Family Park Visit

Friday evening the whole family went on a search for some tennis courts (Dad and John wanted to play) and though the first place was filled, we ended up at a nearby nature park that had a game area and the courts were empty there. While the guys played the rest of us walked the extensive pathways that traversed the large wetland and nature area. Beautiful scenery and of course I got some pictures!

These first images were taken near the first park we stopped by. I have always wanted to get some shots of a railroad so this was fun, though with more time I would like to do better!

A plant defying asphalt! We saw this interesting specimen several times throughout our walk.

Blessed be the Lord who has created such beautiful things! It was a very enjoyable evening ( though some feet were sore) and as for the tennis game... John beat Dad!

A Day at the Races (sort-of . . . )

Saturday morning found us Sauve ladies driving around the back roads of Metamora in attempt to find Squeaky Windmill Farm and the carriage driving show which was being hosted there. Due to the fact that we are still quite unfamiliar with the roads here in Lapeer county, and the lack of competent directions, we found ourselves, for lack of better terms, quite lost.

Tucked in among the trees on the side of the road was this charming little cemetery. We stopped there to wait for the Eddy family (who were trying to come to our rescue) and decided to investigate the obviously very old grave stones that were scattered about. (I just love the dappled sunlight!)

The names and dates were so worn that you could barely feel the indentation when you ran your finger across the stones. The few we were able to decipher had dates from the mid to late 1800's.

Incredible equine establishments.

Some of the many we saw in our travels.

A huge House/ Barn combo.

VERY SPOILED HORSES!!! :-)

We finally had to stop and ask directions. No better place than at this humble abode.

The wanderers have arrived! Here is one of the many banners that lined the fence along the drive. Each banner represented the different driving associations that were present. HERE-BE DRAGONS! (and I thought we were coming to see horses!)

The Driving arena.

Christianna and FaithAnn keeping a close eye on their favorites.

Ah! There is one right now! Lovely!

All the lady drivers wore such delightful hats!

A Four-wheeled carriage . . . .

and a Two-wheeled carriage!

And the red ribbon goes to . . . .

Part of the obstacle course, and practice green.

About half way through we took a tour of the stables. First off was the HUGE insulated indoor arena. Very nice.

Talk about luxurious! Cobblestone floor, Cedar wood for the stalls . . . . just keep scrolling down . . .

Shawn Eddy conversing with the Horses.

Take a look at those stalls! Grace admires the furnishings . . . and the horse . . .

FaithAnn with one of the four Fresians who resided at the stables. Gorgeous horses!!! You've got to see 'em to believe 'em.

We were privileged to be given a tour of the antique carriages. This one was restored to look exactly like its 1800's counterpart.

Ribbons!

Four-in-Hand! A beautiful group of black cobs . . .

HERE-BE-DRAGONS!!

Cookout with the Eddy family

Last Friday night we had the Eddys over for dinner, volleyball and a campfire.

Homemade buns!

Gazillion Kabobs!

Hamburgers, hot dogs and bratwurst. Yumm!

Cooking my Chicken Kabobs

Sorry no pictures of our "wild" volleyball game but we did have a blast, as no rules were followed and any form of getting the ball over the net was accepted! Crazy for sure but fun as not a serious face was around and several bouts of "rolling with laughter" caused the game to come to a halt until we could all pick ourselves back up and resume the game!

The traditional, the new rage and Faith's new creation S'mores! Plain old chocolate is now not the only thing you can put in a S'more. Have you ever tried Reeses Peanut butter cups or York Mint patties?! Though traditional is good these new creations are now the BEST! Yes, so all that sugar is not good for you, but for a once in a while indulgence these are definitely the best ever campfire snacks to have!

I believe this is a Yorkie S'more. I tried to get pictures of each one but they didn't all turn out.

The art of roasting Marshmallows. Faith and her golden treat!

Mr. Eddy and his hedge trimming roasting stick! The blurriness is from the smoke.

Enjoying our snacks.

A monarch butterfly sitting on the bench (taken earlier in the day obviously).

Around the campfire as the darkness was deepening Dad read a devotional and we prayed that God would light His fire in our hearts and help us to keep our focus on Him.

Lord be glorified in everything we do and say! Thank you for the fellowship of like minded believers!