Mamaw and Grandpa Dave's house

The second part of our trip was spent at my mom's house in Kewanna, IN. We love to go to this quiet little town and spend a few days. On the way, we stopped and had lunch with my close friend, Mary Beth. It is always good to see her and her family. Her husband,Tom, owns his own Funeral Home and God is using him in a real way to bless people who really need God's love at a desperate time in their lives. He was very busy the day we drove through, but Mary Beth and the kids went with us to lunch and to a park to let our kids run. We even managed to stop and shop for a few minutes. We pulled in to Kewanna Wednesday night(18th of July). My mom and Dave have a big house with plenty of room for all of us to stretch out in. We didn't waste any time in planning some fun activities.

The next day we went to the Hines farm. Mark and Cindy go to their church and are some of the nicest people you could ever meet. They had sweet corn ready and my mom wanted 5 bushels to freeze. The kids got to help pick a few ears of corn, but most of it he had already picked earlier that morning. He took us to see the farm machinery and the pigs that he had just got in. Samuel found a baby bird in a tractor and "rescued" the little thing. Mark was glad to get him out since they are a fire hazard to tractors. They build their nest inside and the straw gets too hot. After we had a good time at their place, it was off to get some pizza and pick blueberries. This has become a summer tradition. When you can pick these delicious berries for 90 cents a pound, we just can't pass up the opportunity. Samuel also caught another bird in the blueberry bush. It was the day for birds.

We decided to go to a Festival one day. We really had a lot of fun. Samuel and Lydia got to participate in the tractor pull. Doyle, Julianna, and Lydia entered the watermelon contest. They had different divisions according to age. You had to hold your hands behind your back while eating the watermelon, which was interesting to watch. We enjoyed the normal things that a Festival offers. The turtle race and the frog-jumping contest was a hoot. Of course, I had to go to Bailey's Discount. This is an enormous store that sells everything. I always enjoy my time there, although I am sure my step-dad probably regrets ever introducing me to this place. "Dave, you are a real trooper while I go down all 50 aisles." My mom wanted to celebrate Doyle's birthday while we were there and Doyle pulled one of those deals where we also celebrated my birthday as well. It was neat to be able to celebrate with family.

We went to lots of parks on our trip up north. Pizza and parks--we love them. On July 23, Doyle left for Dan Martin's house--this was to practice for the Cornerstone Tour. We did not want to see him leave, but knew we would see him on Friday at a concert. We made the best of things by going to town and shopping. Samuel even had the nerve to tell Doyle on the phone that he really liked Mommy because "she blows money." This concerned Doyle and I had to explain that he had no cause for alarm. I had bought Samuel a cheap toy and he kinda made it sound real interesting.

Well, we had fun riding bicycles, playing badminton, and just being together. Grandpa Dave took the kids on rides on the tandem bicycle which they always enjoy. They had to wear jackets a couple of evenings. I almost did not pack warm clothing, but I was glad I did. Mom made biscuits and gravy for me one morning; she knows how much I enjoy this treat.

It is always hard for me to say good-by to my mom. We are very close and talk on the phone every day. I know it will be December before I see them again, that part is a bummer. We left on Tuesday the 24th for Jackson, MI. I do not like to travel alone with the kids, but wanted to spend some time with my sisters. I get my directions, make sure my phone is charged , the van gassed, and the kids have been fed and taken bathroom breaks. WE HIT THE ROAD!! Next stop, part 3 of our 'trip up north.'