a weekend in the country

Last weekend we took a trip to visit both of Eric’s grandmothers.  This is a short trip we try to do at least once a year, and we are thankful that we are so graciously welcomed each time.  It’s nice for the four of us to be able to get away for a couple of days without having to put in a lot of travel time or expense.  It’s an opportunity for the kids to spend some extra time with their great-grandmas and other extended family, and also get in touch with their daddy’s country roots. 

I also love going there for more selfish reasons: sleeping in a comfortable bed in a quiet house with no toys, noise, or obligations.  Eating each meal around a table without having to hurry and move onto bath time or some other household chore.  Slowly savoring the country breakfasts with locally made sausage, farm-fresh eggs, home-made gravy and jam, and endless cups of coffee.  I’m in heaven.

Both of his grandparents live on their own farm, perched on high hills in a picturesque small town in the southern part of the state.  I say it every time: it’s like staying at a kid-friendly Bed & Breakfast.

We spent most of the daytime hours outside: riding the see-saw, circling the property on a four-wheeler, chatting about the garden, watching the hummingbirds.  Letting the kids run around without having to shield them from a busy street, watching them chase the fat farm cat around the yard, hugging the neck of their second-cousin’s new dog, playing in the dirt for HOURS in the warm spring breeze.  The list goes on.  We attended church on Sunday morning and sang the familiar southern hymns.  After church ended, we visited the horses next door.  Each time we visit it’s the same, and yet uniquely special.

Spending a few days there feels good for the soul.   It gives us a chance to relax and sloooow down to keep pace with the quiet country life.  It reminds us of the blessings that are all around us, if only we are still enough to notice them.