This evening was the summer office picnic for the people who work with Certain Man at Public Health.  There were not very many people who could make it, but it was a really neat group of people, and the nice thing was that the group of people who were here were friends.

The rain this week had done wonders for the flower beds.

     

On the left is one of our side gardens, the right is a corner of our patio.

Jhe “Jones Express” was running, to the great delilght of the children:

 

Youngest Daughter had the pleasure of driving the lawn tractor.
(She really isn’t grouchy.  The sun was in her eyes.)

This is what came after.  Danielle, Jeron, Justin, and Mitch.

There were bikes to careen about, with little brothers braving the ride.
(Rachel was babysitting Justin and Jeron for the evening, so they got to be a part of things, too.)

 

Danielle always looks for the climbing tree.

 

 

And interesting things happen when you put bubble makin’s into the bird fountain.  (We should have really clean blackbirds, don’t you think?)

   

My Sweet Mama came, and brought her famous Chocolate Sheet cake.
(Everyone’s favorite!)

 

Joyce, Donna and Darlene discuss public health headaches. 
(Seriously, they were!!!) 

Certain Man talks to Eldest Daughter and Beloved Son in Law.
It was so nice to have them join us. 
They both helped out in numerous and necessary ways.

And then there was Ice Cream to crank!

 

Beth takes her turn.

 

Certain Man pokes down the ice while Beth’s husband, (the other Daniel) takes his turn at the crank

 

The children love to help.  Jeron makes me laugh to watch him. He cranks in an almost languid fashion, which is most unusual for this little guy!

 Here, Danielle gets herself set up to churn away. and as the ice cream starts to harden, she finds that she needs a little assistance.

 
Here she almost strains her gizzard to move the crank.

 

So, Justin tried the crank —  

And Lawson turned the crank (As did all the males present.)

And slowly and surely, the icecream got harder and harder.  Everyone had what they needed, and there was some even left over. 

All to soon, it was time for everyone to go home. Certain Man, Beloved Son in Law and Eldest Daughter helped pick up things and put stuff away.  Certain Man did not stop until he was satisfied with how things  were done, and the cars were back in the garage.  It was a sweet day!

Thank-you, dear friends for coming to share an evening with us