My Texas Family

Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family.

~Anthony Brandt

I am so grateful to my parents for sending me a plane ticket so

I could come out for a short visit. I took in some sights in Dallas,

a freezing night time concert, a couple of tee ball games, a shopping

trip for maternity clothes and a wonderful family dinner. Considering

I was only there for a couple of days, I can't imagine what more we

could have possibly fit in.

The Dallas skyline

My Dad has a client near these mustangs. Every

time he sees them he thinks of Jenna, who just

loves horses. So, of course, while we were out

seeing the sights, he brought me to see these.

This is the new Dallas Cowboys stadium. It was

amazing! (Which I hate to admit because I am

an anti-fan of The Boys) Those glass panes are

really doors that can slide back so it is all open.

We were hoping to take a tour but it was closed.

My sister Amy and her sweet boy Evan.

After our sightseeing, we met The Berry's and
my Mom for lunch for some Mongolian stir fry.
It was mmm, mmm, good!

Amy and Allen, staying close to stay warm.

For dinner, we went to enjoy an outdoor concert

and bbq. It might possibly be the coldest picnic

I have ever been on. It was expected to get into

the 40's that night. This Florida girl does not enjoy

the cold weather. However, she does enjoy a

yummy brat, cold beer, great music and even

better company. It was a fun night!

Evan has been practicing wiggling

his hips when he dances. He got

A LOT of practice that night.

Isaac and Spencer Lemons,

adventurers extraodinaire.

These boys took advantage of the open

field to create all kinds of adventures.

Here they are walking so carefully so

they didn't fall into the lava. I'm happy

to report that they were successful!

WHEW!

Coach "Dad"

Saturday started with tee ball games.

Greg is the coach for Spencer's team.

They play Blast Ball, with is similar to

tee ball but less structure...and much

more amusing. The other team had kids

laying in the field, wandering around and

one even joined in with Spencer's team while

they were running the bases. My sister and I

were cracking up watching these cute kids!

For most of the game, Spencer played first base.

He also spent a good part of the game chatting
with the other coach. These bases are funny

because they "honk" when you jump on them.

So, all through the game, the kids on base would

jump up and down making it squeak.

Isaac played catcher for the first

part of his game. He was all business.

He didn't even look at us as we cheered

for him. As soon as the batter hit, he

would jump to the front of the plate to

be ready for the play to be at home plate.

Great job Isaac!

"Amy, how do I make Evan laugh?"

Isaac was very proud of his "eye blackers".

Beautiful Mommas, Amy (in black) and Angie

(in brown)

I'm going to be an aunt again...twice! Amy is

due at the end of January and Angie is due

about a month later. The main event of the trip

was to take them on a shopping trip to stock up on

some new maternity clothes. They both found

some great outfits. Once back to my parents,

we made them do a modeling show so we

could see everything they purchased.

Spencer having dessert after the yummy

roast dinner my Dad made for us. Angie

was less than thrilled with the Halloween

treats our parents gave her kids.

Grandma taste testing a mouse.

Yum...super giant spiders!

"Hi Jenna!

During each visit to Grandma and Grandpa's

house, Evan asks to take a trip down the hall

to "visit" his cousins. He especially loves to

say "Hi to Ian, Jenna and SANTA CLAUS!"

(Last December, we happened to bump into

Santa on the beach and he was nice enough to

stop for a picture)

Thanks to my parents, sisters and their families

for showing me such a wonderful time. I was sad

to head home...until I walked in the front door

and was greeted with several Welcome Home

messages taped to the doors and the happy

shrieks of "Mom's home!".

When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses. ~Joyce Brothers