All good things must end

Will I ever catch up? This eventful time is already 2 weeks ago and I have trouble writing the blog.

Tuesday October 11 - Helen had to teach during the day but we did a quick visit to Sarah's. Helen had promised Caleb to do some baking with him and they had fun doing that. I guess they are done. I was sure I had some photos but they are nowhere to be found.

Wednesday October 12 - Helen had to teach in the morning but James and I had to bring Jane to the airport. She came for such a short time but couldn't do it any other way and short is better than not at all. We were so happy that she had come. Thanks, Jane!

In the afternoon Helen, William, James and I had the need to go out and do something even though the weather was a bit questionable. The two like the geocaching addition of Adventure Lab. Helen found one in Ashland, not far from us. It is a really cute little town and we were happy to go. We found a good parking spot. The mural painting tells right away that the train tracks go right through the middle of town.

The Adventure Lab leads you from one historic or important site to another. It is very interesting and fun.

No, the Adventure Lab did not lead us to the café to have a treat. But it was a good idea. 

I have already mentioned that the train tracks go right through the middle of town. See what happens when we are enjoying our treat:  VIDEO   (26 seconds)

Thursday October 13 - Helen wanted to cook dinner for us. So nice. She started a very nice stew in the morning in the crockpot because then she had to teach. Papa took William to the Science Museum.

Since Helen and William were leaving the next day the cousins and parents wanted to say proper good-bye. Sarah came straight from work and Wade came with the boys. Everybody enjoyed Helen's stew. The boys of course did some playing and something rolled under the furniture. I told them that they could not leave it there. Ha-ha, here are the two only photos I have from that evening. None of the hugs and good-byes.

Friday October 14 - Helen and William left at 5:30 in the morning. It is a long drive.

Suddenly the house was quiet. Strange. We didn't quite know what to do first. Trying to get back into somewhat of a routine again.

We could go out to dinner with our friends from the neighborhood like we do most Fridays. Somebody told the very nice waitress that James just turned 80. She picked up immediately on that and brought him a huge piece of cake with the singing and all. The cake was so big that it was shared with all. 

Ha-ha, I think this really is now the end of James' birthday celebration for this year.

Apple-picking again

Monday October 10

We all had done the apple-picking in October 2020. Back then it had been a great experience but in not so nice weather. When Helen knew they were able to come for Papa's birthday she asked her sister whether she could make arrangements for apple-picking again. And Sarah did. She had taken the day off from work and picked her children up from school early. Too bad the cousins never share spring break or fall break at the same time.

We had to go with two cars because we were 9 but met at a park n' ride and swopped around for fun. This day was so different from the last time. Look at that blue sky!

The previous time Sarah had brought handmade apple pickers but Carter Mountain Orchard doesn't allow that so Sarah had actually bought a "legal" one. We all were of one opinion: Sarah's homemade ones were so much better.

First we went down the hill to the Granny Smith apples. The children were so eager. Sigh. We didn't really need that many of that kind. Ha-ha.

Then we went to the sweet eating kind of apples.

With that many people you are way too quickly done with the picking of the amount you have paid for. When you enter you buy the container(s) of your choice.

But the fun is not over. We walked down and put the apples into the car. 

Then we found one of the picnic benches and dear Papa bought apple cider donuts. They disappeared so fast that we had to jump to save the last one for Papa who had gone again to also buy a gallon of cider too. Donuts do make you thirsty, ha-ha. 

Auntie took a photo of William in this cut-out. I must see he is more of a bookworm than an apple worm.

It is quite a drive there and back but each time we had such a great day. 

Omi could not resist to take this photo when she had to visit the lady's room. 

Thank you, Helen, for wishing for it, and thank you, Sarah, for arranging it. I am sure the boys will remember this for years to come.

And it continues

Sunday October 9

Still marveling over the lovely day yesterday we went right into another lovely day. First we went as always on a Sunday to our church service at 10 am. Sarah came with her children too and our family alone filled 2 pews. The 4 cousins happily went up for the children's sermon. Fr Lee asked the children whether anybody wanted to tell about something nice happening the previous week and Owen happily told everybody that he went to a party the previous day ... and gave the details. 

For the coffee hour after the service in the parish hall we had brought a birthday cake.

Fr Lee even said a few words and a blessing. And of course there was the singing by our church friends.

All the church photos are from our friend Rick. Sarah asked him whether he would also take a family photo. 

After the service and coffee hour we decided to spent some time in a park. We were too early for lunch. Sarah had even brought her hammock so Helen can see how it is put up because Auntie gave one to William as a gift.

It was not a very smooth place for our folding chairs to put up and the view of the James River was lovely.

 Sarah kindly had made reservations for 1 pm for us at the Mosaic Restaurant at the River Road Shopping Center. It is always nice to try out something new. We always have a good time whatever we do but we don't need to go there again.

Sarah had taken some vacation days Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday because her sister and godchild were here and "cousin time" was the most important part for William. So she invited him to spend the night. The following are the photos she sent to us. That evening their neighborhood had a "light parade" for the children (sorry, I can't remember what she called it).

First they have to decorate their equipment with the glow-in-the-dark things.

Sarah also sent VIDEO clips which I put together (1.12 minutes).

With now four of them, I hope Sarah and Wade will get some sleep.