A September Highlight

It's always a great joy when our married sister and her family make the eight hour long trip down to see us. We always have a great time, and this time was definitely no exception! Especially because Andrea and the kids got to spend a few extra days with us. 

Here are a few pictures of our awesome week with them.

Playing tractors with Uncle Matthew.

Leana and Ethan, enjoying their time with their Aunt Laurissa.

This little girly loved helping her aunties with the tomato canning.

Sometimes the little nephew gets a little tuckered out from all the activity.

Ethan loved eating elderberries!

On Saturday a crew of us went canoeing and kayaking on the nearby river.

Sunday morning we had a concert a few hours southeast of us. So instead of getting up super early Sunday morning to leave for our engagement, we decided to head out Saturday evening. 

Andrea and Joel were delighted to have the night off from babysitting their kiddos by sending them with us. 

 We were all pretty excited about the trip. 

Our good friend Johanna Martin joined us for the weekend.

So happy!

We're heading out!

Our Sunday morning service was at the Bethel Baptist church near Camp Douglas, WI.

Morning smiles with this handsome little guy.

Getting ready for a sound check.

Leana was delighted to sing with her aunties.

Here we are rehearsing Jesus Loves Me.

Smiles from Laurissa.

In concert! 

Looks like we have the makings of a new fiddle player.

Allison on the Dobro

Naomi playing the fiddle.

Miranda on the mandolin. 

I think all that fiddle playing and singing wore this little girl out.

And this little man as well!

On Labor Day, for the first time ever, our family sang on a float in a local parade! 

Yes, that is us on the back of that trailer. 

I think this guy enjoyed the parade a little too much.

Bowling adventures happened during the extra time Andrea and the kids stayed with us.

Leana was one happy girl. 

Mom stayed back home with her little grandson while the others were out bowling. 

Ethan's mama was still gone by bedtime, which meant late night cuddles with Grandma.

Miranda and Mom ended up riding back home with Andrea and the kids because Joel drove one of our cars back to his place. They needed to drive it back home. 

Leana was absolutely thrilled with the arrangement!

Eating out at Culver's. 

These kiddos were a little sad when they left. And we were too! But we are thankful and rejoicing in the fact that we got to spend so much time with them. Almost a whole week, and it was so good!



"Every good gift and perfect gift is from above, 
and cometh down from the Father of lights, 
with whom is no variableness, 
neither shadow of turning." 
James 1:17