Growing

I have noticed that grandchildren grow even faster than children.  It's just not right!  They are suppose to stay little longer! But alas, telling them doesn't work, bricks on their heads doesn't work, even not buying any bigger clothes doesn't work....sigh.  Instead I guess I will enjoy each new age and stage as it comes even if that is too fast.  Stole these from Lex's Facebook page **grin**

He's 10 months old now!

Home again!

We are home again from another grand adventure!  I do think I'm starting to really get into this whole retirement thing *cheshire cat smile*.  This time around we went over to the Houston area to go to Texas Renaissance Festival.  We also had some friends join us on this trip!  We drove over on Friday, did the Faire on Saturday and Sunday, then chilled out and played in Houston on Monday and Tuesday and drove home Wednesday.  Our friends came home Monday night but had as much fun at the Faire as we did!  In the couple weeks leading up to the Faire, we were all busy sewing costumes.  Mykhal made new tunics, a vest, pants, and a cloak for himself with only a bit of guidance and help cutting things out from me!  He could be quite the tailor let me tell you!  I made Kerrie a cloak as well as making Russ two more pair of pants, and a vest.  Russ and I had both ordered some additional costuming pieces online and picked up a few more the first day of the faire.  So much fun!  My friend Jessie made the costumes for herself and family (with a bit of help from me so it would go faster).  The kids stuck together and did their own thing and we all had such a wonderful time!  We did meals together at the camp site and that was fun too.  Can't wait till next time!  Ok here are some pictures ....

Birthdays abound

So last week, on the 4th, we once again hit the road!  September is a busy birthday month for us!  My mom's is the 7th, Russ' grandma's is the 9th, and Russ' dad's is the 11th.  Our little Nathan's birthday is today!  Shortly after Nathan went to Heaven some VERY dear friends of ours gave us a bear with instructions on naming a star for Nathan.  In the past 3 1/2 years the timing just never seemed right.  Then when it did seem right too many other life things were happening.  We had hoped to get the star picked before Lex and family moved, but it just didn't happen.  So we decided to celebrate his birthday by choosing his star this year.  We are all excited to do this later today!
Now, backing up a bit....
We hit the road on the 4th and drove up to the Dallas area.  We had dinner with my folks that evening then spent the next day with them to celebrate my mom's birthday a little early.  It was the day my folks did a devotional time with one of the local Senior Centers so I got to experience one of life's purest joys.....I got to play the piano for my mom to sing and got to hear my Dad share his heart on scripture.  I began accompanying my mom as a preteen.  Dad use to say we had our own little dog and pony show with him preaching, me playing and mom singing.  Precious memories for sure!  We spent that afternoon visiting and catching up a bit then I cooked dinner for them.  Brisket had cooked int he crock pot all day and boy was it yummy!  We had german potato salad, a lovely green salad, and then brownies for dessert.

The 6th we hitched up again and drove up to the Tulsa area.  Russ' folks went up too so we got to camp together!  The 7th we enjoyed a quieter morning and then Russ and his dad went to pick up Great Grandma and Aunt Connie.  Russ' mom had decorated up a little pavilion in the camp site so we set up all the good food there and enjoyed the pleasant weather.  Well that is until the storm blew in!  It hit an hour earlier than we had thought it would and it hit hard and fast!  We all nearly blew away!  We got a bit wet, but we all made it safely back to the trailers and finished our little party there.  It was a wonderful time with family!  4 generations together!  Great Grandma turned 94 this year!  After returning the ladies back home safely we had a quiet evening.  The8th we went into Claremore and enjoyed a couple of museums there.  If you are ever up in the area be sure to stop in at the Will Roger's Memorial Museum!  What a treat!!  I didn't get many pix this trip, but this view was too pretty not to capture.  I was looking out over the Will Rogers' family tomb area into the beautiful Oklahoma countryside.

The 9th found us on the road once again back to the Dallas area.  We were able to have dinner with my folks again and then got things ready for our third party of the trip.  With lists made we ran to the store on the 10th and then headed over to Russ' folks house to visit and catch up a  bit.  Then in late afternoon Russ' brother and family came over and we enjoyed cooking for Dad's birthday!  Steaks, mashed taters, gravy, stuffing, green beans, and then pecan pie, angel food cake, and banana pudding for dessert!  YUM! Oh can't forget the garlic bread and corn muffins!  Talk about STUFFED!

It was a wonderful evening!

We headed home on the 11th and since I was having sinus headache and there were some cross winds I  drove us home.  I even pulled the trailer through the gas stations WITHOUT hitting anything or anyone!  It was a leisurely day but we were very glad to park the trailer and unhitch.....at least for a few weeks!  Life is NEVER dull!