cherries, cherries, cherries!

Wilferd and Gladys Thiessen invited us to their home, but not to visit...It's the time of year to pick CHERRIES! It wasn't hard to get they guys to agree to help, once they invisioned all of those cherry pies!

"Didn't 'Abraham Lincoln' once cut down one of these trees?"

This reminds me of a scene from "The Sound of Music", except that they aren't all dressed in some old drapes!Wilferd and Gladys came out to visit with us, and watch the action.

Well Amanda, it was a nice thought, but shaking the tree didn't make any cherries fall to the ground!See Sarah sneakily secluded in the scenery!!

Daniel and Amanda sitting in a tree...P-I-C-K-I-N-G!

Cheery Charity chooses choice cherries.

One well-placed overripe cherry can cause quite a commotion... But one shouldn't throw them at the camera lady!

Sarah, don't do it! Daniel was not a good example...

We picked nearly 5 gallons of cherries that day, and yet the tree appears to be as full as before we picked! It reminds me of a Bible story about a widow lady and her oil! Thank you Thiessens. This will be a treat!

the Graduates Gym party

When we asked the graduates if they'd like anything special for their graduation, they all agreed that they'd like a gym night with volleyball...cinnamon rolls and ice cream cake.

The volleyball crowd grew and grew as the evening progressed. Young people and parents all participated to make it an enjoyable time for all.There were so many people playing, that they split into 4 teams, rotating in and out after 11 points were scored.

The action was intense at times.And the cinnamon rolls and the ice cream cakes gave everyone the needed energy to go on for several hours.
Did I mention, we served lemonade as well? (We were so sick of sugar by the end of the evening) Those who rotated out got a short break and snack before they went back in for another round.We were thankful for a fun and safe evening.
During the clean-up, the girls took time for a photo op!
Hannah with Joey Flora...it doesn't look like he's too thrilled to have Hannah carrying him around.

"Charity, you're sideways!"

Finally, the kids that were left to help with the clean-up, got organized...but not for cleaning!

All of the graduation festivities have ended, and we anticipate God's work in these 3 graduates. Congratulations!

The reception following the graduation

Receptions are always such a relief, because it means that the main event is over! Once we reached the reception, it was just a matter of letting the servers serve, and visit with people who have played a significant role in Samuel's life. The servers were such a great help.

The lines started to grow, coming from both sides...
but they kept up with the crowd.
Cindy Chaney manned the kitchen, and refilled all of the bowls and pitchers as was needed. Thanks Cindy! Each of the graduates greeted their guests next to their table.
James Gerlach

Sara Flora

And Samuel

Samuel was greeted by many friends and family-

The Smiths

Loewens

Esther Grandpa and the Boltons

Grandma Jonathan

Some friends from Grace Baptist Church

Friends from New Hope Bible Church

Some family:

Mary Lou and Orin Elder- Grandpa Massey's cousins

The Massey men- left to right:

Justin, Rick, Samuel, Larry, Brian

Dave and Rachel- Ethan and Jonathan

Thanks to everyone who attended Samuel's graduation and reception. We also appreciate those who prayed for him, even though they were unable to attend. So many people have had a profound influence on his life. Thank you.