New York, New York

For those not aware we are now in New York at the KOA campground for the summer again.  We arrived last Wednesday in Rochester staying in Chris' and Acacia's driveway until Sunday.  On Sunday afternoon we made our short trek down to the KOA at Canandaigua.  It has been fun not only to see and spend time with Chris and family  but to see our co-workers and the seasonals who stay all summer at the KOA.  Initially, I didn't think that I'd enjoy the work camping experience at the campground but was willing to do it just to be able to see the kids all summer.  However, I found that I really enjoyed the time here not only with the family but with the other folks we worked with and the folks who return every summer to stay here.  We have had fun times, not so fun times and challenges but the time was well spent and we couldn't wait to get back.  When we drove into the campground on Sunday we were greeted royally with hugs and smiles and then to coffee and donuts at the local Tim Horton's coffee shop.  The trip to Tim Horton's has become a tradition for us and one of the other work camper couples.  It is not so much about the coffee (Curtis and Ruth don't drink it, but Shelby and I do) but is rather about the fellowship and friendship we have developed.  Ruth and Shelby are a couple originally from Louisiana who have been work camping for many years.  They are what my Mamaw Wilkes would have called "salt of the earth" folks.  They are about 4-5 years older than we are but are balls of fire working in their respective jobs.  And they are lots of fun!!!

Our grandchildren are growing like weeds and so much fun.  Acacia is popping out with the new baby boy.  Chris is busy with work and traveling but seems to be enjoying it more.  We saw both grandchildren move up to the next level in Awana last week.  Connor is now a TNT and McKenzie is now a Spark.  McKenzie had a hard time at soccer last Saturday and didn't play.  She got all shy and rather than making it too hard for her they just let her kick the ball with her dad and brother.   Next Saturday we will not be there and maybe her "stage fright" will dissipate and she'll get in the game.  Yesterday I came back to their house as Chris is out of town this week and they needed someone to be here in the morning after Acacia and McKenzie leave to make sure Connor gets on the school bus and then gets off in the afternoon.  My work week doesn't start until Thursday so I could help them out.  So last night I took Connor to the YMCA for his swim class.  He is a little fish even diving to the bottom of the deep end.  Of course, one of the highlights this summer will be the birth of baby boy Chance due the end of August.  Everyone is excited and looking forward to his arrival.  McKenzie has decided that being the ONLY girl is not such a bad thing, either.  

Zeke was greeted with lots of reactions from the apprehension of McKenzie to the over zealous playing of Connor and his allergic reaction.  He takes after his dad with the allergy but we just make sure he has his meds and eye drops and washes his hands frequently.  We are very pleased how well Zeke himself is adapting to his everchanging environments.  

All in all, we are settled in for the summer and already feeling blessed by so much.  Plus we are so thankful to the Lord for the travel mercies He gave us.  We saw lots of accidents some with fatalities on the trip up here this time.  So we are very grateful for our safe travels.