a little work and a little play

We made it to Num Num and Papa's a number of times this past fall…. 

Specifically, we went to help them around their home with yard work. 

They live an hour and a half north of us,

just south of the Canadian Border on an acer of land 

surrounded by corn fields. 

If you ask me, it's the PERFECT place to live in the country and experience

country life (it's right out the back door) but not actually live on a farm. 

Don't get me wrong, there is STILL so much work to be done,

and they don't even have animals anymore!! 

(they used to have chickens and sheep.)

How very thankful I am for this little respite from city-life,

BEAUTIFUL country, long walks,

good-ol' hard work for my family,

and most of all time spent and memories made at "Borderline Farm." 

 Papa taught the kids how to cut wood…. the old-fashioned way. 

 …. though we did rent a "new-fangled" wood-cutter for the day. 

These last four pics were taken over Thanksgiving. 

Once again, we headed to the farm, but this time for food and rest and play. 

Abby and I had a lovely long walk after our meal at the twilight hour. 

We had so much fun snapping pictures of each other,

talking about life, singing at the top of our lungs, 

and racing down long country roads. 

It does my heart so good. 

Thanks Num Num and Papa, for living in the country … and loving me so well. 

I still have to pinch myself every time I come visit you. 

Not sure I ever would have dreamed the first time I visited

(summer of 1993, about to be a collage sophomore) …..

that I would still love this place so dearly,

be married to your WONDERFUL son,

 be living here in the Northwest. 

…. AND be bringing your FIVE grandkids to visit. 

I'm so, so thankful for you!!