Dave and Jan enjoyed a visit to Huron, South Dakota where their daughter Alissa, her husband Dr. Andrew Crandall (pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Huron), and their four boys have lived for the past ten years or more. The four grandsons are keeping their parents busy – as young boys do! They are growing normally – all attending the same school (James Valley Christian School).

At ten years of age Levi, the oldest, is showing some interest in sports.  We watched several football games together, and he took his interest to the park where he played catch with a football with his father.

Levi’s younger brother, Elijah (8), was wearing the facial markings of a football player as well, but he was busy playing on playground equipment patterned after a rocket in the city park.

Silas, who had just turned 6, enjoyed playing with a new toy drone (along with his brothers) which he received as a birthday present from his grandparents.

And Ephraim, the youngest of the brothers (4), decided to clarify his vision with the addition of some glasses belonging to Mr. Potato Head!

Among several meals enjoyed with the family was the Sunday evening meal featuring eggs (with cheese) and pancakes which Andrew and Alissa worked together to prepare in the family’s kitchen.

The two-and-a-half day drive each way took Dave and Jan through many miles of interesting scenery – through miles of colorful and interesting rock formations in Utah, over the Rocky Mountains to Denver in Colorado, and through the Sand Hills of northwestern Nebraska.  On the drive home they stopped to view the interesting geology of the Badlands National Park in Southwest South Dakota.  Both the sharply eroded buttes and pinnacles and the herds of long-horned sheep were very interesting to observe.

How nice to have the time and resources and freedom – in spite of the many inconveniences of the Covid-19 Pandemic – to enjoy the blessings of family as well as the amazing beauty and variety of our nation!