April, Easter, my birthday and Dad~by Beth

Lots going on this month.  We, like the rest of the country, were in stay at home mode.  It helped us to get a few things done that have been low on the list, and just continue with our schooling as usual.  Things didn't feel too abnormal, until one event overshadowed everything else.

Easter

Easter baskets

Finally getting avocados this year

 For my birthday Joel and Kelsey gave me a Joanna Gaines cookbook and I have been trying out a bunch of recipes.  Here are a few that we tried.  I have several I am making this weekend.

Orange Walnut Sweet Rolls

Lemon Pie, oh YUM!

Chicken Pot Pie, before the crust on top

Cream Corn Spoon Bread

The day after my birthday we received a call that my Dad had passed on to glory.  The following day we traveled to Ohio with the 5 children still at home.  David, who is still in Ohio, and Katie flew up from Texas.  Because of the virus the rest of the family did not come.

These two took a walk with me and Jon.

No trip to Grandma's would be complete without a game of four square.

My brother Mark, and his three sons, Andrew, Michael, and Patrick

I love the front of this church.

The funeral was beautiful.  Jon preached, two of my brothers and I spoke, and everyone heard about Jesus, who Dad loved, and the great man who was my father.  Thank you God, for such a great example of a godly man and father.  I miss you Dad.
After the funeral we went to the cemetery where an honor guard was present.  They played taps and folded the flag that was draped on my Dad's casket and presented it to my Mom.  We walked around the cemetery to find my grand parent's and great grand parent's graves.  Afterward we assembled at Mom's for a buffet lunch and hung out.  It was a great time to take some group photos.

Mom and six of her seven children.  Our brother in England could not come due to covid.

Dad's grand children and 3 great grand children

We visited Dad's grave site 2 days after his funeral.  His flowers still looked nice.  The cool temperatures helped.

We said our goodbyes and left for home.  The trees were in bloom due to Spring coming late.  So lovely.

It was a long trip but we made it safely and really enjoyed being in our own beds again.