Outings with Gramma and Grampa

Our time with Matthew's parents was very relaxing and fun. While we weren't there for one really long stretch, we were able to make it our base for a couple weeks as we traveled to visit with some more family or made more deputation trips to several churches. During the time that we were there we were just able to kick back and be ourselves and enjoy a slower pace than what was typical of our trip. The kids had plenty of room to run and play and made themselves quite at home with Gramma and Grampa=) For example, here's Jesse with a clothespin on his lip....? We had most of the day to just enjoy visiting with each other but we usually had a fun, but simple, outing we would do as well. Mars Hill, the town by where they live, is known for it's windmills which were just put up about 4 years or so ago. Some of us took a ride around the base of the hill and saw the windmills up close and in action, all 26 of them! (I think....)

That same afternoon we went to an alpaca farm less than 5 miles away. The little two really loved that! The funniest part was Alana and her "alpaca call" - when we arrived they were out in the middle of the field and didn't seem interested in coming over to the fence to see us, so we just watched them from a distance. After a while Alana, in a deep rough voice, called to them "Come here, come here, come here", the minute she started doing that they all lifted their heads and trotted right over - it was hilarious!

It was windy and Jesse got a bit cold so Gramma shared her jacket with him....=)

For a big part of the time we were at their house Monica had a pretty bad cold and wasn't feeling well. When she would lay down to take a nap she'd have immediate company from Coco, Aunt Belinda's dog.Another one of our outings was to pack a picnic lunch then walk through town, down to the bridge, and stop to enjoy the sun, shade, and sandwiches.

It was a beautiful spot and I took the opportunity for some photos=) Are these two cute or what!?!?

Most of the time the big boys were on a completely different outing - the locations where they went varied but the activity was the same - fishing, fishing, and more FISHING. That was one of Matthew's goals for this trip and I have to say he accomplished it, in my opinion anyway=) It was worth it though, they had a good time and we had some good fish fries as a result!

Sometimes they went 'wading'....

Another activity was making pink popcorn - I didn't follow the whole process but Zachery and Aunt Belinda made up a big batch of it. Ingredients are popcorn, melted marshmallows, and jello - it's a health food, of course=)

So thanks again Gramma and Grampa for some good memories and fun times and an enjoyable visit all around! Miss you!