Cousins, Jamestown and Pey

As I mentioned yesterday, last week we were able to spend time with extended family. My children got to meet and play with my (step) cousins' children at my parents' house.

My timid kids were a little worried about being at Grammie and Pey's with other children they didn't know. Silly little things;) But once all the kids were together they meshed soo very well:)

We had 3 8-yr old girls, Chris my 6-yr old, 2 5-yr old girls and one boy, 3 yr old Hannah Grace and then my 2 yr old Nate;) My parents remarked they couldn't remember the pool being filled with soo many younger kids before;)

{pretty}

We stayed at my parents'  for 3 days... so we got meet up with them in a couple of different places. The weather didn't always cooperate with us though:/ But it made some pretty pictures;)

the clouds looming over the sky.... I love the beautiful new route we have to take to get to my parents'.

a rainbow after morning plans were "washed away"

all the cousins lined up (minus Nate) and my parents' beautifully done backyard

{happy}

And no one as was smiley as Nate who finally jumped into the pool when Grammie got in with him;)

It really wasn't long before the kids all settled in together and really enjoyed one another. I was soo thankful for the start of  friendship that was built between the cousins. 

One of the fun places we got to go with them was Jamestown, VA. After studying the first settlers in our studies last year it was really fun to go and "experience" what they lives would have been like. Everything was set up very simply so the kids could walk around and explore, play and speak with the "actors".

And it was even more fun to be able to go with kids of like ages!! They did a lot of the activities together. (I was just thankful we had soo many adults helping to keep an eye on the kids and that Jamestown was not very busy!)

{funny}

Little Maya snuggling with a fox skin.

And Chris braving the heat to watch and listen to the Indian girl explain how she made her own bow and arrows. Chris was inthralled;)

Pey trying on the soldier's armor

{real}

We were very thankful that my aunt, uncle, cousins and kiddos came down. They made the trip as part of their summer vacation and so it was an honor to be able to spend some of the time with them.

Especially for my dad, though!! It was really great to have his sister and family down. To see all of them and be able to be around the pool and even visit Jamestown with them. He loves having company and getting to see new places, Jamestown was a place he had been asking to visit for a while.

He looks good... even healthier than last year at this time. He has gained weight and is able to get out more. That being said we thought it would be a good idea for him to use a motorized wheelchair at Jamestown when we saw that they had them. And they were free to use:) Such a blessing for my dad who does tire quickly especially in the heat and trying to keep up with grandchildren;)



Nate loved Pey's "wheels"!! And I know Dad enjoyed Jamestown a lot more since he didn't have to do all the walking himself. It was definitely a blessing!!

For those who have been praying for my Dad (our Pey) please keep it up! I'm never how much to share... but his cancer count numbers are high.  The side effects of chemo are felt constantly. He is still getting chemo twice a month with a couple of doctor's appts. throughout the week.

Thankfully my mom is now working closer to home. My dad has a couple more events/trips planned that he is looking forward to in the next few months that are keeping him occupied planning. And his faith... I think the reason he can smile is that he knows deep down that "God is going to take care of him".

And we cherish all the moments we get to spend with our family. Precious time... busy, loud, sometimes a little frustrating.... but precious!

Linking up to {pretty, happy, funny, real} and Moments to Remember.