Cousins in Amish Country

My mother's family had ten children, and only two of the original children (and one in-law) are still living. Every 2 years the entire family gets together for a reunion. However, the girl cousins (first cousins) decided to get together on the off year from the big reunion; this was the 4th time we have met together as girl cousins.

We have been in Wheaton, Illinois, Nashville, and then last year we were at a lake cottage in Michigan. But this year we decided to go to Shipshewana, Indiana. We all stayed at the Farmstead Inn. There is never a dull moment when we get together! There were 23 of us there out of a possible 39.

The first night we spent some time just "catching up" on our families since the last time we met. Then we had some fun activities and games. There was a very special skit, involving hats, which I will have to share on another post. As you can see from the clock, we did not get much sleep that night! I think I finally got to bed about 1 am.

We had options for sight-seeing the next day. Most of us did some shopping. But when the Rupp cousins get together, there is always food involved! Cousin Rita said we must go to the Blue Gate Restaurant for home-made noodles and pie. And indeed we did! We had several different kinds of pie and were able to sample a bit of the others--Rheubarb, Custard, Butterscotch, and Old-fashioned sugar cream. They were all absolutely delicious--and amazingly, no calories involved!

Suzanne, Brenda, Lou (standing), Marlene and Linda.

Sheila, Lou, Rita, Tootie, Marilyn, and Delight
(I of course was taking the picture!)

That evening we all went to an Amish home for dinner. They have a building where they serve the dinners.

It was served family-style, and we had chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, noodles, green beans, a wonderful broccoli-cauliflower salad, and homemade bread and jam. Then for dessert--you guessed it--we had pie! We had a choice of fresh strawberry, chocolate, or rheubarb. Most of us had a small piece of each! As they would say on Hee-Haw, Yum, Yum!!

After dinner, we were treated to a tour of this Amish home. It was truly lovely, with beautiful woodwork; some of us were surprised to see that it seemed almost contemporary, with running water and gas appliances and lights.

After the tour, we enjoyed a horse and buggy (or wagon) ride, four at a time. The horse had a competitive spirit, and would speed up and try to race when a car or truck passed us.

What a fun evening! The Amish couple were gracious and fun and their 15 y/o daughter helped serve our dinner. The horses name was Frances (at least I think so--sometimes I'm not good with animal names either!)