Camping

 Mark and I were just taking one camper out to Middle grove this morning but when we got to Joan's to hook it up we found the sleeve for the hitch receiver was missing and the hitch was loose enough that we were concerned about hauling a camper. We spent some time searching then just decided to order on but before we got it ordered, Mark discovered the sleeve had just been pushed back too far.  That caused the pin to bend just enough that the only way to get the hitch off was to cut off the pin. Thankfully Mark had the right tool at the right time. Notice in the picture below how there are gaps around the hitch. That is where the sleeve belongs. 

Once that was off the sleeve was put in the right place a new pin brought from the barn, the camper hooked up and I was on the way to the new campsite at Middle Grove. I was the first of our family to arrive. We parked the camper next to Ruth and Fedi's camper and had a lake view. It wasn't long before Phil and Anna's family, David, Israel and Elisabet, Taunya, Addyson, Jack, Jace and Abe arrived. Braelyn went fishing right away and right from the bank started pulling in bluegills

Joan came up with 3 nice bass.

These are the size we are supposed to eat out of the lake. She caught a monster bass, got a picture then let it go.  Phil also caught one of the monster bass. Phil also had maybe a 20 pound catfish on the line, he worked and worked to get it up but was not able to get it into the boat. The line snapped as he was trying to lift it in. Below David, Phil, Taegan, Israel and Berlica are using the solar powered raft to fish in the 10 acre lake.

Joan brought mom out this morning and mom really enjoyed watching the fishing and feeling the pleasant breeze. Each time Joan asked her if she was ready to go back she turned her down until after 3:00 pm.

Fedi started working on our dinner for the night, his famous Hungarian Goulash or as Fedi says Hungarian Houlash.  This dish takes at least 4 hours to cook plus add time for preparing the meat.

Below the lamb Fedi butchered for Easter is the main ingredient.

Faith took me on the 4 wheeler to the 50 acre lake where the grandchildren were playing on a raft. Diane decided it was time for a boat ride so we all piled on the pontoon boat.

We actually saw another boat on the lake for the very first time. Usually our family are the only ones out on the lake.

Diane took the boat to a great place for the kids to jump off and swim for a while. When we finally got back the kids went back to playing on the raft while I walked back to the campsite. I stopped to take the picture below.

I also saw some water lilies blooming.

Braelyn came back up and grabbed a pole and immediately caught another bluegill. 

She was just using one small kernel of corn as bait.

It was almost time for supper by the time the kids came back. Fedi's meal wasn't quite finished but the kids were starving so they started cooking hotdogs and brats over the fire. We were fine with that, more of Fedi's for the adults. Below is a video of Fedi's meal.

After the meal Mike took all who wanted to go on a jeep ride to see the horses. He had to use the trailer to fit everyone on.

When we reached the first gate Berlica jumped out to open that.

We climbed some pretty steep hills, I was in the front but looked back to snap the picture below.

When we saw the herd, Mike stopped and yelled Dancer Dancer.  Dancer made her way over then the kids got out to feed carrots and apples to the horses.

Below is Irish, Valerie and Tess.

After everyone had a chance to pet the horses we started back on the tour. We went to the top of a hill and could see the horses.

The horses can be seen in the picture below way off grazing.

When we got back it was time to make dessert and the s'more stuff was brought out.

Ruth came up with the idea to add peanut butter and we all agreed, that was the perfect ingredient for this treat.

It was not quite dark when the fire works were bought out.

The video below was taken during the many activities of the day.