Melons

We all love melons, so we are always excited when our melons finally start to ripen near the end of July!

We have had an unusually cool and wet month, so our melons are not doing as well as they normally do. Still, we have had enough to sell and plenty to eat. We enjoy making melon baskets to share with friends and relatives.

The melon baskets are a good way to use extra melons.This is a fruit bowl that we made for a dear neighbor who lives alone.

Happy Birthday, Jonathan!

We have been so busy this summer that we have really gotten behind in posting on the blog! Hopefully we will be able to catch up soon.

Yesterday was Jonathan's 18th birthday. We celebrated last night at Mama Flo's house.

Ice Cream Pie

(We have so many summer birthdays that we get tired of birthday cake!)

The Birthday Boy

Opening presents

Mama Flo's new little puppy, King

Shiloh National Park

We always enjoy visiting Shiloh Park. Some of us spent a few hours there this week taking pictures and looking at all the beautiful sights.

This deer just stood by the side of the road and looked at us.

We took our mountain instruments with us for some pictures.

I love this little cabin!

David up in a tree!

The Tennessee River borders Shiloh Park, so we usually go down to the river when we are there. It was raining when these pictures were taken.

Sarah and Amanda

Deborah

Jonathan

This is my favorite picture from this visit to Shiloh. It was taken from the top of one of the Indian mounds, looking down at the Tennessee River.

"Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it. Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof. Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness. They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing."

Psalm 65:9-13

Celebrating at Papa's

We celebrated Independence Day and Mama Flo's birthday with some of Daddy's side of the family last week. Grilling the hamburgers and hot dogs Eating home-made ice creamOur little friend Bethany was with us and she and our cousin Allie had fun playing together. Here they're walking down the rows of soybeans in front of the house.

Playing "Follow the Leader" Visiting on Papa's porch ~ Mama Flo, Melissa, and Aunt Jeannie Daddy and cousins, Don and Elaine Cousin Lori brought some fireworks for the little ones.

Uncle Larry and David lighting the fireworks Allie, Sarah, and Braden (Lori's little friend) are ready to watch.

Boom!!!!!

"That was loud!"

Riding the tricycle Bethany gets a ride The little ones enjoyed watching this turtle that we found.He wasn't very happy about being caught. David held this piece of grass up to his mouth and he hissed and bit it! A baby frog!

Playing "Hide-'n'-Seek"Allie rolls the ball to David :)Mama Flo shows one of her birthday presents to Allie.Happy Birthday, Mama Flo!