October 12-16th was a wonderful week! Annie was able to come for a visit during her kids' fall break. It was perfect timing with all the beautiful autumn leaves! Monday was a preparation day. (I have been reflecting that to be effective, the pattern for each event, even each day, is Plan, Prepare, Act, Maintain, and Recover.) I spent time last week planning - menus, activities, timing of household duties etc. I also prepared by getting ahead on laundry and things like that. On Monday I was able to finish cleaning, grocery shopping, and organizing.
Annie arrived shortly after the kids got out of school. We had a fun time showing them our new home, yard, and pets. The kids were so excited to have their cousins to play with, and Annie to talk with. We also thought it was cute that the little boys had matching pajamas without us planning it.
Wiggly Boys with matching PJs.
These sweethearts were in heaven playing together! Sheri loves to fix Mary's hair.
On Tuesday I let Sterling and Sheri skip school, and we went to the zoo. Here are the kids being fun.
The boys liked to scream when the roosters crowed.
Wednesday I took Annie up to Amish Country. Here we visited a furniture shop and a bakery of some Amish folks that recently joined our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We were able to talk with the man who first joined with his family, and hear some of the challenges and blessings he experienced through this experience. He basically had to give up his way of life and his community to a large extent because of joining the church. He has found a way to work with his community and use his skills, and is doing missionary work in his own way. It was definitely inspiring to hear and see his faith! The drive was beautiful, and Annie and I enjoyed the chance to talk.
On Thursday, we went to Lynd's Fruit Farm to pick apples. I wish they had more activities during the week, but we still enjoyed the apples and the beautiful autumn outing.
Here are the boys enjoying a dog.
While we were there, Annie and I were inspired to pick out some gifts for Jennifer's birthday. I think she is the one who first exposed me to the romantic idea of fresh picked fruit, especially apples and berries. She was definitely in my heart that day, especially since it was her birthday.
After the farm we enjoyed some time in the backyard with the warm sunshine. Mary and Jonathan really seemed to love the cats, although we discovered that Mary might be allergic to them.
In the evening we celebrated Mary's Saturday birthday early with Halloween cupcakes. Of course the girls got in as much play time as possible after school was over.
On Friday we only had a short time before Annie and the kids had to get to the airport. We decided to take a short hike to a waterfall. The waterfall was not as full as I'm sure it is in the spring, but still, the scenery was so pretty!
I really enjoyed this visit with Annie and her kids! Annie seems to understand me so well, and she really helped me see the good that I am doing. She also expresses confidence in me that I sometimes lack in myself. Isn't that what a good friend should do? I am surely blessed to have her as my sister and friend! I sure wish we lived closer so that we could raise our little munchkins together and see each other more!
