60 Years And Counting...

This month I had the incredible opportunity to fly to Indiana to honor my precious grandparents as they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Now, when I say "precious," I don't mean "precious moments" precious or "I want to be sweet and I can't think of any other adjective to use" precious; I mean the, "this is the only possible way to describe a true blue, faithful, always persevering, always loving couple who's been married twice as long as I've been alive" precious. They mean everything to me and spending those 5 days with them was pure joy. The joy was enhanced by getting to see, not only my mom and dad, sister, brother-in-law, brother and his girlfriend, but my aunt, uncles and all three of my cousins (who have always been way more like siblings to me than cousins). My trip was defined by 'quality time' as I got to spend significant time with all of the people mentioned above and revel in the beauty and simplicity that is Indiana farm country. Here are some photos from my trip...

This picture makes me so happy. There have been countless times over the past 6 1/2 years that I've recieved images like this one and have longed to be in one of those chairs. This time, I was THERE! We had a great time and had some of the yummiest and freshest Chinese food ever, at a place tucked away in tiny Bluffton, IN.

My Uncle Max, sister Lauren and brother-in-law, Ryan chilling in the grass.

My sweet and lovely Sister.

Ryan and Lauren's adorable dog, Olivia

My precious Grammy on her new bike.

The Church Family

My Uncle Max and Gram

This is my cousin, Jared (looking dapper on my Gram's bike). He is the epidamy of sincere. His passion, his questions, his love for people, his desire to walk with God. S.I.N.C.E.R.E. I love talking to he and his beautiful wife, Lauren. They inspire me because they are alive inside.

This is my Uncle Barry with his sons (my cousins) Jared and Travis. I already spoke about Jared, so I'll write about Travis. When I think about him the beatitude, "the pure in heart will see God" comes to mind. He works hard, he loves his family, he loves God and he endeavors to live a life that reflects the goodness of His heavenly Father. I wish I had more time with both of them.

A typical 'Barger Ranch' scene-people in lawn chairs on the garage pad and in the garage while eating delicious grilled food...

...and the goodness continues...

...all the way around the circle.

This is what happened after dinner when a huge storm blew through. We all sat in the garage and talked until about 1:00 am. It was awesome.

Lauren and my cousin, Kristen, who is the most faithful and loyal woman. If there's a family gathering, or someone has a need or someone is doing something important, she is there. It doesn't matter how many miles separate 'your thing' from where she currently lives. She'll drive any distance to be there for you. I love her like a sister.

Jordan and Abi.

Sister Love.

Mom, Gram and my Aunt Kathy

Olivia, Ryan, Lauren and Dad relaxing while Gram and Pop opened all of their cards.

Papa and Grammy

Me, Jordan and Abi

Ryan with his baby Olivia (she loves to be held like this).

Oh, the love.

So, in addition to the pictures, you got a little insight into the love I have for my cousins. I didn't plan on that, but that's what was in my heart. I truly loved every moment of my getaway and will treasure the memories for a lifetime.