A Happy Weekend

Although our temperatures were way below normal for this time of the year, we made the best of our wonderful weekend. The kids and their kids all came over on Sunday for a BBQ. The kids never seem to mind the temperatures and were all out in the yard playing games and getting their exercise. All nineteen of the grandchildren were here and it is truly amazing how well they all get along together. Other than a small argument over whose turn it was for the tractor, I do not think we heard one cross word all day. It is wonderful that they all live close enough to be growing up with a great relationship with their cousins.

Baggo is always a hit with the kids (and adults).

See how big the baby has grown. Too bad they grow up so quickly.

Of course one big thrill for all the little ones is when Grandpa fires up the John De*ere and gives rides on the tractor. He always lets the kids take turns sitting on his lap and "steering."

The kids know that they can go into the orchard and pick any fruit that they want. We always have oranges, lemons and grapefruit that they help themselves to. This week the boysenberries were also in so the kids had their fill with those. However, some darling little guys decided the peaches were also ready and filled the small tractor trailer with very green peaches. Grandpa was not too thrilled with that idea. Oh well, what can you do?

I was lucky enough to know my first cousins when we were growing up in the Midwest. We still keep in touch and enjoy spending time together. In fact, my background is from an area very close to Parkersburg, Iowa. I had an e-mail from one of my cousins today who said they spent many hours in their basement over the weekend. Fortunately, they escaped any damage as the tornado stayed just north of them. Some of their neighbors were not so fortunate as they sustained damage to grain bins and structures on their farms. From the photos on the news, it looks like it was just devastating to the lovely town. Our hearts go out to all of those who were affected by the tornado.

On Sunday one of our granddaughters made her First Communion. It is always such a thrill to be present for such significant moments in their lives. The priest who bestowed the sacrament upon her has been a good friend of our family for many years. He has married our children, baptized many grandchildren and buried our parents.

This is Miss H surrounded by her parents and siblings.

In Saturday's mail I received my small spring quilt from the Four Season's Quilt Swap. It came all the way from Romania. Smaranda did a wonderful job on it. I thought the butterfly was so appropriate for the spring theme and it is just exquisite. It looks almost ethereal in its delicate design on a hand painted gauze type material. I wish you could all see it in person. I know that I will enjoy it for many years. This week we were given our summer partner's name. I have to figure out what I will do along that theme. I'm thinking of a Neapolitan ice cream idea.

I trust that everyone is enjoying their week and, hopefully, enjoying some warmer weather.