times fast!
P.F. Strawberry tart, gorgeous hydrangeas from Gram’s garden, Juliette in her “custom made” dress just for this event…
The not-so-big family pic – Who’s up for a serious Photoshop challenge? Somehow we have got to get the missing into that photo!
Games in the barnyard… great conversation around the food…
and a few more photos I forgot to collage… cause I just can’t not post them!
and a few more photos I forgot to collage… cause I just can’t not post them!
This morning, I am all unpacked and I have to confess; My kids are being naughty. They were little angels all weekend. All they are doing today however is complaining about being home. When can we go back? Can we go back today? When will we see Two Grams again?
They remind me of myself.
I used to sob out the rear window as a child when we would leave. Truth be told, I still tear up…
That’s just the kind of effect these people and this place have on you.
We are blessed indeed.
What fun! Your pictures are awesome. Congrats on your SIL’s pregnancy how exciting!
How awesome! Sure does look and sound like you had fun! Fabulous photos! I love family get togethers and wish we [my family] did not all live so far from one another now.
Congratulations to your brother and SIL!
~ Tracy
Oh my gosh, your whole family can sing so well! It looks like a fun time. It’s so nice to see how you appreciate your grandparents. They seem like lovely down to earth people. I would give anything for another day with mine. I’m not going to lie, I teared up a little during the singing videos!
what a precious family gathering! i
love that your grandfather is a singer
and that you all sang to him. so sweet!
and those babies!!! beautiful babies!!
blessings,
lea
Gorgeous, gorgeous family photos and can I say I think your grandpa’s t shirt is kinda groovy – I’m guessing he is into his cars!
It is such a shame my family live too far from us to attend our son’s 18TH birthday celebration this coming weekend, he really wanted his granddad to come over (from NZ).
My heart was so touched. Just beautiful.
Dottie
♥
What special memories you’ve made…thanks for letting us “peek in” on your gathering. I’m sure your sweet Grandpa was very touched by your beautiful songs.
This brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful family gathering!
And your Little Chickens are just adorable.
Just the sweetest blog post I’ve read in a long time. Your grandpa is just adorable. This will be your Precious Memories!
Luvd this post!!!
Sweet sweet family pics. You are indeed blessed. Truly. Enjoyed the dancing video.
God bless,
d
I sooo loved watching and listening in on your family’s wonderful celebration. What a blessing you have as a heritage to give to your sweet children.
♡♡and {{{hugs}}}
~Carolyne
Oh what a wonderful and precious family you have there!!
Congratulations!
Fra
Yes, indeed. You are blessed.
What a wonderful post. I am blessed to be reminded of the riches God pours over his people. Riches, not as the world gives, but the joy and steadfast love that joins the generations for such a time as this, and into eternity. My heart is filled with gratitude that you are willing to step out and share your gift of life as God’s child.
as soon as I saw your Mom wipe that tear from her cheek…..I lost it…..and then you – with reaching out to your grandad while singing- lost it still –
that was the sweetest most saddest lunch I have ever eaten
(p.s. the dresses for the girls turned out so cute!)
How wonderful you and your family got to spend this time together! The pictures were great and everyone looked so happy. Thank you for sharing your family with us! My best to you all!
Oh
emotional!
tears as I know how you feel and could feel your emotion watching those videos of your time with family…I have felt them too with mine;) how beautiful it is. this stuff of life. the IMPORTANT stuff. the only thing in the entire world that matters. my grandparents are all gone now and my family keeps shrinking…do enjoy as many seconds as you have with them. love your writing.
You cannot know how this post has grabbed my heart.
Oh, how I miss my grandparents…they’ve been gone so long, and yet, like you, I have the hope and the certainty of seeing them again.
Thank you sharing this.
I have tears in my eyes…the videos of you singing with your family brought tears to my eyes…such precious memories you are making will be savored by your little chickens for years to come!
XOXO
Joni
What fun! I love this post. There is absolutely nothing like good times spent with family!!! I’ll fly Away is one of my favorites. I’m sure I will be singing it in my head all day long. Your a peach. Mona
Praise God for such a fabulous time with a wonderful, Godly family. You are blessed, as are we all, well beyond our deserving!
My other favorite song is “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” and, by and by, it shall not be unbroken! Thank God!
Reading this blog brought tears to my eyes. Nothing more I can say… ♥
~ Lisa from Indiana ~
Hi angela ~ I just had to say that I think it’s so nice what your family did for your grandfather on his birthday – he seems like a special guy! Looks like everyone had a really good time:)
Sharon
You sure can be proud of your grandpa singing the National Anthem like that. I live in Florida and even though I am not a sports enthusiast I want to go just to hear him sing and give him a huge applause.