Tidbits From Our Trip...

{{Warning: This post contains LOTS of photos!}}

Our days have been flying by
ever since Daddy came home!
Even though it was the funeral of my grandpa
that resulted in our trip,
we were thrilled to go see family!
It had been about four years
since we had been "home" for a visit.
It was a long journey
but it was a beautiful one!

The mountains were as majestic as ever...


Here are a few views of the mountains on a slideshow...

One of the favorite parts for the children
was going into the tunnels through the mountains...




I would say the most favorite part happened
as we got farther north and the children saw
the first signs of snow!

They were SO thrilled (and so was I)!
Dad was a little less thrilled
as he was the one driving in it.
The visibility was not good and the roads were slick.
We were thankful for his cautious wisdom. ;o)

Once we arrived at our destination,
we greeted Grandma and Great-Grandma!
Dad went outside to shovel snow, Ally followed.
When I checked on them
they were already enjoying the fresh snowfall
with a snowball fight...


The next morning, the younger ones were very eager
to go out and enjoy the beautiful snow...




They enjoyed the snow the entire time we were there!








Well, not all enjoyed it quite the same way. ;o) lol

Not only did we get to drive
in a snowstorm on the way up,
but we, also, drove in one as we visited a family member.
The snowfall was so beautiful...


Even one of the Great Lakes was freezing over...


And the driving conditions, again, were very poor.
The roads had yet to be plowed and salted...



Praise the Lord for His protection!

While out, we showed the children the Canadian bridge...

They were tickled to see the shores of Canada.

In addition to enjoying the weather
while we were there,
we loved the moments that
we were able to spend with family...
The children got to meet their cousins...

They enjoyed playing together...
especially games of hide-and-seek.
As they played, I was able to visit
with my brother and sister and their spouses,
which was such a delight!
(Here is a picture of Ally with my sister
and my brother in the background. LOL)



Daddy and my brother

It was a blessing, too, to visit with my daddy,
who is in poor health (and tending to his wife,
who is in her final stages of battling cancer).


Much of our time was spent
with my mom and grandma.

Mommy and I ;o)
(unfortuneately, a little blurry)


Grandma giving Ally a slice of birthday cake
(with a lollipop as a candle)
as Ally plays "Happy Birthday" on her guitar
and we all sing the words.

We enjoyed every moment of our visit!
Here were the children in Great-Grandma's room
as she sorted through some of her things
to pass on to them...


I just can't resist sharing the picture
of Carolynne and her Great-Grandma Carolyn
(whom she is named after)...


Here was Ally playing her guitar and singing
as Great-Grandma was resting...

It was a precious time and it was a blessing
to minister to her heart through song,
especially during this time.

They, also, enjoyed being with Daddy (of course!)... ;o)


A little fun at the hotel...


Did I mention enjoying the weather and the snow?


Also, while we were there,
I was able to meet a few fellow bloggers
(ladies I, also, know from a message board),
Amy from Life's Small Treasures,
Kristy Jo from Extravagent Housewife,
and Kristen from Proudmomto2.
It was such a joy to meet them, to visit their church,
and spend much time in fellowship (with food, of course)!
Here is a photo of Kristy Jo, me, and Amy...

It was so delightful to fellowship with them.

Even the men folk loved their time of fellowship!


As did the children...



What a precious blessing it is
to share sweet fellowship with God's people!

Eventually, our trip had to come to an end,
we packed up the van and headed home.
On our way, we were able to stop in Ohio
(where we lived years ago) and visit
with my friend, Sharon, and her family.
We enjoyed our afternoon (and supper) with them.

Then we were back on the road...


We arrived home Saturday evening
and were thrilled to be
at our home church Sunday morning.
We had a men's quartet visiting
and a wonderful sermon
(in the morning and evening).
It is good to be home,
though we loved our visit!

Thank you all for your prayers.
I hope to catch up with comments and emails soon. ;o)
Enjoy your week!