Brazos Bend Park

We went to Brazos Bend Park today to see if the recent rains had filled any of the lakes that were decimated by the drought.

The lakes are filling. Lots of birds are happy. A beautiful Vermilion Flycatcher hiding in the branches. A photographer = )

One of the last things we saw...an alligator on a mud hill in a lake. Not until we got home did we notice that it had caught a nutria for lunch. An example of survival of the fittest.

Dylin's overnight and following day

Friday
Dylin loves to have sleepovers. Could it be because I usually buy her some clothes? Nah, I tested her this time when we were at the mall as she said she had brought her own money to spend. Indeed she did. She bought this new shirt, and then numerous necklaces and bracelets at Forever XXI.

Here she is modeling her new acquistions

Saturday
We had to get up early, 0630, as she had a basketball game down in Sugar Land. Practice was at 0730 so we had to be on the road by 7. After she had a huge bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios and a clementine orange, we got in the car and boogied on down the road.

Okay, so she missed the shot; but have you ever seen someone so enthusiastic about it?

After the game, we came back to the house as we had quite a bit of time to spare. We met Carolyn and Beau, and Beth and Savannah and walked the small lake with them. Dylin was quite taken by these special dogs and all the other dogs that were being walked.

Next we drove back down to Sugar Land to watch Aedin while she was taking her test to earn a yellow belt in Kook Sul Won, a Korean martial art form. Coverage of this will be a separate entry.

Meanwhile, Sneed was at a car show and festival benefitting Homes for our Troops at the George (H.W.) Bush Park. Dylin and I  joined him and had fun on the festival side.

Our first ride was the ferris wheel. We hadn't seen it move since we got there. We asked if it were running, and the man nodded yes. After collecting our tickets, he belted us in and pulled the bar up to hold us. We climbed upward and I got a photo of the flag suspended from a crane. Dylin was quite excited. Since we were the only ones on the ride and no one was clamoring to get on, we had 10 uninterrupted circuits before disembarking. Dylin also had fun 'driving' a Jeep.

She had seen the pony ride from the ferris wheel. From the sky, she picked out the pony she wanted to ride. There were some children riding on 4 of the 5 ponies when we arrived, so she changed her mind and rode HoneyBunch since she was the odd one out before. How thoughtful.

We worked our way back to where the motorcycles and cars were displayed. Dylin's favorite was the1932 Cadillac. Of course, she said she liked Marque too but he was in a different category.

Flags lined the drive about every 20 feet into and out of the American Shooting Centers located in the park and where the benefit was held.

After dinner, we drove a sleepy Dylin back to SL. "When's the next sleepover, Grandma?" she asked.

Aedin's Yellow Belt Kuk Sool Won test

Aedin had a rigorous one hour test in order to prove she was ready to advance to the next step, the Yellow Belt. She excelled and the smile on her face when she received the belt from the Master showed it was all worth it.
I have no idea what these moves are called so the photos will have to speak for themselves.

Aedin has a super high 'over the head' kick just like her Mom.

Following in the tracks of the Daytripper

Yesterday we watched "The Daytripper" on PBS. Chet Garner explores different areas in TX and showcases them oftentimes in a humorous vein. Thus our trip today to Smithville and Winchester. Here is the episode that inspired us. Take a look, it's really interesting and less than 30 minutes.

In Winchester we found Murphy's Steakhouse and it was closed on Sunday. As the sign on the front said, "Sunday, day of rest" and closed Monday. The ice cream parlor at the depot was closed as well. I can predict a return visit in the future.

The Smithville water tower beckoned us as we came into town on Route 95. In the center of town we found the Gingerbread Man "Smitty", the original of which is certified in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest baked gingerbread man.



Pockets Grill was Honey's Diner in the movie "Hope Floats" starring Sandra Bullock. (we've never seen it) The parking lot was full when we went by, a good sign that the locals eat there, so we joined them for lunch. Good food and lots of "Hope Floats" memorabilia on the walls.

The house in "Hope Floats". We'll have to rent the movie and fast forward to see what else we saw that was in the movie. Can you tell we're not moviegoers?

Chet also went to the car museum in Rosanky. We've been there before so didn't visit on this trip. It was a great way to pass the time on an overcast Sunday.

Bye, Bye, Burke

More Fun Times with Burke

Burke enjoyed a stroll around the large lake with my friends, Carolyn and Beth. He and Annemarie went back to the house before walking the small lake as it was rather humid and damp and he was somewhat congested.

