Easter Monday dawned bright and clear -- everywhere on the farm!
John and his sister and I headed for the house while the younger generation was still partying -- it had been a long weekend and we were ready for a bit of a sit down, leaving the mess in the barn and elsewhere for the next day.
And when we came down Monday morning, the younger generation had done it all -- quilts down, utensils washed, tablecloths in the wash, and all party paraphernalia back in the boxes to be stored to next year. Those who were still there, helped John load up all the garden furniture and took it back to our house. Then we said goodbye to the last of them as they headed out for Virginia and Texas and parts in between.
Despite the damp, chilly weather on Sunday morning, it was one of the best Easter parties yet. I know the weather -- along with flooding in parts of our county -- kept some of our usual attendees away, but there was a whole new crop of young families and little ones running about and, I hope, making memories and adding to our 40 plus year tradition.
Among my favorite moments . . . Josie -- enjoying a houseful of folks, all willing to play games with her.
And the usual Easter baskets and small egg hunt first thing Eater morning.
Some new quilts in the barn . . .
Seeing Josie hanging out with kids without needing Mama or Daddy around . . . and how sweetly the kids treated her . . .
And, of course, the Big Egg Hunt -- with Mama and Grandma in attendance . . .
The very best was watching the four cousins -- the boys are so solicitous and protective of Josie -- I kept thinking of Louisa May Alcott's Eight Cousins -- all those boy cousins and little Rose.
Memories are made of this . . .
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