Monday, June 7, 2010

During the afternoon the weather reports kept coming...thunderstorm watch, tornado watch...across the television screen. Cold front coming in, nasty weather possible. Thankfully, it passed by our county, and we ushered in a most beautiful Sunday evening. We picked up my mother and his mother. After a light dinner at our favorite ice cream cafe, we took a long drive in the country, reminding us all of days gone by when Sunday afternoon drives were more common. We live in an area of country farms and woodlands. It was a peaceful, scenic drive.


Near the end of our drive, we came to this farm which is the home of my husband's sister and family. It is an old farm, built in the late 1800s. They've lived here for many years, and we never tire of visiting them here.



As we drove closer to the home, we saw our BIL and his grandsons down by the pond. We walked down to the pond to join them, and we greeted with excitement. The little guys were happy to see their great-grandma and great aunt and uncle.


Now before any of you panic, may I tell you that this area of the pond is shallow and that is all the further they may go. The oldest two are swimmers and the youngest one most always wears protective gear. Their grandpa was at the water's edge providing undivided attention. It all created a "picture book" setting.




Three little guys and their grandpa passing time together on a perfect Sunday evening. The dock with the adirondack chairs and the pile of wood on the grass for a later bonfire, seemed to me, to be the setting every little boy would dream of.




They immediately wanted to show-off for their great-grandma, telling her to watch what all they could do.



They love their great-uncle(how in the world did my husband become a "great"-uncle? Doesn't that sound so old? Sometimes I find this whole aging thing quite difficult to believe. Nevertheless, he is a loveable guy and these little guys are always happy to see him.



Adirondack chairs on the side of the pond, provided ring side seats for the rest of us. I wanted to sit their for the rest of the evening and enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the moments.




The littlest guy was trying to master his water toy, and the big guy was more than thrilled to coach him. I love this picture!




We walked over to their home and could not help but notice the well manicured flower gardens that my SIL had planted. I always enjoy seeing her annuals blooming. This year her flower gardens looked better than ever, as she is preparing the grounds for her son's August outdoor wedding. I should take growing instructions from her.




When I saw this big hammock under the old shade tree, I wondered to myself, "how they get so much work done around the place?" Honestly, maintaining this farm involves so much work that I can't imagine they ever get to relax here. There are days I dream of a hammock like this though.




Throughout her flower beds were some old pieces, fitting in perfect with this farmhouse setting. It was a visit we will all remember. An unexpected blessing in the midst of daily life. There is something very special about farm life in the country. In today's world, it provides a peaceful, relaxing, carefree break that three little guys are fortunate to have, and we were happy to be part of for a few hours.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

That was a wonderful looking visit. The photos are so bright and vivid. Daughter and SIL have a big pond and wharf out into the water like that and it is a wonderful place for family fun. What a blessing family is.
QMM

LisaShaw said...

Aww Judy, I loved each and every photo. I felt like I was there with your family. Beautiful moments...

Nothing in the world like family time!

P.S. I would have been in one of those comfortable chairs on the side line unlike those daring children in the water (SMILE). I just love the adventurous heart of children!

I love you!

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

It was 108 degrees yesterday where I live and that pond looks soooo nice! My boys would love having such a nice place to hang out and play in the summer. Your SIL's garden looks amazing!

Judy said...

It looks like the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Family...several generations...together at a most lovely spot. Amazing gardens...representing many hours of care! Beuatiful.

Barb said...

Judy, your pictures are charming. There is such a calmess and serenity about them. They just scream summer and so elegantly!

Barb ♥

Thoughts on Life and Millinery. said...

Judy, that was such a refreshing post. It makes me feel happy to think there are places like that, with families like yours enjoying it for generations. You and yours are so blessed!

(My neice made me "Great Aunt Jill" when I was but 33 years old. Sleeping with "Great Uncle Bernie" (my husband!) sure was weird. I suppose I should gird my mental space up for being Great Great Aunt Jill long before I will ever become a grandmother!)

Thoughts on Life and Millinery. said...

PS: how old do you think the kids will be before they are old enough to enjoy tossing their dad off the end of the pier fully clothed?

Sherry said...

What a lovely day! Looking at your pictures makes me feel peaceful.

Happy@Home said...

This lovely post took me right back to the days when "Sunday drives" were common and visiting with family members in an unrushed manner was the thing to do. In this hustle and bustle era, I miss those days.
Your SIL and BIL do indeed have a picture perfect setting. What a wonderful place for children to grow up. The garden is just gorgeous and looks like a most beautiful setting for a wedding.

I had to smile at your thoughts on this whole aging thing. I couln't agree more :-)

Happy Monday to you.

Melinda said...

I love Sunday drives and we
like to go late at night too.
The farm looks inviting and peaceful.

Have a great evening.

Melinda

Melinda said...

I love Sunday drives and we
like to go late at night too.
The farm looks inviting and peaceful.

Have a great evening.

Melinda

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Talk about a wonderful Sunday evening!! That beautiful farm brings back so many memories of my growing up years. We all loved a good swimming hole or lake... still do!

These were beautiful Judy. I've enjoyed my visit once again...

Miss Debbie said...

Such a nice afternoon with your family. I've always thought it would b great to live on a lake or to have a pond. There is something about water that is so calming!

Kathleen said...

What a wonderful way to spend an evening, with family in a beautiful place. Your photos remind me of being at my sister's home in hot and humid Arkansas, so different from my own home in England.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Such beautiful property to enjoy a lovely afternoon. I have great nephews and nieces so I ubderstand how puzzling that can be when it was only yesterday that their parents were children! :-)

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful place to live! They have their own piece of Heaven right here on Earth. You live in such a beautiful area. What a wonderful way to spend an evening.

momof3girls said...

what a wonderful time you guys must of had!! I love the beautiful surrounding just wonderful!

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