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.