Barnum...The Fun Continues

As mentioned in the previous post, after the proposal and breakfast with the Ohio crew, Brian, Parker, and I drove up to my uncle's place in New York for the remainder of the holiday.  Barnum, or also affectionately referred to as "The Valley" has deep roots in the McDivitt family.  My grandparents who were married over 50 years, lived in the same house and raised 5 boys there.  We are currently on the 4th generation of McDivitts in The Valley.  My dad remembers visiting his grandparents frequently, who lived just down the road from them, as they were the ones with a TV that the boys would be allowed to watch as a special treat.  For as long as I can remember, my family would take our summer trip back East for a few weeks, which included time at the farm and in Barnum.  Though both of my dad's parents have passed on, it still feels like home whenever I go back.  It was so special to be able to share both sides of my extended family with Parker this weekend.

Shortly after we arrived, we got right down to the usual in Barnum: 4-wheeling in the woods (always wet, muddy, and familiar-smelling, though no salamanders at this time in the year), going up to the cabin (a sentimental family place), riding the tire swing (which includes a launching platform, wire cable, hill, and dismounting platform), checking the sap lines (used for making maple syrup), and falling 3 large trees (that were too close to the new barn).  My lumberjack fiance embraced it all and fit right in. The three of us had so much fun!  

 

 

 

 

 

 We were also able to go into town to visit my cousin Molly's family and have a nice dinner with her husband and their two boys.  The guys all played tackle football until dark.  I just love family time and the holidays!

Saturday morning, we did more Barnum things like shoot guns at targets, chop up the 3 trees for firewood , and go for a walk in the woods.  All this before showering and cleaning up for my cousin Jonathan's wedding.  We drove 2 more hours up to Corning for the special event.  We saw even more relatives there and fit in a quick trip to the famous Corning Museum of Glass.  The ceremony was beautiful, and the reception was such a great time to visit with more family members.

 

 

 

 

 

All in all, this Thanksgiving is at the top of my list.  It was so good to be able to spend so much quality time with so many family members.  Brian was such a great traveling and adventure buddy for Parker and I.  Thanks, Bud, for all you did to make this such a memorable trip.  I can't wait to be with both my brother and fiance again.  This time, we'll all be in Montana with my family for Christmas in less than 3 weeks!