While Burke napped after lunch, Annemarie and I worked on the baby quilt we had started last week. When he awoke and wouldn't stay in his poorly made playpen, I took him for another walk while Annemarie sewed. Then Brett, Annemarie, Burke, and I went to Taylor's for a scrumptious pasta dinner. Uncle Rob was out tutoring so we didn't get to see him.

Not easy taking a photo of a moving baby and an even faster moving Teddy, the Shih Tzu

"Auntie Taylor, what strange eyes you have". "The better to see you with, dear Burke"

Aedin puts on a Fashion Show

Erika crocheted the gingerbread dress when she was a young girl. The nightgown Dylin is wearing is one of the ones I made for my girls when they were younger.

Dylin reading a story to Burke

This was the first time that Dylin had read this book aloud since the days when I used to read it to them, over and over again. I was surprised she used the same cadence.

Burke having fun at Auntie Erika's

He's Baaaack! WooHoo!! Burke's in town

Another dose of Burke love. Annemarie, Brett, and Burke came to Hurst, TX, via a tour bus to attend a wedding there on Saturday. Since they arrived on Tuesday, they rented a car to come down for a few days to visit family.

 Burke visited Auntie Taylor at school at lunchtime, then went to Auntie Erika's for some more lovin'.

The Charmer himself in the American Girl doll bed that Aedin made with Erika's help.

Burke enjoys a giggle with Pistol, the Chihuahua, in Erika's backyard. He tried to chew Pistol's collar as it felt like his Daddy's leather belt.

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Erika's family came over for Fuzzy's yummy take-out pizza and a visit with Burke and his Mommy and Daddy, as well.

All good things must come to an end - but wait....

Sounds like an infomercial, doesn't it? However, how auspicious is this? Annemarie, Brett, and Burke will be here in TX for a wedding on Saturday, the 21st, and will be coming to Katy Wednesday and Thursday to visit with family, and Thursday we are all gathering at Erika's for dinner. How exciting!

Another walk, another snooze

On the path to Butterfly Beach

Clump of Monarch Butterflies that have migrated from the Colorado Rockies. They arrive around Halloween and reside in the Eucalyptus trees here. It wasn't warm enough for them to be flying around yet, however, this male Monarch was resting on the ground

To view Annemarie's blog about my week visit and see more photos, click here.

Shopping!

Burke having fun in the dressing room, then ready to eat at Los Arroyos

A Day of Fun

Annemarie went to the Gathering this morning for Bible study so Burke and I went for a stroll. Since he fell asleep fairly early into the walk, I strolled back home and sat out back with him while he slept and I read some more of the second book of the Hunger Games on Annemarie's iPad. It was a gorgeous morning to sit outdoors. When Burke awoke, we strolled off again and explored some more of the neighborhood.
When Annemarie returned it was close to lunchtime. Brett came with us to In-N-Out. Burke had cheese and grapes.

After lunch, we went to Infant Times 2. The class was at the continuing education campus right around the corner from where we ate lunch. Burke attended Infant Times 1 last 'semester'. He was very sociable and enjoyed all the activities. Such a wonderful opportunity for the moms to be with their children to sing, listen to stories, get tips on childcare, and commune with other moms. The class was from 1245-215!!

Rose Garden and Taffy's

Today, the PEP moms met at the  Mission Rose Garden for a play date with the children. Not only was their group there, but another group of PEP moms joined them to swell their numbers. And yes, that is a dad there with his daughter, Alma. Afterwards, we processed to Taffy's Pizza for lunch. The restaurant was giving 20% of its sales with special coupons to support the PEP groups. Not only did we have lunch there, but supper as well when Brett came with us.

A Walk Through the House

This morning the Moms gathered at Erika's home to commune with each other and their babies. Didn't take any photos there but did capture Burke practicing his walking skills at home.

To the Zoo and Fun at Home

Hadley gives Burke a smooch ~They are best friends

Annemarie's PEP Moms' Group and their babies ~ Betsy & Blaise, Annemarie & Burke, Erika & Madelynn, Amy & Paulie, Ashley & Maye

Otters at play

Annemarie and Burke share a profile ~ Brett and Burke playing

Houston to Santa Barbara for a Grandson Fix

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll dispense with the narrative. I love this smiley face.