Weekend Recap

Here's my brother, winning a race Sunday, as our Dad cheers and records it in the background. This was the highlight of a great weekend with my parents. Jacob raced 3 times in two days, and ended up with a 6th place finish, and this win. It was awesome. It's hard to describe the emotion we felt as Jacob came zooming over the hill to this finish line, with the pack far behind him. I got tons of pictures all day, but this was the last one for a few minutes. I promptly burst into tears after he crossed the line. Watching his determination and tenacity, despite feeling under the weather the day before, and the comeback this day, was so inspiring. I'm not able to adequately describe the technical training and hours of preparation that go into this sport that he competes in, but I appreciate what I do understand...he finished the other race, the one he got 6th place in, at 35 miles an hour, after over an hour of riding. That is just crazy. Anyway, I'm proud of you, brother.

We also enjoyed other fun things with the grandparents and here are a few photos. Here's Elijah in the backyard, wearing a caterpillar outfit, sitting behind some caterpillars feeding on the parsley. His right hand is above the two caterpillars. Too cute. I had no idea when I dressed him that we were going to see these little guys. How pretty is this one? Elijah pretended to be a caterpillar also, and nibbled on some parsley himself. He wasn't too keen on it.

We played at a splash pad that was very refreshing, and Isaac even got his hair wet on purpose, which is huge for him. He detests water in his ears, and to willingly play in the sprinkling water and allow it to touch his head was a big deal. Elijah liked splashing a little, but wasn't a big fan of the hard "rain" himself. He's more of a pool baby. Of course, Abigail loved it, and danced and skipped around happily, there and in the sprinkler at Mom and Dad's.

We also visited the farm of Mrs. Martha and Mr. Bill, to see the awesome new barn they've built, and to give the chickens and donkeys some love. The llamas are typically aloof with people, but Abigail-Animal Whisperer, had one llama come right up to her this time. We held some of the chickens too, and groomed donkeys. It was so nice and peaceful there.

James had to stay home and work and we missed him, but we were thankful for a little time with grandparents and uncle. We're blessed with a precious family, and have made fewer trips to visit, since Elijah was born, so this one was much-needed.

Birthday weekend for Gramma

We had a great time visiting with the grandparents this weekend. We haven't been to see them in weeks and weeks and so tried to do some fun things and just enjoy their company. We were quite successful, especially seeing as how Abigail cried like her heart was breaking as we pulled out of the driveway, because she was going to miss Gramma and Grandddaddy so much she just couldn't help the "tears just keep coming out of my eyes!" Isaac agreed, saying tonight at bedtime, "I sure miss Gramma and Granddaddy already...." I'm so thankful for precious family we hate leaving! Here are a few pictures from the visit.

There was the usual car-washing, bike riding, and then a new surprise for Granddaddy - a new vehicle. He took the kids to pick up the pre-ordered SUV while Gramma and I visited the farmer's market. We returned home, and then they arrived soon after, with Isaac bursting through the door saying, "We helped Granddaddy buy a new car!" They were quite proud of their "assistance." :-)

Then Mom and I showed off the great veggies we'd gotten at the market and the kids helped us put some gorgeous peppers in jars. Though we're not crazy about eating peppers, we couldn't resist the unusual variety one of the vendors had. I'd never even seen most of these: lemon drops, mushroom, Chinese lantern, and orange habaneros. They were so fun to pick out and fill our jars with.

We also enjoyed playing in a splash pad during the hot afternoon, and then visited with Mrs. Martha and Mr. Bill, dear friends of my parents' who own some fun animals. When we arrived Martha was rescuing a tiny hummingbird from the spider web it had gotten tangled in, and we watched in amazement as it lay still in her hand as she gently worked the wispy trap loose from both its feet. We all feared it may be more dead than just stunned like she said it was, and then watched happily as it rested a few moments on a bush and then flew away! The miniature donkeys, Hermie the sheep, llama-boy, and chickens are all a great source of entertainment, and of course, our nature and animal-loving family just couldn't get enough of them. Abi was determined to hold Teeny, the youngest little Cochin hen, and though Martha said she'd never been caught, it only took a couple of minutes before Abi said, "Look at this!" and proudly displayed her captured quarry. It was hilarious; she was so satisfied with herself. There were a couple of funny roosters that Dad said looked like rockstars. I think one was the Keith Richards of roosters. You'll know which one when you see the picture. :-)

The evening ended with great steaks Jacob brought and we had razzleberry pie for dessert before watching, and enduring, the Auburn game. Thankfully it ended well, and we could all rest that night. Church was also awesome, but will take a separate post, later in the week.