We wont discuss his age...

This past weekend we loaded up and make the short trek to Bremen for a couple of days. It occurred to us that all of our visits to the farm lately were short stops to drop off Mocha on our way somewhere else. So this time we stayed for a few days and enjoyed our extended family there...Marc and Allison and the girls, and AJ's grandparents too.

We celebrated Dad Rader's birthday on Friday night with dinner (or "supper" as they say on the farm) out and had cake and ice cream at home. We didnt have enough candles for each year of his age, but as you can see from the picture, there was quite a blaze anyway:)

It was a relaxing weekend of just enjoying harvest time in the heartland. On Saturday we headed over to a huge farmer's market, where we bought spices, pumpkins, and even potpourri. I can't even remember how many times we had to slow down for a tractor or Amish buggy. Its such a different pace of life, and a refreshing reprieve from city life. People discussing when the beans would be harvested or when the calf would arrive. Im glad we have this wonderful place to retreat to.

On Saturday we also visited AJ's grandpa and grandma Rader. They are 90 and 91 years old and still doing quite well. Just last year grandpa Rader finally plowed his last 300 acres and sold the cattle. My goodness. Each day he puts on his Rader equiptment uniform and heads over to the store (now owned by AJ's dad and uncle) and greets customers and longtime friends. Everyone knows Rich Rader. And Grandpa always has some sort of advice. While we were there he gave us some good advice about money...and we listened. Who are we to disregard 90 years of wisdom!? While Jonas played with grandpa's marble game, he read me an essay about the changes he has seen in his lifetime. I easily forget that he made 3 cents an hour when he was young and that he drove a model T. I also forget that he has been to most of his friends funerals already. We're drinking in the wisdom from this generation as long as we can.