Monday, July 13

Our day began when I picked up Gloria, Jared, Jesse, Ian, and Jana – and their luggage – then went grocery shopping. After putting the groceries away, we picked up Diana at work and went to Manheim Twin Kiss for lunch (above).

When we first began Cousin’s Week, there were usually ten or eleven children at our house for the week, now we are down to the six youngest as the others are out of school and busy at their jobs. Abby is married and Jenna is getting married in September.

We have sixteen grandchildren (six grew up in Maine). The Maine grandchildren usually got to be involved in Cousin’s Week when they were twelve and spent the summer with us.

These are the six who spent Monday – and most of the week with us.

Diana will be a senior in high school, and missed out on morning activities because of her job at a local animal feed and supply store.

Jana was recovering from gallbladder surgery – which happened the week before. Many of you know about her eleven-month health struggle. We are delighted that removing what seemed to be a healthy gallbladder has restored her health. She works at a nearby dairy and ice cream store a few days a week.

Gloria is fourteen and thinking about ideas for her first job. She enjoys taking care of her two miniature horses.

Ian is in middle school and enjoys playing percussion instruments.

Jared will go to middle school this fall and loves learning about critters.

Jesse our youngest grandchild is the only one left in grade school, and as you can see, loves climbing trees.

After lunch we went to visit their Great-grandma Hershey.

Before going in the house, I suggested that we visit her yard.

She is 91, and probably spends part of every weekday taking care of her flowers.

Our plan was that we would play Golf with her – using Skip-bo cards.

Jesse was more interested in games from her game closet.

After several rounds of Golf, Ian and Gloria had fun with the marble chaser…

…and Jesse played Golf

Then it was time for a snack.

Before leaving, she pointed out the beautiful orchids in her living room. The plant was a gift for her 90th birthday last year, and she is so pleased that it continues to bloom.

~~~

Our next stop will be their Great-grandma High.