Fourth of July 2008

Originally uploaded by AmyMo

The next generation of my extended family. In this swing, three Barlows and a Morrison.

Thank goodness for this covered porch and swing, which kept this foursome and the four who wouldn’t fit in it all at once, occupied during the drizzling rain that was most of Fourth of July Friday.

Doug outdid himself on the grill again, with ribs and brats and chicken. JMo finally got to stay around long enough for trifle and cousin Laurie’s black beans and rice was the best I’ve ever tasted.

That houseful of children was loud, rambunctious and chaotic but went a long way towards dispelling some of the cloud hanging over this first family gathering without Grandpa Mo. His picture sat on the piano smiling out at the mess of us and I suspect every single adult in the room stopped by to smile back at least once.

I don’t think the pre-dinner doxology ever sounded better or provoked more emotion. We miss him greatly but his presence was strong.