Outdoor Adventures

I love getting the kids outdoors as much as possible, and last week was great for this. Some friends have a farm west of San Antonio and we spent a full day there on Thursday. 

Despite the awesome outdoor adventures awaiting, the kids needed a little bit of a screen-time break. TV, iPads, iPhones, laptops. Funny kids.

The "mule" was a highlight. The kids could drive it themselves (and taught Elizabeth and Jonathan also), so they took many trips around the property throughout the day.

We did find one scorpion. But no black widows.

And yesterday we went to Cibolo Nature Center so Elizabeth could try out her revamped sailing vessel. They have a replica of a set of dinosaur footprints which everyone thought was so cool. 

It floats! And it can carry a kid (not a mom, however; I got a little wet trying). It wants to tip, so Elizabeth will be revamping again.

Starting Back to School

Elizabeth made delicious crescent rolls to bake for breakfast on our first day back to school.

We've only just begun to read "Swallows and Amazons" but Elizabeth has already tried to make a sailing vessel. It floats, but it won't hold anyone. She's going to add to it and see if she can make it work. 

We dipped our toe in the Back-to-School waters and just did two days this week. It's going to take some time. Each year takes a little more daily time to get school done. I do enjoy it though. It's nice to be able to do every day something that you enjoy.

Missouri Vacation

Mimi and Papa needed a picture of their grandkids for a project at church. I'm not sure we ever got an acceptable one.

Harrison on our first night traveling fell asleep while reading the map.

 Sweet corn, baby!

 This is the only picture I got of our time with my college roommate Jessica. Our kids got together to picnic at an island park on the Mississippi River.

 We celebrated Jonathan's 9th birthday. 

 We got to see Aunt Galen and cousin Alicia. We saw Aunt Kristy too at a Cracker Barrel, but I didn't get a picture. 

 Papa took the kids for a ride on the tractor.

 This is always a hit.

 Phoebe likes doing art projects.

 And we did get to swim one afternoon at the town pool. 

 And we stopped in to see Grandma Phoebe and Grandpa Harry. 

 The two Phoebes.

 Cutie Patootie. I read the Birth Order Book by Kevin Lemann while on vacation. Harrison is classic youngest child. Not sure that bodes well for him. We'd better stop spoiling.

VBS and Such

We had a neat VBS at church this past week. Mrs. Katy (whose brother was a bull rider, I just found out) was in charge this year and did a fabulous job. She is not in any of these pictures. Funny thing ~ when you're in charge of something, you're usually running around behind the scenes and don't necessarily get photographed.

Harrison is gettin' down to the music.

 The kids helped lead singing for church using the VBS songs.  

And this is one of the groups of kids I taught.

 Acting out the story of Gideon.

 If you are familiar with Minecraft, you might know who this is. The kids tell me it's Steve.

Waiting for Elizabeth to finish her orthodontist appointment.

Quick Trip to Louisiana

Momo is in the hospital and was not doing well, so my mom and dad made an unexpected trip down south so Mom can stay with her for a while. The kids and I drove over to see my parents and Momo for a couple days and stayed at a friend's house for the duration. Lots of fun despite the reason for the trip. It was good to see Momo.

Lots of people stopped to take a picture of this dog on a motorcycle outside of Houston. Houston traffic didn't bother me as much this time even though there was a wreck in front of us and a semi lost a tire beside us. San Antonio must be training me for crazy driving.

Elizabeth made quick plans to meet with a camp friend in Beaumont for lunch. She's a preacher's daughter too.

Cracklins. 

My first time trying them. I'll stick with the boudin' balls (which was also a first).

Meeting up with Aupa and Nana in the Walmart parking lot.

Nana is standing in front of the picture of this place from when she was a girl. I'm in front of what the place looked like when I was a girl (an ice cream shop). And Elizabeth is in front of the picture of the place now (a diner). 

Finally made it over to Teressa's house to stay the night. 

The next day we spent at Jennings Park. 

The kids totally caught a fish with their bare hands. I'm glad Teressa's kids can teach mine how a country boy can survive.

While the boys were catching the meal, the girls made a shelter.

And we always have to hold an alligator when we're at this park.

Teressa and her kids' first time at an airport. 

Aupa is catching a plane to fly back home.

Breakfast at Ruddock's bakery. My mom would sometimes take us here for donuts when we were kids. 

Bathroom stop at the courthouse. Teressa's boy made sure to leave his knife in the car. Love it. 

Harrison always loves the tractors. There were some neat displays at the county office.

And after another picnic at a park, we say our goodbyes to friends and Nana.