The Family Farm

Every family has a place where memories are etched into time—a place where stories are born and passed down, weaving generations together. For Grammi, that place is the family farm. It’s where her father and his siblings grew up, where she spent her childhood playing hide-and-seek in the cornfields, climbing through a maze of hay bales in the barn, and making memories that still light up her face. On this next leg of our journey, we follow the road back to that same farm in central Illinois, now home to her cousin Dan and his wife, the third-generation owners of this cherished land.

Just a few days ago, we were enjoying trail rides with Dan and Julia through Wisconsin’s scenic countryside. Now, we’ve set up the travel trailer on their farm, eager to see the family and reconnect with the past. Grammi’s great-grandfather, a German immigrant, settled in this area at the turn of the last century, and generations of his descendants have called it home. Over the years, the farm has hosted countless family gatherings and holiday celebrations, becoming a cherished place in Grammi’s heart.

I vividly remember family reunions soon after Grammi and I married. We would drive from Florida to join the lively gatherings at a local park where dozens of cousins, aunts, uncles, and even distant relatives gathered, some traveling from miles away—just like us. Great aunts would bring old photos to share, while the uncles told stories from the past. Under a large pavilion, tables overflowed with fried chicken, casseroles, salads, desserts, and more. Laughter echoed through the trees as the kids ran wild, and the uncles joined in for friendly games of “Ducky on the Rock.” Grammi’s family welcomed me with open arms, and I quickly grew to admire their warmth and generosity.

As time passed, the gatherings grew smaller, and in recent years, Grammi has lost four beloved aunts and uncles. Their stories, once taken for granted in the bustle of life, live on in our memory. A few of the cherished older relatives still remain, their presence making each visit even more precious. Returning to the farm feels more meaningful than ever, not just as a nostalgic journey, but as a way of keeping the family spirit alive.

When we told our youngest daughter about our plans to visit the family farm, she immediately said she’d love to join us. It had been years since she last visited, and this would be the perfect chance to bring her husband and daughter to see the farm and meet the family. Not long after, our oldest daughter decided she didn’t want to miss out either, and quickly made plans to join us. We were thrilled at the thought of reuniting with our daughters and  granddaughter. They made the arrangements, booked flights, and soon, their visit was set in motion

Grammi and I deeply cherish family connections and time spent together. These moments strengthen the bonds and create memories that enrich our lives. If you’ve been following our journey, you’ll recall it began with our youngest daughter, her husband, and our sweet granddaughter joining us for the first two weeks. It was a perfect start to our summer, traveling together in a caravan of campers. Together, we explored three beautiful state parks in Georgia before heading to Kentucky, where we camped at My Old Kentucky Home State Park. In Bardstown, our oldest daughter, her husband, and his parents flew in to join us, staying at an Airbnb nearby so we could all explore the bourbon trail together.

That week was filled with laughter and countless cherished family memories. As the week drew to a close, everyone headed home, leaving Grammi and me to continue the journey on our own. It’s been over ten weeks since then, and while we’ve cherished every moment of this adventure, we’ve missed them immensely—especially our granddaughter’s hugs and kisses. Having them join us at the farm feels like we’ve come full circle, a delightful and unexpected treat.

I’ve often said—and may have even written in this blog before—that there’s always something to see and adventures to be had no matter where we decide to park our camper. Even in the cornfields in central Illinois, there’s plenty to explore.

Before our kids arrived, one adventure took Grammi and me to Pontiac, the town where she was born. As a notable stop along the famous Route 66, Pontiac embraces its history with the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum. The museum, packed with memorabilia from one of America’s most iconic highways, provides a fascinating glimpse into an era before interstate highways transformed travel. Upstairs, a section dedicated to local military veterans displays artifacts and uniforms from the 20th century, adding a deeper layer to the historical experience.

Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum

We spent another day wandering through shops and antique stores in Utica. In Ottawa, we discovered some of Grammi’s old haunts, reliving her childhood as we drove past the places where she once lived. We even retraced the path she used to walk to school in the snow, bringing back fond memories of her early years.

The arrival of our kids was an emotional reunion. It was astonishing to see how much our granddaughter had grown in just a few months—she’s now crawling and almost walking. Dan and Julia hosted a wonderful day around the swimming pool and party house, where our daughter introduced her husband and baby to the family. It was a perfect opportunity for everyone to reconnect, enjoy good food, and savor each other’s company.

Grammi and I spent a day with our kids, highlighted by a visit to Tanners Orchard, a family-owned farm renowned for its apple orchards and pumpkin patch. It’s a popular destination, especially in the fall when it hosts a festival. We were impressed by the expansive grounds and the wide range of children’s activities. We also enjoyed exploring the indoor farmers market and bakery. Our granddaughter was captivated by the goats, which pranced across a bridge specially built for them.

On another day, Grammi took the kids to explore the dell area of Matthiessen State Park fully immersing themselves in nature and admiring a waterfall.

Then they went to Starved Rock State Park, a place Grammi often visited as a girl. They explored trails and hiked to waterfall there, as well. Despite the unusually hot weather, they found joy in being outdoors and making new memories.

At the farm, much of our time was spent simply being with family—sharing meals and enjoying each other’s company. It’s in these simple, heartwarming moments that we truly appreciate the essence of our journey. Returning to the farm, with its deep family roots and cherished memories, reinforced the importance of family connections and the joy of sharing such experiences with loved ones.

Grammi was in tears when we dropped the kids off at the airport. She says she’s not sure why, but she always feels emotional during those goodbyes. She cried again the next day when we hooked up our trusty travel trailer and said goodbye to Dan and Julia. Leaving after such a heartfelt visit brings a bittersweet feeling of nostalgia and longing. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dan and Julia for graciously opening their hearts and home to us, making sure our visit was truly memorable. 

Until next time…happy days and save travels.