Of course, we had to make our rounds around the farm. At this visit, they had just had brand new baby kittens. The kids got to see them. They didn't even have their eyes open yet.
Kris tried to let Linc ride a calf.
We hung out in the gazebo.
We had a great time. But on Sunday, we had a really special time. It was a time where the Odessa Church of Christ honored Lyle and Roena for Lyle's service as an elder there for the past 18 years. They did not know that they were going to be honored and that that was why we had come up. That morning during the church announcements, they had them come up and put corsages on them.
After church we took some family pictures. The whole family was there except for Logan and Lindsey. This is Harley and Hannah. Hannah has THE best picture face!
All of a sudden a little monster popped up in the middle of the picture!
Lyle is hilarious. He had some gold teeth that he'd put in and was just a cheesin!
The whole family! Lincoln was being a stinker while we were trying to get this picture!
This is such a special congregation. They made a quilt for the Keims with all the different families pictures on it.
This was Roena and Lyle's reaction to the quilt.
Pretty cool.
There were several people that got up and talked about Lyle and Roena and told what they meant to them. This is Greg, the preacher. I loved hearing all the things that were said about them. They have made such an impact at this church. Different ones talked about their hospitality. They have got to be about the most hospitable people I have ever known. They are always having people over. Roena is a wonderful cook and they all talked about the multiple course meals that they would get when they'd go there for dinner.
This is Terry, one of their good friends. She talked about how great of a teacher that Roena is. She has such a unique way of getting people involved and is extremely creative. One of the things that she has made sure that all the ladies know is how to set a table. So, Terry had someone volunteer to come and do a table setting like Roena taught them. It was funny.
Terry had all the people who had ever been taught by Roena raise their hand. Just about the whole room raised their hand. She has made such a huge impact on all these people's lives.
They also talked about how Lyle is so witty and is a great listener. He knows how to tell people something without being offensive, but is able to make the point. This is a great quality to have--especially for an elder.
They had put together a slide show for them. It was really neat.
I had to put this one on here because that is a very young Kris sitting next to his mom, and his grandmother (Roena's mom) next to her.
Lyle. Not sure where this was taken, but I thought it was funny!
They know how to have fun--especially with their friends from church. This is Lyle pulling Roena in a wagon. No telling what the story is behind this. :-)
They love to play cards and I know they have people over all the time to do this!
I think this was taken at one of the Children's Home events that they are always involved with where they get people to bring things for the Children's Home. Roena is great at coming up with fun ideas to get people to participate.
That is Lyle on the right with a fellow elder, Mike.
Honestly, these are two very special people. I see so much of them in Kris. I really believe he got so many of their great qualities and I am so thankful for that! They have been unbelievable examples to the church there in Odessa and wonderful examples to their children and grand-children as well. I feel so blessed to be a part of their family!
Happy 49th Wedding Anniversary today, Lyle and Roena! Love you!