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Sunday, June 16 Noon

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As our family has grown, I enjoy our yearly picnic, because we are able to use our yard for extra space.

Preparation for this picnic began several weeks ago when we began getting our yard ready for lots of guests.

Preparation became more intense during the last week. One day Cerwin said do you want some flowers for a table in the garage. I said, “Yes,” and suggested the Amish flower stand on Boyer Run Road. Her Siberian lilies and Spiked Speedwell didn’t disappoint.

We began garage preparations on Saturday and put the final touches on the serving tables on Sunday morning. Cerwin and I provided the drinks, turkey barbecue sandwiches, au gratin potatoes, and corn. Our children and grandchildren signed up for the rest of the meal.

Jeff offered to help put tables and chairs in the shady part of our yard by coming after Sunday school.

Photo by Deb

Diane (left) came from Maine several days early to help with our final preparations. In this picture I am giving “housekeeping” instructions and introducing the birthday people (Dustan, Nate, Waylon, Harper and Jesse). Nate’s birthday was on the day of our picnic, Waylon’s the next day, Dustan a few days earlier, Harper’s later in the week, and Jesse’s at the end of June.

After Cerwin led with the singing of Happy Birthday, he invited all the fathers to join him while Jordan (pink shirt left) led in a special Father’s Day prayer.

After he finished, Cerwin asked Roy to pray a blessing on the food.

Abby, Natalie and Jasmine took care of Aleah while Zach and Gloria got their meal.

These girls will have a new baby in their house by the end of the year. It looks like they will enjoy a baby.

Our daughter Deb introduced Lainey (Nate and Lauree) to her mother-in-law Barb.

Time to eat!

Enjoying lunch in the shade of some tall trees on the north side of our house.

Our son Jere enjoying his great niece Lainey.

Aleah sleeping contently on her dad’s (Zach) chest.

Of course, there are always trees in our yard for Anthony to climb.

Brothers, Jordan and Nate playing cornhole while Jere and Lainey watch.

Brothers Ian and Jesse were on the other end.

Visiting in the shade on a beautiful Sunday afternoon – just one day before the heat hit our area.

Grandsons-in-law, Donovan, Nathaniel and Dustan visiting.

When I walked into the garage, I found some of the ladies listening to Diana’s birthing experience. Sierra was only ten days old at our picnic.

Back at the cornhole game (with the same players) I noticed that Austin (white shirt) and Jana (hidden) had arrived. They had lunch with his family.

Dustan, Harper and Jenna

Relaxing

Bennett and Waylon playing at the birdbath. They and a few others had already emptied some birdseed into the birdbath. When we were cleaning up later, I said, “The doves are going to think they have a smorgasbord of black oil sunflower seeds on the ground.” 🙂 Bennett and Waylon both had bruises on their faces from separate “accidents” earlier in the week.

Waylon and Natalie wanted me to take their pictures.

Our three newest great grandchildren and their mommas.

All girls. Gloria and Aleah (Feb. 14), Diana and Sierra (June 6), and Lauree and Lainey (March 15).

Cerwin, Aleah, Jeff and Gloria

Jeff wanted pictures with the four generations that included the newest babies.

Jeff and Aleah

Emmy, Jeff, Cerwin, Lainey and Nathan.

I took this picture just because it was too cute to miss. Bennett wasn’t finished playing with the skid loader and didn’t have time for a picture and Emmy did not want to leave the photo shoot area. Look at her little crossed arms, indicating that she was staying. I don’t think she liked that Pop Pop put her down and picked up Waylon. 🙂

Waylon, Jeff, Bennett, Cerwin, Diana and Sierra.

Diane, Jana, Nicole Elizabeth, Jere, Austin, Jared, Ian, Jesse in the foreground while Nicole Rochelle (sitting under the tree) watches the game. Zach and Aleah in front of the tree, and Jordan and Nate in the background playing corn hole.

This grandpa and grandma had a delightful day watching our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren visiting and playing.

The next time we will all be together is planned for Sunday, December 15 – our Christmas brunch.