Special Visitors

Earlier this month, my Grandpa and Aunt Pauline came out to NH for a visit. We were thrilled to have them and did our best to show them lots of fun things New England has to offer. The leaves weren't spectacular yet, but we still saw some pretty fall colors while we drove around. Christian was especially excited to have visitors and we quickly learned that out little boy is quite the showoff for company. Just wait till the whole Evers crew arrives for Christmas this year. He is going to go NUTS! Our first outing was a drive around the area. It was kind of chilly and overcast, but we also managed to get out to Lull Farm in Hollis to see all of the pumpkins, mums of every color, and every apple variety you can imagine. We picked a few apples so that Pauline could teach me some yummy recipes. Christian had a ball playing with the pumpkins. We capped off the evening with a little pumpkin carving. Ryan was the expert craftsman.

Wednesday was rainy, so we stayed in for part of the day. Ryan and Papa went to the covered shooting range (which is becoming tradition for all of our visitors,) to do a little target shooting. We thought that since Papa was in the military he would be at least a little familiar with a firearm. I guess they don't shoot that much in the Navy! However, Ry reported that Papa was a natural much like the other Evers men. He did great and was very willing to try all of the toys Ry brought. Have I mentioned that Papa is 90? Yes, 90. Here he is in action.


Meanwhile, the lady folk stayed home to bake. Pauling taught me how to make apple butter. I've always wanted to learn because it is so yummy. I've never canned anything till now. Look Mom! I canned something!


Thursday was much nicer and we ventured out for lunch at Pickity Place. It is a cute little home out in the middle of nowhere built in the 1700's. It has been turned into a restaurant that serves lunch made with herbs and vegetables that they grow on site. I fully plan to take all of the girls here when they come for Christmas. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was very festive. To top off the perfect afternoon, Christian was an excellent boy and didn't make a peep during the meal. I actually got to sit and enjoy my food without having to apologize for a screaming child. It was heaven.
We also took a trip to our local Budweiser brewery. I hear the tour is actually really interesting, but we went to visit the horses. The Merrimack brewery is one of three plants that house the famous Clydesdale horses. They have 18 there, but several were out touring. We watched two of them being groomed. These horses have it so good! Here is their stable. I think they live better than lots of people here.

The grounds are beautifully landscaped and there are several apartments on site for all of the horses' caretakers. They have lots of fun things to see, like some of the wagons they pull and their harnesses. Christian loved looking at the horses and running around all over the place!



Friday we drove north to the lakes region to take a cruise on the Belle around Lake Winnipesaukee. It is one of my favorite places in New Hampshire and I was so happy to be able to show it to Papa and Pauline. The lake was beautiful and the town was not even close to being as crowded as it is during the summer season. What a fun day!

We were so happy that we were able to share this special visit with Papa and Pauline. It was so fun to see my little boy get to know his great grandpa. I know he won't remember this visit when he gets bigger, but I will always have the pictures to remind him.