Friday Evening, March 13

We were pleased that it suited 11 of our Pennsylvania grandchildren (and our great-grandchild) to go out for their birthday supper for 2015.

Shady Maple was the restaurant of choice this year.

If you live in our area, I probably don’t have to give you a description of Shady Maple, but for those who are not familiar with this dining experience, this is their web description:

Shady Maple is a family tradition! Discover the experience of dining at Lancaster County’s largest smorgasbord featuring 200 feet of deliciously authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. At Shady Maple some of Lancaster County’s finest cooks prepare all your favorite PA Dutch foods, as well as some exciting new dishes. Be sure to check our daily dinner specials including steak, prime rib, seafood and more.

We got through check-in fairly quickly, then waited for a hostess to seat us. It appears quiet in this photo, but the restaurant was full of hundreds of people.

We carpooled in four vehicles from our house: Nathaniel and Abby had Anthony, Ian, and Gloria in their car; Jordan and Nathan were in one vehicle; Jana rode with Josh; and Cerwin, Donovan, and I got to ride in Diana’s truck. It was closer for Josiah to met us at the restaurant – as he was coming from Myerstown.

I was glad that we got a corner table.

The nice thing about a buffet for this group of fourteen is that there is something for everyone – from Anthony to grandpa and grandma.

When we were visiting at the end of the meal, I noticed that Anthony has his first tooth – and asked him to show it to me so I could get a good picture for his family in Maine.

He tried, but I needed a bigger smile.

Does this work, grandma?

Just a bit more Anthony. I need a bigger smile.

Yes! Now Pappy and Grandma Myers can see your tooth.

If you are not familiar with the name Donovan in our family, he is a friend of Diana’s.

He fits into her life of hunting and fishing quite nicely.

My favorite silliness shot of the evening – Josh, Nate, and Abby.

Abby and Anthony enjoying a quiet moment.

We tried for a group shot on the steps that lead to the gift shop: “Okay, Donovan, stop talking to Diana. Josh, I am not ready for silliness yet. Anthony, look at Grandma.”

“Nathan, stop tickling Jana. Jordan, look at me, not the people who are arriving.”

I think we got one!

Okay, now you can be silly. What happened to Diana?

Nate is multitasking by talking to Jana and tussling with Josh.

I sure do love these wonderful people that God put in my life.

Now we need a Chuck-E-Cheese date with Jared, Jesse, and Anthony, and in May we will get to treat our Maine grandchildren.