"But in the east the sky was pale and through the gray woods came lanterns with wagons and horses, bringing Grandpa and Grandma and aunts and uncles and cousins"

This quote from Laura Ingalls Wilder paints a brilliant image of a family reunion. The sky in the east is pale, suggesting the morning hour, and the woods are gray, suggesting a misty environment. Through this mist, lanterns can be seen, brought by wagons and horses. These lanterns are bringing Grandpa and Grandma, in addition to aunts, uncles, and cousins, to the reunion. The images of the lanterns and wagons suggests a sense of anticipation and enjoyment, as the member of the family are coming together to celebrate. The quote records the happiness of a family reunion, and the anticipation of seeing liked ones after a long time apart.