Saturday, July 12, 2008

Sweaty Summer

We are now between trips. I have a load of things to do, but no motivation other than to share these pictures with any interested party. The last 2 1/2 weeks have been a true blessing. We have not had such a length of time in what seems like ages, filled with loving folks and gentle fellowship and minimal stress. The Friday before we left, Brendan and Sarah had us over for supper. It was a wonderful and rejuvinating evening.


Here sweet niece shows off her pink toenails.

The swings were the main event of the evening.

Dear Sarah made coffee after supper and we enjoyed being outside.

Hm. All I'll say is, "This is when the boys begin to learn how to play 'together' and WITH OTHERS".


The day after, Sunday, we were invited to share lunch with some old friends from the CSC and Schmille family. Wonderful. They are very diligent parents and friendly people who treated us to a delicious lunch. Unfortunately conversation was cut short as we had to take off to prepare for the Taco Hut Benefit Dinner the following day.


The drive to TX was awesome. There were only two, maybe five-minute, points when Toby was unhappy with being in the car, but otherwise it was totally pleasant. I am so proud of the little travelers. Ranne watched trains and windmills and 'nodding donkeys' the whole way. At one point Ranne asked what trains ran on. Scott said deisel and Ranne responded, "NO, they don't. They run on buggers and bears because they're going to be mean to each other." He proceeded to discuss fights between trains. Eh? Here's Toby below, navigating Texas for us.


We stopped in Abiline to visit some of Scott's fam. They have a beautiful home in the boonies. Their daughter greatly entertained the boys. Unfortunately I did not get good people pics there as most of our visiting was outside at dusk. But here's one shot from their backyard.


When at Dad and Brenda's, we relaxed a lot, took evening walks, ate a TON of food (I can still feel the effects), and had a few fun jaunts as well as met with their church family three times. Here's our general feeling after most meals:


It rained a lot:


Ranne enjoyed a fishing expedition with the guys. They caught several fish. Ranne talked with the church about it, a stocker in Wal-Mart and everyone else. He enjoyed practicing with his pole out in Papa's yard. He really does well casting!


Enjoying around the house time:





FOURTH OF JULY:

Delicious hot dog supper with fruit and homemade ice cream.


Toby watched quietly without getting more than a little upset, but he did grip Scott's shirt and cuddle throughout. The fireworks were put on by a Bellville citizen and were great. Everyone parked in his yard and down the streets and enjoyed the time together. Very fun.



We also were treated to a day on the boat. Ranne liked it, especially swimming around with Dad, Mom and Papa, as well as climbing up and down the boat ladder. Toby, well, here was his general feelings:

He did crack a smile once as Nana tickled his feet and when the horn was honked. That was IT.
Here is a great shot of Ranne's boat hair:



The view at the lake:


Scott's fun. He was the only one to ride as it rained us out for the remainder of the day:

Oh wait, Ranne did ride. Sort of.


The after effects:


We went to the Houston Zoo: very hot and humid. Great zoo, BTW. Go in WINTER. Do you see Toby's glazed eyes and red cheeks? I felt like I was under a faucet. Yuck.


Sadly, we had to leave and not wear out our welcome. Dad and Brenda treated us so well. I even had a day to shop without any agenda or curfew. Scott and I enjoyed a B&B for our anniversary as well. It was the best to catch up with them and be without a mission for a few days.

The trip home was rewarding and great! We visited with the family of one of Scott's cousins. They are house sitting for his parents in Cisco. Another ranch. As you can see from this first picture, the boys were thrilled to be there:




The boys played in water, watched the older boys fish, rode a tractor to feed cattle, ate generously some roast from their own beef, and just had a blast. We were greatly affirmed and appreciative of the visit with Theresa, Beth, and Percilla. They were all so positive and fun.

The ride home:


We shared lunch with Van, another of Scott's cousins in Muleshoe. That was nice. The boys devoured the food he bought us at Lealls.

Now it's almost one in the morn and I have to wake early to ready for the church meeting and finish packing to leave for bible camp teaching duties. UG. Sweet dreams, all.





2 Responses:

Sydni said...

Oh, wow. That was a LOT, but not enough. :) It sounds like a WONDERFUL time and I'm soooo glad you had it.

I hope your teaching duties at camp go very well and will wait to hear and maybe see some pictures of that time too.

There's nothing like hitting the ground running...

JeremyNSunny said...

AH! THANK YOU!! I have been ssssso curious to hear how your vacation went! It's good to see so many lovely pictures of such a wide array of loved ones (Thanks, too, for that!!) Everyone looks well and many memories were made. Great job documenting them ... and sharing. ;)

I'm getting very anxious for some phone time with you, but will wait 'til after camp, sounds like. I'm thankful that the cobwebs are cleared, so to speak, and you are rejuvenated. What a blessing.