Last weekend, Ken & I and Kerra went on a little trip to Guys Mills, Pennsylvania. We were privileged to have our first overnight visit in Kayleen and Carlin's home. We arrived there on Friday evening and returned home on Sunday evening. What a great weekend! Following are some things I especially enjoyed about it.
1. Seeing Kayleen's creative touch in their home's decor:
2. Watching Kayleen and Carlin work together in the kitchen, using their beautiful shiny and new wedding gift dishes and appliances:
3. Eating Kayleen and Carlin's delicious food - smoothie bowls for Saturday brunch, homemade burgers for Saturday supper, and Thai chicken soup and naan for Sunday lunch:
4. Hiking on the mile-long roadway that forms the top of Woodcock Dam:
5. Seeing Carlin's excitement over techie gadgets, such as a vintage Polaroid camera. (It is a very amazing thing that the Kenites now have an IT guy/computer doc in their midst!)
6. Sharing memories with our children - while listening to a recording of the songs sung at Carleen's wedding, during a run-through of the wedding service and reception pics, when eating fruits and veggies canned by Kayleen and Yours Truly last summer, or when seeing the girls wear souvenirs purchased on our Newfoundland Trip:
7. Making brownies in a mug in the microwave, putting a dollop of peanut butter to melt on top of the hot cakey goodness, placing a scoop of vanilla ice cream to dissolve into creamy deliciousness over the brownie and pb, and then going to the couch in the living room to sit and eat the cup of sweetness among good family company:
8. Watching Ken and Kerra build a snowman in Carlin & Kayleen's front yard while waiting on everyone to be ready for a Sunday afternoon walk:
9. A lovely walk in the snowy countryside in general, and specifically at the Erie Wildlife Refuge:
Photo Credit: Kayleen Atkinson
10. Embracing the stage our family is in right now - Ken and I as the parental couple observing our young adult children doing life, delighting in being with them, hashing life's puzzles with them, sharing laughter and tears, deepening relationships, growing in character, offering love and receiving hope:
I love these glimpses of Kayleen's new life and home! It's so delightful to see her little touches on things. Especially those beautiful "Joy to the World" banners. Did she make them or buy them?
ReplyDeleteYou always make your posts come alive with your thoughtful and vivid pictures! :) Thank you!
Thanks, Chelsea! I believe Kayl got the banners from She Reads Truth.
DeleteHey Danette, Thanks for sharing. I love watching our kids work their lives out.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome for sharing, Evie. I like to think of being in the same parenting stage as one of my favorite cousins. :)
DeleteThank you for these sweet words and memories, Mom. We loved having you here so much!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Kayl. It brought me great joy to relive the time with you in this way. <3
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