Nathaniel reads an original composition.

Gloria Elizabeth plays the recorder.

Looks like the makings of a fine quartet.

A confederate solider makes an appearance.

The media was busy that night.

The Martins lay down some serious rhythm as Gary sings a song his family composed about ... a rooster!

It was pretty amazing.

That was so cool!

Time for some awesome classic music.

The crowd is loving all the talent being displayed here tonight!

"Only a few minutes until showtime, boys - CALM DOWN!!!"

Just before our grand entry, we realize we forgot some important papers.

We almost look professional ;-)

"My grandfather's clock was too tall for the shelf... "

A future band member, maybe?

Afterwards, there was a time for snacks and fellowship.

The young people socializing.

Post-performance review.

Josiah and Chris debate some thorny issue.

Handsome little boy.

But alas, all good things must come to an end.

~~~

The End

Walks, Visitors, and Volleyball

Hi everyone!
Thanks for stopping by my little corner of cyberspace. Wow, it's quiet around here right now. With eight of my siblings away at my grandparent's farm this weekend, that leaves just me and my parents here at the homestead. I feel like an only child.

Anyway, onto the pictures...

Hiking Trip # 1

Going on a walk at our local game lands.

No roof, no floor, no walls...You'd need a lot of vision to buy this house.

Sir Josiah, mighty conqueror of all he sees.

Even mighty conquerors need a coat.

No Pictures Allowed!!

Philip checks out some hikers in the distance.

"Wow, they have some really big dogs."

Josiah and Karen are having doubts about Ben's woodland navigational skills.

Relax, everything is under control.

Have you ever walked through a big woods after dark? It's interesting.

Back at the parking lot - safe and sound. :-)

Hiking Trip # 2

One Sunday, Abigail, Josiah, Isaac, and Philip went on another walk at a local game lands. The rest of us stayed home, because we were sick. :-(

Josiah's Art

Speed

Mountain Top Portrait

Time to go home.

Ohio Friends

Last weekend, some of our friends from Ohio visited us. Not only are they our friends, they also visit this blog! Nice.

Hey, let's play volleyball!

Josiah practices his over-handed serve.

The tension in the air is so thick you can almost slice it.

Looks like Josiah is ready for anything. Defeat is not an option.

There was lots of good-natured bantering going on.

My worthy opponent, Joseph. His team beat my team 3* too many times. ;-)

*Or was it 4?

Stiff competition!

Yet Another Family Learns How to Play Four-On-A-Couch

Karen explains important strategy points: "See, there are four girls on the couch right now. That's how every game should end."

Explaining the rules.

The guy's team celebrates a victory!

Folks, right now you're observing some heavyweight thinking.

While Joseph restrains a certain overactive boy, someone else has some fun with the camera. ;-)

"My mind is drawing a blank..."

Jason thinks deep thoughts.

It feels weird to be sitting next to someone and have no idea what their name is. She wasn't about to give me any hints either!

Come on, who ARE you??

Afterwards...

Joseph and I had some great conversations.

A late night picture reviewing session.