Giving Thanks

For the first time in about four years, we decided to join my daughter April and grandson Jack on a trip to Sturgeon Falls, where my sister lives. We used to make this an annual affair, however, since we have stopped camping in that area, we do not get up to Sturgoen very often. So we packed up our bags, shipped the dog off to a sitter to enjoy three days of freedom, family, and fall weather.

My sister lives near a place called Leisure Farms, where, along with berry picking, they do pumpkins in the fall. For a mere seven dollars, you can enjoy a day out in the country with many activities.

We were joined by my nephew and two great nieces, another treat for me as I don't get to see them often. We started off with a wagon ride into the bush where fire pits were set up to cook hot dogs, marshmallows or whatever else you wished. My sister chose to bring homemade raisin bread and jams and we feasted on those. We were lucky to have a glorious fall day with sunshine and not too cold out. After our feast, we went to an area where the kids could jump around on hay bales, or for two bucks a pop, you could shoot pumpkins out of cannon. We went back on the wagon to the play area where there was pumpkin decorating for the kids, with hot chocolate and cookies, and another play area with bouncy rides and swings. I got to enjoy the time with the girls and Jackson, watching them play filled me with great joy. Afterwards, we got to pick out our Halloween pumpkins then head for Maggie's for a nice dinner. I got time to spend with my nephews, age 17 and 18, great boys on the brink of manhood.

It was a wonderful family time, and I was thankful to be there. After all, that's what giving thanks is all about.