Visitors from Nashville - part 1

Oh what a week we had. It is always grand to have family gatherings. Helen and William were on the road to us Saturday October 10. Helen had to drive the whole 600 miles in rain but they arrived safely in good time. 

I think William was a bit disappointed that his cousins were not already at our house but on Sunday they came before lunch. Sorry, hugging was going on. Social distancing not possible. They had such a good time.

The rain had stopped and Papa decided that the boys needed a walk. The rain seemed to have stopped, at least for a while. We actually had a very good walk. 

And this pergola is always a good backdrop for a group photo. You have no idea how many I clicked to be able to select a good one, ha-ha.

When we passed Miss Julie's house I gave her a call whether she wanted us to say hello? She and the boys enjoyed that. 

Our girls took the boys to Sarah's house. The twins needed their nap and the older ones helped prepare dinner. Helen had "children's recipes", had shared with Sarah and one was selected for dinner. 

Mummy Enchiladas.

They were delicious and the older boys had fun making them.

The boys were also excited because William was invited to spend the night.

Next day Monday Sarah did not have to go to work. So when she (and William) had brought the others to school and daycare she and William went for a bike ride. Because of the rain we had not left William's bike but it only drizzled some and he could ride Caleb's. 

We had to get hime soon though because there were more plans for the day. It was not easy this week to get organized. Between Sarah's work, Helen's online classes, William's virtual school, Caleb's online school and the twins day care ... Good thing James and I are retired.

At least William was off because it was Columbus Day. But after all school etc we met (two cars) at a park+ride where Helen and William changed cars. The sisters and cousins need the most together-time.

Sarah had arranged for us to visit Carter Mountain Orchard for apple picking. Gosh, she had thought of everything. I think this was the third year for her homemade apple picking sticks, her genius contraption. She also had rubber boots for Helen and William. Everybody is ready.

Weatherwise it was not the best day but the only one we could do it. Fog on the mountain (in Charlottesville) but the boys didn't mind.

If there is a rock, the boys have to climb on it. And jump off of course.

Ah, Mommy.

It was muddy and slippery. But everybody had a lot of fun.

And everybody had to eat at least one of the apples ... including Papa. There were several different kinds of apples, all delicious and so different.

Done with this bushel. Papa and I are bringing it to the car.

The others are going into another section because they wanted the granny smiths. Sarah knew that it would be way too steep for us (and our knees). They are in there somewhere!

When they were back, the boys ran up and down this hill

We had to have the famous apple cider donuts and hot apple cider before we left. And make sure we went to the toilets for the two hour drive home.

Again, Sarah was prepared. She had a basket for the muddy shoes/boots.

We decided to all go to our house. Dad and I in the second car picked up the Chinese take-out ordered from the first car. When we arrived at our house the boys were all in the shower. Ha, after that they even decided that they all liked the Chinese food. You never know. It was a great day!

Tuesday the cousins could not meet. Between work, teaching and school it was just too difficult to arrange. And we had big plans for the next day. Stay tuned.