The Wilkes Team

“For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the skies…Hill and vale, and tree and flow’r, Sun and moon, and stars of light…”

Deep within every young man is a desire for adventure and time outside of buildings, city limits, and big interstates. There is a time when one just yearns for a walk amidst the secret untold glories of open fields, windy creeks, and thorn bushes . What a blessing it must of been for Adam of Genesis to daily walk in a garden of perfect serenity and beauty. Such a desire came upon 5 young men this past Thursday. The cold and pending wintry weather couldn’t keep back the urge. Bounding into our old pick-up truck with coats, hats, and gloves, we zoomed……..drove out to Culpeper, Virginia. For almost 3 hours we ran around 90 acres of open fields, windy creeks, and yes those ever present thorn bushes in search of rabbits, quail, grouse, deer, beavers, and whatever else may come our way.

Adam and I climbed up into the deer stand and quietly searched the landscape for any signs of wild life. Daniel even brought down a dove which we enjoyed for dinner later on that evening. Kenan and Matthew chased a rabbit or two. All in all, it was a joy to romp around and enjoy each other for a couple hours. Our trip was complete when we entered a warm, cozy home and sat down to another one of Mom’s famous suppers.

7 Comments » | posted in Family News, Outdoor Adventures

Birthday’s are always a joyous occasion and last weekend was no exception! The Wilkes clan, the Roche team and all of us gathered together at Grandpa and Grandma Wilkes’ home to celebrate and show are appreciation to the best Grandfather in the world.

The evening began with much wholesome and encouraging conversations and carried through to a most delicious dinner. The time of giving gifts was a joy to watch as the young ones all showed great “initative” in helping Grandpa open each gift. What creativity was shown! From beautiful art work to home made maple spread. As Grandpa was finishing opening his gifts Sarah and I played a special arrangment of Nearer Still Nearer on our violins. Josh and Daniel joined us then on their cellos, and we played our first hymn arrangment as a strings quartet!

Grandpa’s Birthday is not complete though unless Grandma’s famous German chocolate cake is present! So with candles a glow, and not only on one cake but THREE cakes, we sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed all three. As we left that evening, the joy of the Lord filled our hearts, Grandpa was blessed, and the Lord was honored!

3 Comments » | posted in Family News