Vacation In East Texas

Tuesday, May 22nd, our family arrived in Houston, Texas. 

Why are we in Texas?  Every year, Bro. Al Stowell's church hosts a

family camp in Jasper, Texas and this year we got to go!!!

Daddy rented a motorhome from Smith RV Rentals for the week, so while we waited

 for him at the airport, David wanted a ride on the luggage cart...and he fell asleep!!!

Camp didn't start until Wednesday evening so we drove out to Sam Rayburn Lake.

David wanted to get into the water so bad!!

Elainah dropped her flip-flop down in the rocks and while we were looking for it Lillia shouts, "Get out of here!!!" and takes off running up the rocks, "there's a snake down there!"  She had spotted Elainah's flip-flop and reached down to get it, and saw the snake!!!  Daddy went back down and got a picture of the snake and Elainah's flip-flop!  It was a pretty large snake, about two inches in diameter.  Do any of ya'll have an idea what kind it is?  From the markings on it we believe it to be a Diamond Back Rattler.

Stay tuned for a post PACKED FULL of pictures from camp!!!

A Baby Bunny!!!

Last night Joshua came running in and told us he found a baby bunny hopping around in the backyard.

They put it in a box for a little while...

....and then they let it go

It was so little!

2012 Mud Sale

  Household goods, crafts, farm supplies, furniture, antiques, tools, quilts, harnesses, sheds, horses, cows, rabbits, guinea pigs and so much more are all a part of the annual Mud Sale.  What is a Mud Sale, you ask?  Around February, local communities come together and support the fire companies by holding auctions.  These auctions have become known as "Mud Sales" because of the condition of the ground, the snow is melting!  This year the Honey Brook Mud Sale was held in May and wasn't quite as muddy, it was actually a very sunny day!  Since the 1960s Mud Sales have helped to support the local fire companies to build fire houses, purchase equipment, and provide training for fire fighters, EMS units and First Responders in Lancaster County.  The Amish and local businesses donate and consign items to raise money for the fire company.  Delicious doughnuts, iced coffees, stromboli, barbecued chicken, soups, soft pretzels, pies, breads, cookies, homemade ice cream, and cakes are all made on site by the Amish to sell.  It is an event that is very much looked forward to by the community!   Over the years we have gotten many different things at the Mud Sale; our picnic table, swing set, express wagon, glider-rocker, and our chicken coop.
Mommy was my photographer for this post.  I was too embarrassed to openly take pictures of the Amish people, since most don't believe in taking pictures!  :)

The auctioneers and clerks are all usually Amish men

This year over 2,000 people came!

BBQ!!

There were lots of buggies!

...and horses!

Amish in the Lancaster area don't believe in bicycles so they ride scooters.

Whenever you buy something there are young Amish boys eager to haul it to your car!