Old friends

After leaving our daughter Connie's house, we traveled just a couple of miles to our other Wisconsin daughter, Chandra. Chandra's daughter Katie lives with her now, but will soon be leaving for Milwaukee for grad school for 2 years. Although Katie had to work while we were there, we did get to spend some great quality time with her - she even convinced Grandpa to buy her ice cream (a standing joke between her and Grandpa - at one time she asked for ice cream and it cost Grandpa $28 for 5 people!!). We went to Briq's - the home of the 1# cone - Jack Gregory missed out on that one!!! The ice cream was delicious and eating it outside was even better. A little chipmunk found a bit of cherry coating and was enjoying it along with us. "How many are your works, Oh Lord! In wisdom you made them all: the earth is full of your creatures."

beautiful Wisconsin moon and clouds

Although we had four daughters, we have another sort of unofficially adopted daughter who lived with us for a bit after she turned 18.  Barbara was living with her grandmother as her mother died and when she was of age, she came to live with us in our all female (except for Fred) household. Barb has matured along with the rest of us, but still calls me Mom and often refers to me as such when talking with others. We did find time to spend an evening with her and her youngest daughter. "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.".

"daughter" Barbara

Barbara and her youngest daughter, Jamie

We met with 4 old friends of 38 years ago (although we see them every year) for Monday morning breakfast - reliving great times together, and getting caught up on current events. Our first neighborhood reunion in 38 years was coming up on Saturday, so we talked about final plans. This reunion was planned last year by all of our children who grew up in a truly unique neighborhood, where we mothers did not work and we were all as poor as church mice!!  A deep bond seems to have developed since then, as they all keep in touch and were anxious to see each other.

friend and former neighbor, Donna, whom we always said was the the neighborhood social secretary, directing and leading as usual

Donna made these great treat bags for all

tables all decorated and ready to begin!

a perfect place for a reunion

a few friends starting to arrive

let the party begin

oh, do I remember that!!!!

a pinata for the kids

from the very youngest

to the oldest - who broke it open

We all brought white elephant gifts to be take part in a take away game. Some of the gifts were very nice, some were absolutely hilarious. It was fun, and a great chance to get reacquainted.

truly 70's Cd's - I baby sat for this gal, who now has a 27 year old daughter -

the funniest gift of all - Batman briefs  - won by our grandson, Calton, who shouted "Sweet!".

After spending a week with Chandra, we traveled to our home county to visit with Fred's brother and wife. We will spend 3 weeks here, with his brother, sister, and cousin. We are so blessed to be able to travel to visit family and friends - and to have our own family near enough that we can all get together. Right now we are talking about the family reunion coming up on June 23rd and reflecting on the fact that we now are the "older generation" and wondering if our children will carry on the tradition. How very different than Jesus' time, when families all lived, worked, laughed and cried together almost every day and family genealogy was passed on down through the generations. When we see how important genealogy is in the Bible in order to trace the heritage of Jesus, we hope some family member steps up to keep ours intact. How often I reflect that I should have talked more about our family to my grandmother, father, or other close family member.