More at Heritage Inn

 (Not the best picture I have taken of my parents, but it is because of their generosity that 33 of us gathered again for our annual Christmas reunion..  We were missing my brother's family which would have added 11 to our number.)

Holiday at Heritage Inn (Archbold, OH)

And more to come!

Last night was Quiddler - the game.  Great fun!

Harlan Christmas Celebration

...nieces and nephew with Grandpa Z.

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.

~Burton Hillis

Presents!

And MANY more!

Some Things to Look for When You Come

A few things you'll see when you come to Grandpa & Grandma's!

Guess Whose?

Reflections of our 2009 Thanksgiving Gathering

While the Thanksgiving table was being cleared, two men had a serious conversation.

We moved to the living room to play "Four on a Couch".  (The fourth person sat on a chair beside the couch.)  But here, father and his two daughters sat side by side.  The women won both games, by the way.

T. found a great friend.  This was taken either during the "couch" game or while we played Thanksgiving Alphabet...

Great Grandpa took time to communicate one-on-one with most of us.  He's a great encourager.

We celebrated his 83rd birthday a day early.

Many others were here, but the photographer sadly found herself distracted and separated from her camera. Thus no picture of the turkey and ham platters and an absence of pictures of the entire group.  An incredibly delicious meal complete with multiple desserts exceeded our appetites.  Games were played; conversations abounded.  We missed those who were unable to be here, but recognize the realities of distance and juggling multiple family commitments.  We thank God for our family and blessing us with each other.

Abigail Decorated our Dollhouse

Wednesday was full of games, books, visit to Grabill Library and Schmuckers' Produce Store. 

Titus helped Grandpa clean the shed.

We made eggs in a bag and after it was dark took a drive to see if any houses were decorated for Christmas!

Pew Manners

It's a long article, but I believe it is extremely practical. Too many children have not been trained to sit in church (and other public meetings). Many of these ideas may help in that training.   It takes patience and intention on the part of parents, but the rewards are worth it--for family peace and the benefit of those who sit ahead of, behind, or next to families with young children. There is nothing more beautiful than well-trained children.  I SO respect families who have made this aspect of child-rearing a priority.

There. I've said it.

I REALLY HOPE YOU CAN SPARE 2 MINUTES TO SEE THIS!

"Thank" If You Love Jesus!

What are YOU thankful for?

Even though we'll be scattered on Thanksgiving Day, I want you to know how thankful I am for you, my dear children and grandchildren.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the gift of Jesus Christ and the salvation you provided for us.  Thank you for eternal life!  Thank you for food on our table, beds to sleep in, toys to play with, and all things beautiful.  Thank you for your creation.  Thank you for health. Thank you for the freedom we enjoy in the United States of America.  Thank you for church families, pastors and teachers.  Thank you for your Word and for many translations and copies of the Bible in our homes.  

Halloween Party in Kindergarten

The little blond on left of top picture and right of this second picture is our oldest granddaughter.

In the picture below, she is "hiding" somewhere in the middle!  Oh!  THERE she is!

BOO!

Get Well Quickly, T!

This sweet one of ours is in the hospital today.  Pneumonia.  She has another health condition which makes it important that she be checked out when she runs a temperature of 101 degrees.  It happened during the night last night, and it happened quickly.  Her mommy tells me she is a good patient and is accustomed to some of the medical procedures she is undergoing.  She will be released when her temperature is normal for 24 hours.  Meanwhile, we pray.  She talked to me over the phone after her nap this afternoon.

I love you, sweet child!

Grandma Rebecca

Our Kansas Kids in Autumn

Our Kansas Pumpkins!

The Scene in Eureka

C2 flipping out on the trampoline!

And last, but not least....

In J's own words:
Yes, C2 does flips on the trampoline!  He sometimes lands on his feet and sometimes not quite.  I don't know, I was impressed.

The fall pictures are from our hike at the lower lake.  It is where the boys and I go frisbee golfing.  It was a gorgeous day out, and we had a lot of fun collecting leaves.  Each of us had one leaft that we thought would be the biggest, only once you picked on you couldn't trade it in.  And then we all collected the ones that we thought were the prettiest.

We also carved the pumpkins Sunday evening and roasted the pumpkin seeds.