Guys Weekend

Doing some catching up here...

Guys Weekend is a bi-annual event for the fellas around here - and one that is looked forward to greatly.  Daddy, along with his brothers Charles and Mitch, started getting together many years ago to spend a long weekend riding horses and enjoying time together.  A few years later Marvin started going with them.  Jackson joined in a couple years ago.  This last Guys Weekend was a very. big. deal. for Jonathan because, at almost 12, he was able to go for the very first time.   Happily, my brother Kerry was able to come up from Oklahoma to attend as well.  There was quite a crowd this time around at Guys Weekend!!  What a joy for all!

Uncle Mitch wasn't able to bring his RV this year because he just had major surgery - we were so glad HE was able to come!  So, we took our camper down for Marvin and the boys to stay in.  Kerry bunked with Daddy and Mitch bunked with Charles.  They enjoyed a supper at Kemp's Restaurant, some time at a horse pull at Old Threshers, riding the back roads of Shelby County, and a lot of precious time visiting.  The weather was a little cold and wet, but I know they all had a wonderful time.

I am so thankful that Daddy and his brothers started this tradition all those years ago - and thankful that they include later generations.  The greatest part of Guys Weekend for my boys, in my mind, is the time spent with these wonderful men in their family - hearing stories, watching them interact with one another, and just simply being a part of something so rooted.  Camping there at the old family farm and visiting important family landmarks like Lowman Chapel and the Wood Family Cemetery help keep our history alive and real and tangible to the boys.  I cherish those connections that I see them making and know they are special to the boys as well.

Here are a few photos but you can see them all at this link.

getting ready to head out

Our crew - Jonathan, Marvin, Kerry, Jackson, Daddy

setting up next to Charles at the farm

Kerry and Daddy

Jonathan - ready to hitch up and ride!   :)

Jonathan and Governor

Jackson and Shadow

Marvin and Kerry

the whole crew!

at Lowman Chapel

Dorothy and family dropped by for a quick visit!

the brothers - Mitch, Jack and Charles

the campers - Mitch, Kerry, Daddy, Charles, Jonathan and Marvin (minus Jackson, the photographer!)  

my view heading to pick them (and the camper) up

a little damp and cold - but happy after a good weekend

Uncle Charles

Marvin, Charles, Daddy, Jonathan, Kerry and Jackson (Mitch had already left)