Visiting Mom Today

Hello all,

Jennifer, Ali, Zac and I drove up to Randolph last night for a visit with my mother today. We stopped in St. Joe to eat and then finished the trip and made it up here by 9:00.

This morning I drove dad's pick-up to Shenandoah for repairs. We stopped at McDonald's for breakfast on our way back home. I helped mom with some odd jobs around the farm while the kids played in the snow. An impromptu snowball fight ensued between Ali and Zac vs. Dad. I lost. I am an easy target when Ali says "OK, Dad. Don't move. I'm going to get you." How can I beat that?

After getting warmed up and changed into dry clothes, we waited for Danna, Nic and Dade to arrive at the farm. Upon their arrival, we headed to Malvern to visit the cemetery and lay flowers at Dad's headstone. Ali lead the way by telling Grandpa about her week at school. Zac danced a little bit for Grandpa while the rest of the family stood in remembrance. Before we left, Ali released a red balloon in Dad's memory. We all watched as it disappeared into the clear blue skies overhead.

The afternoon was filled with a bite to eat at Pizza Hut and then a visit to Tabor Manor to visit Grandma and Dorthy. The kids enjoyed taking turns pushing Grandma's wheelchair down the hall and back.

It was soon time to pack up and head South. Ali and Jennifer took a nap while Ali and I listened to the radio on the way home.

-Andy