Our first day in SD, continued...

Upon arrival at Dorena's grandparents' place (where she frequently stays) around 11:00AM on Friday, we were greeted by sunny smiles from our much loved friend. After many hugs and laughs, and then a few introductions, we sat down to a meal of fried chicken, salad, and lemon meringue pie--eating with the grandparents and Ethan and his new bride, Katie. After kitchen clean-up duties were through, and the potato soup was on the stove boiling, Dorena called around to her married siblings that live nearby to find out if we could visit any of them. We ended up going to visit Luke & Amber and their little ones in the later part of the afternoon...

Here's Dorena with her adorable niece, Lucille:

Amos, reading his book (his mama, Amber is on the left and Katie is on the right side of the couch.)

Miranda and I were able to hold the cuties for just enough time to snap a few pictures before they were off and running again...

One happy biscuit boy!

We visited with Amber for over an hour and then Luke came home from fencing, so we visited a little while more before heading for the neighborhood community volleyball game, held in a big building that was right out in the middle of nowhere it seemed. We played several games of volleyball, then ate a potluck meal and had a Bible study. I didn't get more than this picture while there, as I was too busy doing what I was supposed to be doing: playing ball and eating and studying...

When we returned to the grandparents' place, Ethan invited us girls over to their place for ice cream. (Sorry, no pictures of that either. We were too busy giggling...) Even though it was after 11:00, we headed over there very willingly. Several spoonfuls later, around midnight, we girls (including Ethan's Katie) went over to the grandparents' house and watched "The Inheritance". Oh, and the picture below is of when I gave Dorena her birthday gift from me... (The cake was a present as well. :) )

(Below: Miranda--in the tipsy chair; Dorena--cozied up on the couch; Katie--looking on.)

It got to be a late night, but not quite as late as the next night.............

~To be continued~