our history…my heart

Sooo…after our busy birthday fun on Saturday—we got up bright and early to head on down to my grandmother’s where my mother grew up for the yearly family reunion…where we spent so many sweet holidays as children…where we’d ride bikes down “the” dirt road. We’d tell ghost stories by the old white house–and then we’d go to Mr.Wilber’s farm (yes that was really his name)–and my sisters, cousins and I would climb up on the fence and talk to the pigs.

We’d trail the woods and pretend we were entering Narnia…or on our own adventure–UNTIL that day we saw a real wolf. No more trail blazing for us after that. We’d ride our bikes just next door to grandmother’s to the church–the church my Granddaddy Frank built…and spent every Sunday either playing the piano, the guitar or teaching Sunday school. We’d go to the church and while Grandmother and Granddaddy Frank got things done at the church…we’d “play church”. I’d give the announcements. April would lead us in song. Katie would play the piano and take up the offering. And then…I’d preach. (I can only imagine what the sermons were about!) SUCH AMAZING memories.

My history…my heart.

I treasure these memories so, so much. I’m forever thankful for the influence my grandparents were on my life. My granddaddy Frank–well, he practically led me to Christ. And to be able to honor him with naming one of our son’s after him…so thankful we chose that name for him. I can’t wait to tell Frank about the man he is named after.

The reunion is always at the church. We visited. We laughed. And we sure missed KT being with us…but we slipped away with our children in the church and it was SO sweet and fun seeing them do EXACTY what we used to do…in the same exact church…making the same memories. Only for me–these may have been funnier.

Loo-bear took after Aunt KT and led music…

Although none of us understood the words to the special music–we thought it was delightful Frankie baby…

Pman wasn’t too sure about the craziness…

And then. The message. Um…can I get an AMEN?!

After the message they enjoyed some hymns led by my littlest niece…they are participated:)

THEN–it was time to go get their babies from the nursery:). Had to give this pic a vintage look. It SO reminds me of me and my sisters!!!! LOVE that it is now our girls making these memories together!!!!

It’s been almost 16 years since Granddaddy Frank went to be with Jesus. It doesn’t matter how many years go by–we will always miss him…and love him ever so deeply. Standing by his grave I told momma how I wish he could have met some of my children…

I just loved spending my day here with family…and getting to spend the afternoon with my aunts, my grandmother and parents…and my cousins kiddos too. Such a sweet time.

Isaac had so much fun too. He was a dangerous little booger on this incline sidewalk. Momma shouldn’t have brought his coaster car because all he wanted to do was take it to the top and ride it down. Doesn’t he look up to something here?!

Now…let me end this post as it should end…laughing! BECAUSE that is what we did A LOT of.

You know I married Rico Suave. And smooth he is. ALL last week he grew a go-tee to get on my nerves. Job well done babe.

THEN. We were pulling out of the driveway to head to MY FAMILY REUNION…and he runs in the house because “he forgot something”. WELL…he came out with a stache…looking like Kip in Napoleon Dynamite. NICE. SO THIS is what I had to look at all day…HARD to keep a straight face to!

“Napoleon, don’t be jealous that I’ve been chatting online with babes all day. Besides, we both know I’m training to be a cage fighter.”

AND that’s the man I married folks! HE IS NOT RIGHT!

Ya’ll have a good one!

XOXO,

Andrea