Camping with the LaDuque's and Barry's

Well, we went camping with the LaDuque's (fellow 4 or More club members) and the Barry's. We had the best time. We went to Perrin, Texas home of the Mitchell RV Park. If you've never been, it's a very quiet, out of the way, place. It has a 9 hole golf course, some playgrounds, fishing tank, and a pool or two. This was our 3rd time to go to Perrin and once again, it did not disappoint. This weekend was a special one! It was the weekend of the Big Bluegrass Festival. Groups from all over come to perform all weekend long. Brandon and I love Bluegrass and apparently, so does Dr. Doug Barry! We were all so inspired that we have decided to take up an instrument suitable for a Bluegrass musical ensemble. We plan to meet back up and see just where we are with that pursuit! Stay tuned!

So, there were 3 sets of parents and 11 kids at the park that weekend. Most of the people there were seniors with a love for bluegrass music. Needless to say, we livened up the place! Everywhere we went, there were stares. Some stared at the sheer number of children. Some stared hoping that we'd take the hint and leave. Others stared wondering what kids belonged to what parents while others were wondering what parents were actually a couple. Funnier still, were the ones that were staring wondering if we were one of them polygomist groups who shared the parenting of all these children! (I'm not kidding. At one time, Stephen, Tracie, and I walked in to the music hall with a group of children. A lady asked 'are all those yours? and one of us said 'well, some our mine and some are her's.') Once when Stephen and Brandon were walking all the kids around the park - the kids were riding bikes - and somebody told them that we could have our own parade. Haha - like we've not heard that one before! We've heard them all! 'You could have your own parade! You could have your own band! You could have your own baseball team! (not quite) Don't you know what causes that?' Oh the fun! They are always a conversation piece.

Anywho -
Here are some pics from our weekend!

Some of the kids playing on the ropes outside the music hall

Nate trying a flip!

Emma after her front flip on the ground!

When I was downloading these pictures, they were still tiny and I was like 'who is that guy dancing with the kids?' Sorry Tracie! I couldn't see!

There was a point and time when everyone (our families anyway) were up dancing

This little lady that you see sitting down was our neighbor. She comes to the bluegrass festival each year in her white mini van. She hangs her Christmas lights all around her area and sets up an outdoor kitchen. She comes all by herself and is a faithful fan of bluegrass. She was also very interested in where we parked our camping trailer and spoke to us about it in depth.

This is Emma. Oh she's fine. No she's not sleeping, she's throwing a fit in the floor of the music hall. There is a row of seniors behind her laughing...probably reminiscing.

This was one of the opening groups. They are a family from Alaska. Dad on vocals, plays guitar and banjo. Mom plays fiddle and also on vocals. Daughters on fiddle and son on bass. I think both of the daughters sang, too.

Nate being Nate

Brandon was very good at comforting Stevie-Kate all weekend long. He had the touch.

V and Stevie-Kate

Daddy and Emma

We sat all the kids down and stood at the end and took their picture. Yep, they are all ours!

Emma and Nate - the are outta here! Not sure why she is carrying her bike rather than riding it.

One of the many bike rides. Those Barry's - all about safety!

Nate and Emma in our camper watching a movie

Rodeo Day at Robert's school!

But Love is the greatest of all..even for God's tiniest of creatures

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

May the little critter rest in peace........

Two of my children are just like me in their love for animals. Kaci and Emma love animals so much. Emma takes that love even to the insect and reptile world. Last night, she found a lame fly in the house. I have no idea how. She picked up this little fly and carried it around in her wee little hand for about an hour. She loved on it and talked to it. I finally told her that flies have alot of germs and and that she probably shouldn't kiss it anymore. I then told her that we needed to take it outside and let it go lest it die for sure! It broke her heart. She instantly cried that ever so mournful cry. She went to daddy and told him that she had to tell her fly goodbye. I walked her to the back door and opened it. She very slowly stepped out onto the stoop and explained to the fly why she had to let it go and say goodbye. She cried and cried. I'm not sure how long I consoled that baby over that fly. It was one of the strangest and cutest things we've seen!

Lifegroup Tailgate party!

We had our first party of the semester with the Lifegroup! We had a tailgate party before our own Wednesday night meeting. Ronnie and Johnny cooked hamburgers and hotdogs. Everybody chipped in and brought something! There was music and alot of fun! We have been so blessed by our Lifegroup. Each person brings something so unique to the group. We are encouraged by them each week. The weather was so nice that we stayed outside and met after dinner. Brandon lead us through the salt and light teachings of the week. It was good. Johnny shared his heart giving us all something to think about and praise God for! He's so faithful.