On Wallin Pond

Last Sunday Christy and Christian and all the kids came down for a visit.  It was somewhat unexpected except that Christy called the day before to ask if they could come down.  We were delighted, of course, to have them.  The purpose of the visit was for Andy and me to test the kids on what they had learned in their schooling this year.  They were supposed to be tested by someone other than their parents and we were happy to hear what they had learned.  We were impressed!  They and their mother had been very diligent and worked hard this year.

They arrived after church quite hungry because traffic had been bad which increased their travel time getting here.  We had omelets and waffles, our usual Sunday after-church meal.  It was a nice day and the younger ones were able to play outside while Grace and Aiden were being tested. Aiden and Naomi also love playing with the toys I keep in the toy chest.

I managed to get a picture of each of the kids except Claire.  When I had the camera in hand, she was eating, so she got missed this time.

Andy left on Friday for the men's retreat.  Since he was going to be gone, I planned a trip up to see my Mother on Saturday.  On the way up, Amy called and said I should stop in to see them on my way home because they'd be home all day.  We did a little mulching and weeding in Mother's gardens, then went to Red Robin for lunch.  That was happy for me because I didn't know there were any Red Robin restaurants around.  We had enjoyed that restaurant when we lived out west years ago.  And they were as good as I remembered.  The only complaint I would make was that the music was too loud, making it hard to have a meaningful conversation.

After lunch we paid a visit to Lowe's and bought some more mulch.  I didn't have time to do any more, but Amy had said she would be happy to help her Grandma so I left some work for her to do!  I did a little trimming of the bush by the front door.  

Then I tried taking a picture with my new phone.  I have a lot to learn on that.  Fortunately, I know a lot of techie people who are happy to give me pointers.

On my way home, I did stop at Amy's since I didn't know when I would see them again.  However, they were out.  Yes, the whole family was gone.  I hadn't given her a definite answer that I would be stopping by, so I can't blame them for not being there.  I did get to see her gardens and enjoy their beauty.

Andy left the men's retreat early because he had several commitments today.  So he got home soon after I did last night.

After church today, I spent the afternoon preparing for our evening with the older singles from church.  We're having a baked potato bar.  I baked 16 potatoes.  Others are bringing toppings:  several kinds of cheese, crumbled bacon, guacamole, sour cream, butter, salsa, etc.  I'm also making chili which Andy and I like to put on the potatoes, and I made blueberry muffins and cinnamon chip muffins.  Someone is also bringing a salad.  Ummm, ymmm!

Twelve people had dinner with us tonight.  It was a wonderful time of food, fun and fellowship.