Joy During the Storm

     This past week wasn't the easiest for us all as my sweet Papa passed away early Monday morning.  Marcus and I drove to Mt. Airy to be with my family and Mark joined us Wednesday, before the viewing.  Papa's funeral was on Thursday, and we got home late that evening.
     I was amazed at the respect and honor Papa held, not only due to his service for our country, but in our community as well.  Two servicemen stood guard beside his casket during the viewing all evening Wednesday, rotating every 15 minutes.  At his funeral on Thursday, once his body was brought out to the burial site, again 2 servicemen guarded it.  After it was over, they formally folded the flag that topped his casket and gave it to Faye.  They had a 21 gun salute when it was all said and done.
     It was good to see family, considering the circumstances, but I did enjoy my time with all my cousins and the rest of the family.  In the midst of a somewhat difficult time, Marcus was such a joy to have around.  He obviously didn't know what was going on, and was happily playing most of the time.  He especially loved playing outside with his Grandma and letting his Aunt Liv chase him around the kitchen.  Marcus also really enjoyed seeing the petting zoo, (aka-Granddad's hunting trophies) upstairs.  He got to pet a black bear, deer, elk and a real live puppy and kitty!
     Finally, we're home now and had a great time this morning at a place called Eliada Home.  They take care of children who are in foster care or other similar situations and it's a WONDERFUL organization.  Every year they have a corn maze and other festive activities to raise money.  Marcus and I went out this morning and played in the corn box, rode tractors, slid down slides, shot corn cannons, and made our way through the hay bale maze.  We only stayed a little over an hour, but we both really enjoyed our time there.  It was a great time for a wonderful cause.

Marcus and his Aunt Liv

Mid-spin as she caught him after running around the kitchen island.

Petting the bear at Granddad's house

Checking out the wall of horns.

He picks others noses, too.

Eliada Home pumpkin pirate ship

He liked having his own small pumpkin.

Oh the places I squish into for our child. :)

He "oohed" and "ahhed" the whole ride.

Sitting in it like a big boy.

Marcus didn't follow the path in the maze.  He cut through where he could fit.

This one was more his size.

Pointing at the tractor passing by.

Slide & tractor ride on the left, corn box up front, pumpkin pirate ship to the right rear.

Walking in the corn box - very cool idea fyi.

Putting corn in a boat.

We took one more tractor ride before heading home.

Sweet blue eyed baby!