Two days after our retreat to Squam Lake, we packed up our tired bodies and belongings and started the two day drive to Indiana.
A few of the Moesner's were gone to camp, so the leftover cousins below (plus Jake, the good sport!) had a camp-out.
My sister and I just stuck around for the smores!
John got into a photography mood after seeing me take portraits of his baby sister.
During the second week of our stay, the rest of Rebekah's family returned. Jake got his first taste of the 4-H fair--hog wrestling, demolition derby, fair food, exhibits, and rides. (I think that officially marked the completion of his Mid-west initiation process). Then Jonathan and family arrived from Texas--what a treat! We had lots of yummy food. Jonathan is flipping Sarah's famous burgers in the picture below. Too bad we can't get Dale Seasoning in Massachusetts (just one of her many secret ingredients)!
My boys enjoyed all the fun toys and wide open spaces. Here they are on the trampoline...
Eli sure likes his Grammer!
^ Trampolines are way more fun to jump on when you have a cousin your age! ^
I've heard it said that you know you are in the Midwest when you can reach out your window and touch the corn. My sister's house essentially proves that statement true.
^ Josiah pretending to be none other than Goliath. Earlier in the week he threw a genuine WRENCH at his cousin's face because he was pretending to kill "Goliath" with a sling and a stone---NOT COOL! ^
We loved the new addition to the property--the chickens! Gramper did an awesome job on the chicken tractor. For those who don't know (I sure had no clue beforehand), a chicken tractor is basically a portable chicken coupe. Every couple of days, my dad uses a lawn tractor to pull the coupe and cage (which has no floor) around the yard.
Josiah wanted them to eat the stick. He didn't believe us when we said chickens don't eat sticks.
I'm pretty sure the one below was the chicken I named Ida. If so, she was head of the pecking order, but also the friendliest chicken of the bunch!
^ I love this picture of all of my boys--completely candid. ^
We finished our last night in Indiana with a weenie roast and picnic.
Photos of the women present...
And a photo of the men...
The fire was obviously HOT (note Josiah behind Jake).
Before we visited Indiana this summer, Josiah spent many nights praying for Gramper and Grammer's blueberries and chickens, oh, and that he'd get to eat Grippo's. The Lord answered most of that prayer for him. We enjoyed the blueberries and blackberries and peaches and apples. As you saw, the chickens were strong and healthy and the perfect spectacle for the kids. But do you know, we couldn't find Grippo's? I tried to buy some the night before we left at Wal-Mart, but they no longer carry them! I think I need to order some online!
