Canon and I headed to IL to visit my parents for a few days a few weeks ago (July 17-20). I was really looking forward to this trip even though it would have been better if Jess could have come. Canon and I headed out after church on Sunday and stayed through Wednesday early afternoon.
Warning - Very long post!!
I absolutely love being at my parents house especially during the summer. I think I have said it before, but I just have wonderful memories - swinging on tree swing, jumping on trampoline, taking care of all the animals, home made ice cream, eating from the garden, fishing, swimming in the lake, 4-wheeling, mowing (yes I like to mow if it's on the riding lawn mower), bailing hay (even though I probably hated it at the time), and the list goes on and on. I really desire for Canon to experience all of the things I did, so I love bringing him to his Pops and Mam-aw's house!
Sunday night we hung out at my sister's house (they live next door). Emma Grace (my niece) has an awesome play room, so Canon enjoys getting into all of her toys. Emma is very generous to share all of her things with Canon.
Monday evening we went out to the county 4-H livestock fairgrounds. Wow what memories. I hadn't been back in years. For those that don't know, I showed livestock for about 10 years. It was what I did in the summer. It's what I worked for all year. I have wonderful memories of being at the county fair, the state fair, and the national fair. Most of the time we packed up the camper and stayed at the fairgrounds for most of the fairs. My mom would always bring lots of home grown vegetables and make our meals. My dad and I worked on getting the sheep ready to show. I also of course did a lot of hanging out with friends. We would play card games in the sheep or cattle barns, help each other wash, feed, or clip/sheer animals, eat junk food, or just goof all.
So anyway, I wanted to show Canon something I have wonderful memories of. My mom, sister, niece, dad, Canon, and I had a good ole time. In true hill billy style we took a bucket of chicken out to the fair and ate on the stands while we watched the cattle show. Emma and Canon played in the dirt, pet a baby calf, a lamb, goat, and a pig. Emma and Canon also got to dig through some hay for quarters and ring pops!
Canon looking into the show ring.
The family
Canon enjoying his first ring pop.
Tuesday morning we headed out early to watch the sheep show. I was most looking forward to this because 1. that is what I showed for years and 2. I knew I would see a lot of people that I hadn't seen in a while. It was great catching up with old friends and reminiscing. My dad was the "ring master", so Canon had fun watching him in the ring and yelling "Pops".
My mom walking Emma and Canon to the cattle barns to see the cows.
Emma and C looking at the baby calf.
Tuesday afternoon we came home, took late naps, and then started the fun again. The evening consisted of more animals, grilling out, and home made ice cream with my parents, sister's family, and my grandparents.
Here is Canon holding a baby kitten. He would reach his arms out to all the kittens and say, "hug".
My parents have a few rabbits and one of them had babies. My dad ended up bringing two of the babies in the house (in a box) so Canon could pet them.
Canon so excited about the bunnies.
On the morning we left, one of our family friends came out to plant a rose bush in memory of Will at my parent's house. My dad has been in a men's prayer group for as long as I can remember, so the men and their families got together to buy my parents the rose bush. What a great way to honor Will and bless my parents (and me). I was so honored that I was there to see it!
Canon and I had such a great time in IL. Can't wait to go back soon!
Rachel
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