Pyromaniac Convention August 2014

Granddaughter warming her backside

No kidding, it had to be really hot where she was standing!

It's a highlight of our annual Family Reunion/My Birthday Get-together - the bonfire. All year the burn pile grows until we light it for the Family Reunion. Yes, it was my birthday last week, and although I'm not divulging the number, suffice it to say that for someone in their late 90's, I don't think I'm doing too poorly. ;-)

Elijah and the Prophets of Baal*

This thing was HUGE, even bigger than last year's

Top Row, center: Granddaughter, The Nurturer, keeping her baby cousin happy. That girl has amazing charm. Then there's her little brother who says the funniest things. I should be writing these down.

Middle Row, center:  Sweet grandbaby girl, the cutest and most cheerful baby I think I've ever seen. She was full of smiles and so content - as long as her mama or auntie were nearby.

It was a delightful weekend for me, a wonderful time with the family together. Only a few couldn't make it. The weather was perfect. Warm, sunny, a nice breeze. We ate breakfast and talked out on the front porch and the back deck. The little boys enjoyed rides on the  lawn mower (Grandpa's wonderful new tool), playing in the sand box, kicking the soccer ball around, and driving trucks on the front porch.

Cousins

Another highlight for me was seeing the two little boy cousins playing so well together after having not seen each other since last August. They were constantly together, having a wonderful time, laughing hilariously at each other's lame made-up knock-knock jokes and playing in the yard.

How could I not love this!

Middle Row, center: Enjoying Grandpa's Full English Breakfast out on the front porch.

Middle Row, right: One family member is due to arrive on the outside any day now. We will be glad to meet Baby Oliver.

Bottom Left: A couple latecomers who didn't get into the family photo, but joined us for Sunday dinner.

Joseph of many limbs

Rob on a mission

Fire settling down a bit

The brothers set off fireworks and generally blew up stuff, made a lot of noise, and had a great time. There is a reason we live out in the country.

Older brother, roasting the green coffee beans

It takes serious attention and stirring

You'll notice I delegated that to more responsible handlers.

Daughter and Family

THE FAM

August 2014

In the alfalfa field

BFF

I love my birthdays. They're a wonderful excuse for the family to get together. There is nothing I like better, and I thank our gracious God for blessing us with this dear family.

Lord willing, we will repeat the family reunion next August. We're expecting two more little ones to be with us.

* I Kings 18

Although I usually forget to do it, there is a chance that this post will be linked to one or more of these great linky parties:  Inspired Monday and Mosaic Monday and Amaze Me Monday and  Inspiration Monday and Make it Pretty Monday and  Making the World Cuter Mondays and It's a Party at Creative Princess and Artsy Corner Thursday and Treasure Box Tuesday and KatheWithAnE and Rubbish Tuesday and Tuesday with a Twist and  Knick of Time Tuesday (vintage)  and   Tweak it Tuesday and Adorned From Above  and All Things With Purpose and Home & Garden Thursday and Good Fences on Thursdays and  Time Travel Thursday and Freedom Fridays and Junkin' Joe and Vintage Inspiration Friday and A Favorite Thing Saturday