On the way to our first official stop at Mohican Adventures in Ohio, we stopped in at Topeka, IN to visit an exotic animal farm. Truly, this was a farm run by an Amish family, who housed lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, and you name it. We all had a ball, though certainly did have to wonder how an Amish family comes to making their living off of raising Alaskan wolves. "We can't drive cars, but we can run a zoo." I'm contemplating the image of a camel being transported to its new home via horse and buggy. Hmmm. The monkey who threw rocks at us out of anger was especially entertaining.
The reunion in Ohio with Scott's sister and family was a great time, especially for the four special grandchildren...all boys, and all age 2 to 4. Needless to say, they enjoy many of the same activities, and can still be somewhat easily entertained. We enjoyed kite flying, bubble blowing, hiking, go-kart races, swimming, roasting marshmallows, and wrestling. We had two cabins rented for all of us, which worked out very nicely, though we did had to deal with some squeaky little critters that seemed to like the kitchen more than we would have preferred.
TJ, Nathan, Luka, and Lucas:
The reunion in Ohio with Scott's sister and family was a great time, especially for the four special grandchildren...all boys, and all age 2 to 4. Needless to say, they enjoy many of the same activities, and can still be somewhat easily entertained. We enjoyed kite flying, bubble blowing, hiking, go-kart races, swimming, roasting marshmallows, and wrestling. We had two cabins rented for all of us, which worked out very nicely, though we did had to deal with some squeaky little critters that seemed to like the kitchen more than we would have preferred.
TJ, Nathan, Luka, and Lucas:
Next, our travels took us back to Goshen, where we stayed with Grandpa and Grandma Schmucker, but also enjoyed the Garber reunion for the weekend. So many highlights, but to name a few, a special 65th anniversary celebration for Grandma and Grandpa Garber, a hilarious game of volleyball, where the old generation almost beat the "young" generation...or wait, did they actually win? Hard to say, and traitor Dave was a good sport about being cast about from team to team. Don't even think about letting back aches, arthritis, knee issues, or just plain non-athleticism stop us! Check out some of the hilarious action here: http://picasaweb.google.com/angiegunden/GarberReunion2009?feat=directlink.
Luka seems to have a very special connection to his Great Uncle Merle:
He also enjoyed making Great Grandpa's face look so silly:
We also had the privilege of celebrating the engagement of my cousin Renetta... to Michael Wong. Can you picture this whole Garber clan trekking up to Brooklyn for a big city wedding?? Can't wait!
Next, we had the opportunity to skip on over to Illinois to visit my dear college friend, Carrie, and her husband, Travis (also my cousin...yes, it's the Mennonite world!). We finally got to see their place, and get a glimpse into their lives. I think we ate a whole watermelon in 24 hours, and had great conversation over many cups of coffee as well. We did also appreciate the tour of Eureka and a visit to Carrie's family farm!
On to Chicago, where the kids got to take the train downtown with Mimi and PaPa and play in the fountains at Millenium Park. Then, some awesome Chicago pizza. (Scott and I thoroughly enjoyed all the home cooking and garden vegetables provided to us during our travels to various spots. But, no doubt about it, we were actually ready for a bit of grease.)
The boys in front of Mimi's pretty flowers:
Certainly this entry does not do justice to all of the memories created. We appreciate so much all the hospitality, planning, and conversation by so many to help make our trip so special. Finding opportunity for our kids to be surrounded by family and friends we know is allowing them to explore their roots a bit (even though they don't know it) and is especially important to us. Thanks to you all!
Luka seems to have a very special connection to his Great Uncle Merle:
He also enjoyed making Great Grandpa's face look so silly:
We also had the privilege of celebrating the engagement of my cousin Renetta... to Michael Wong. Can you picture this whole Garber clan trekking up to Brooklyn for a big city wedding?? Can't wait!
Next, we had the opportunity to skip on over to Illinois to visit my dear college friend, Carrie, and her husband, Travis (also my cousin...yes, it's the Mennonite world!). We finally got to see their place, and get a glimpse into their lives. I think we ate a whole watermelon in 24 hours, and had great conversation over many cups of coffee as well. We did also appreciate the tour of Eureka and a visit to Carrie's family farm!
On to Chicago, where the kids got to take the train downtown with Mimi and PaPa and play in the fountains at Millenium Park. Then, some awesome Chicago pizza. (Scott and I thoroughly enjoyed all the home cooking and garden vegetables provided to us during our travels to various spots. But, no doubt about it, we were actually ready for a bit of grease.)
The boys in front of Mimi's pretty flowers:
Certainly this entry does not do justice to all of the memories created. We appreciate so much all the hospitality, planning, and conversation by so many to help make our trip so special. Finding opportunity for our kids to be surrounded by family and friends we know is allowing them to explore their roots a bit (even though they don't know it) and is especially important to us. Thanks to you all!
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