Together

 For many of the typical busy American reasons, we have not had the whole our family together in one place since the marriage of our third born, six years ago. 

"As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
 When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, and its place acknowledges it no longer.
 But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,
 and His righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep His covenant and remember His 

 precepts to do them." (Psalm 103:15-18)

So, by God's grace, we have five children and sixteen grandchildren. We are indeed blessed to have seen them and feel the fullness of them happily running around in the same space. Their personalities are as different as night and day. Take for instance this little girl. She is rare to not smile and make friends with anyone, young or old.

This little guy is a bit more serious, though I'd say too new to know much of his personality. Will he be like Mom or Dad? Time will tell.

She likes her daddy, especially around new people, but she warmed up after a bit.

To think that she is a big sister to the one in the frontal pack.

Yep, he is the younger brother of his smiley sister.

It is a joy to see them content.

Mamaw and Dad catching up.

Some in that family don't smile as much (I am not telling every detail of who they belong to.). There is just too much to take in.

Our daughter and our oldest grandchild who recently turned 13.

Her little brother is a bit small for his age but he makes up for it in smarts.

Our oldest grandson is recently turned 12, but you would not know it if you stood beside him at 5'9" tall.

Bright light somewhat distorts her smile.

From the picnic pavilion is this view of the lake. 

The young ones were truly fascinated by the train.

The train moves along next to the shore where Canada Geese, Mallards, and numerous fish reside.

Having 4 sons and one daughter, we only have one son-in-law.

Number #2 and number #8 of my oldest son.

Our two youngest sons being dads on the playground.

Dad and Mom with their oldest and youngest. Makes me feel old to realize that our son just turned 40.

Womenfolk are usually the last to eat.

Here is further confirmation of their fascination with the train, though I think that a boat had their attention at the moment I took this picture.

Here is a better perspective.

I was cautious and did not take out my phone to take pictures while on the lake. With my three oldest grandchildren, we canoed to the other end where there is a dam and a cascade.

My second favorite picture of the day was taken by my daughter as I took five grandchildren from my two oldest children for a spin about the lake. Something about the lighting and water makes the canoe appear to be hovering.

A passerby helped us out so that all 28 of us could be in the picture together. It is a near impossibility to get everyone to look toward the camera with smiles and eyes open, so I included the two best attempts.

"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:3-5