I know, I know- It's been a long time since I posted. I have no excuse except that life happens. I was computer-less for several days and our lives have been so action packed recently that finding the time to post has been difficult. While I have lots of things I would like to write about, and I hope I do, I'd like to first start with our most recent weekend adventure.
If you're a regular follower, then you may remember that this is the time of year that we attend a very special family reunion. [ see: 2010, 2011, 2012 to refresh your memory]
Anyway, as usual we had a wonderful time visiting with our very extended family. The weather couldn't have been more beautiful, sunny and cool. We spent the weekend on our farm in AL and the church in which the reunion was held is just in the next town.
The reunion wasn't until Sunday, so the kids had all Saturday to play. And boy did they. The kids just love to be at the "farm", there's so much for them to do. Saturday evening was their favorite, though. After dinner, their oldest cousin, Ricky, built the most perfect s'more making fire. The three oldest kids gathered around the fire, while Rachael skipped that part and got straight to eating the marshmallows and chocolate.
David did a great job roasting his own marshmallows.
If you're a regular follower, then you may remember that this is the time of year that we attend a very special family reunion. [ see: 2010, 2011, 2012 to refresh your memory]
Anyway, as usual we had a wonderful time visiting with our very extended family. The weather couldn't have been more beautiful, sunny and cool. We spent the weekend on our farm in AL and the church in which the reunion was held is just in the next town.
The reunion wasn't until Sunday, so the kids had all Saturday to play. And boy did they. The kids just love to be at the "farm", there's so much for them to do. Saturday evening was their favorite, though. After dinner, their oldest cousin, Ricky, built the most perfect s'more making fire. The three oldest kids gathered around the fire, while Rachael skipped that part and got straight to eating the marshmallows and chocolate.
David did a great job roasting his own marshmallows.
Yummm.
Rachael finally made her own s'more: four graham crackers and one marshmallow.
When they were finished, the kids had a great time running and playing.
They all ganged up on David during a tickle fight. Clearly, he didn't mind.
On Sunday we all dressed up and headed over to the church for the reunion and singing. Before leaving I tried to take a few pictures of the kids.
I'm in love with this one.
And this one of David and Cate:
Rachael was NOT interested in a photo shoot, clearly. But, she still looked so cute in the Easter dress her Great-Aunt Angie made for her, pigtails, and cowboy boots.
I did get this one too...
All four cousins outside the church:
Our family:
Inside the church was filled with distant relatives singing Sacred Harp music. Most people have strong feelings about this kind of music. They either love it or hate it. I for one LOVE it. Probably because it's the music of my ancestors and being an old soul myself I feel connected to those generations I never met [and some I wish I would've had more time with] when I sit in this little white church. It was in this church, as I learned last year, that my grandfather tricked my grandmother into marrying him!
I wasn't sure how the kids would react to the music, so we sat on the end of a pew just in case we needed to make a quick exit. But, to my delight both babies sat in awe as they watched the "choir" sing.
After some morning singing there's DINNER ON THE GROUNDS!!
This 50 foot long concrete table is filled with the most delicious food you've ever tasted. It's like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and your birthday all set out in front of you.
David watched in amazement.
And Rachael found her spot on the picnic blanket ready to eat.
After our feast to top all feasts we went back in the church for "roll call". As I've explained before my great-grandmother, Carrie, had about 15 brothers and sisters. She was number 7, I think. The roll is called in birth order. So, we have to wait a little while for our turn. The kids were on a bit of a sugar high, to say the least, but behaved very well and waited patiently.
The church was so full that David had to sit on a window sill. I love this picture of my pensive little boy.
Sweet Rachael finally happy after a belly full of good eats.
Wait.
Did you hear that?! It's our turn?
All of Carrie's descendants in attendance. They were recording the singing for a CD, hence the microphone stand in the background.
The picture of the couple on the back wall is Thomas and Rhoda Haynes, David and Rachael's great-great-great grandparents.
I hope that one day my kids will grow to love this church and tradition as much as I do. As long as they have great food, I don't think I have to worry.
On the way home David asked, "When we can go back to that wittle church?"
I asked, "Why? Did you like it?"
"Yes!"
"What did you like about it?"
"Dat yummy food!"
Rachael finally made her own s'more: four graham crackers and one marshmallow.
When they were finished, the kids had a great time running and playing.
They all ganged up on David during a tickle fight. Clearly, he didn't mind.
On Sunday we all dressed up and headed over to the church for the reunion and singing. Before leaving I tried to take a few pictures of the kids.
I'm in love with this one.
And this one of David and Cate:
Rachael was NOT interested in a photo shoot, clearly. But, she still looked so cute in the Easter dress her Great-Aunt Angie made for her, pigtails, and cowboy boots.
I did get this one too...
All four cousins outside the church:
Our family:
Inside the church was filled with distant relatives singing Sacred Harp music. Most people have strong feelings about this kind of music. They either love it or hate it. I for one LOVE it. Probably because it's the music of my ancestors and being an old soul myself I feel connected to those generations I never met [and some I wish I would've had more time with] when I sit in this little white church. It was in this church, as I learned last year, that my grandfather tricked my grandmother into marrying him!
I wasn't sure how the kids would react to the music, so we sat on the end of a pew just in case we needed to make a quick exit. But, to my delight both babies sat in awe as they watched the "choir" sing.
After some morning singing there's DINNER ON THE GROUNDS!!
This 50 foot long concrete table is filled with the most delicious food you've ever tasted. It's like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and your birthday all set out in front of you.
David watched in amazement.
And Rachael found her spot on the picnic blanket ready to eat.
After our feast to top all feasts we went back in the church for "roll call". As I've explained before my great-grandmother, Carrie, had about 15 brothers and sisters. She was number 7, I think. The roll is called in birth order. So, we have to wait a little while for our turn. The kids were on a bit of a sugar high, to say the least, but behaved very well and waited patiently.
The church was so full that David had to sit on a window sill. I love this picture of my pensive little boy.
Sweet Rachael finally happy after a belly full of good eats.
Wait.
Did you hear that?! It's our turn?
All of Carrie's descendants in attendance. They were recording the singing for a CD, hence the microphone stand in the background.
The picture of the couple on the back wall is Thomas and Rhoda Haynes, David and Rachael's great-great-great grandparents.
I hope that one day my kids will grow to love this church and tradition as much as I do. As long as they have great food, I don't think I have to worry.
On the way home David asked, "When we can go back to that wittle church?"
I asked, "Why? Did you like it?"
"Yes!"
"What did you like about it?"
"Dat yummy food!"
1 comment:
That is such a fun tradition! I love how close your family is! Such a great tradition and I just love the pictures of Rachael cheesin'!
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