Visit to the Farm

We recently spent a few days at my parent's house in Texas when we took the boys there for their annual summer visit. While we were there we made a trip to their farm and had a nice afternoon cookout. It was hot, but we all enjoyed being outdoors and poking around to see what was new since our last visit.

I have many fond memories of the farm as that is where my paternal grandparents lived when I was growing up. I used to stay with them for a week in the summer and as a "city kid," had a blast being outside in the country, exploring and spending time with my cousins. There is a wonderful sense of freedom being away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The pace is slow and there is time to enjoy the sweetness of just being.

Chillin' Chad

Some juicy grapes. My parents don't eat these, but use them to make wine.

Todd putting a new picnic table together.

One of the great things about being in the country is the freedom to have target practice without the fear of hitting your neighbor's house. Evan couldn't wait to shoot his guns!

Todd taking his turn. Is it cheating to use a stepladder to steady the gun?

My dad trying out his aim.

Evan helping season the burgers on the pit.

"This one needs a bit more pepper."

Thanksgiving

We decided to hit the road for Thanksgiving and went to the beach in Alabama. The temps were mild and where we stayed had a heated pool, so we got to spend a lot of time outdoors. Evan was wet 90% of the time and couldn't get enough of the water. We also had a lot of fun shopping, eating out and riding go carts. Going back to school was hard this morning, but knowing that Christmas is less than a month away eased the pain a little. Here are a few of my iPhone photos:

Evan hanging out in the pool. There were about five other boys his age at the hotel, so he always had someone to play with.

Evan eventually dug this hole deep enough that he hit water!

Evan and Chad on the Beach

Sharing some of our food with the seagulls.

Ready to Ride!

Ready to Ride x 2!

Christmas Cruise

We had a wonderful Christmas week. We took a cruise vacation and visited Belize, Isle of Roatan and Cozumel. We went to a couple of zoos and got some sun at the beach which was a real treat this time of year.


The sailing was great except for the last day. The seas were 8-13 ft. and the boat was rocking and rolling. I was very nauseated and stayed in the cabin most of the day. The boys did fine...that is youth for you, I guess!


I have included some of my favorite photos below, but you can see the whole bunch here.

Todd with a colorful macaw.

Chad and me on the beach in Belize.

Evan with Freddy, the Carnival Cruise mascot.

Chad with a howler monkey on his shoulder.

Evan holding a boa constrictor.

More Houston Photos

In walking distance from Brian's house is a nice walking/biking trail and water reservoir. We had a nice walk there during our visit. It was neat seeing all the bikers, joggers and walkers using the trail. My boys love water, so the reservoir was just an added bonus.


You can see all of our Thanksgiving trip photos here.

Neat reservoir!

Todd and Chad

Evan taking in the sights.

Handsome Chad!

Baby Clark

We went to Houston this weekend to visit Brian, Amy and their new baby, Clark. The boys are so excited about having a new cousin. They couldn't get enough of him. It was fun holding (and smelling) a baby again.

Me and a yawning Clark. "I remember how to do this!"

Clark, me and Evan.

Chad doing a great job holding Clark.

Evan posing with his new cousin.

Cutie Clark (probably going blind from all the camera flashing)!

No School!

Chad and Evan have been having a great time this week. The weather has been nice and mild, so they have gotten to play outside every day. Evan's friends have come over from next door and the trampoline has gotten a lot of use.


Evan started basketball practice on Tuesday. I warned Todd that he might fall asleep on the ride home because he had jumped on the trampoline for six hours straight during the day. He was fine and full of energy. Oh, to be a kid again!


The boys got some new chairs for their playroom and have had fun playing video games this week as well. They both love school, but time off is great, too!

Chad in his new chair.

Evan likes to sit all the way back.

Home Sweet Home

We had a long but nice drive back from Texas to our home down the bayou. We stopped for lunch at one of our favorite Indian restaurants, Masala Indian Kitchen in Lafayette, LA. The food there is fresh and delicious and we all just love it. They do keep the temperature a bit cold, so wear a thick shirt or bring a sweater. Evan and I were freezing so we both ended up with two shirts on after about five minutes there.

You can check out the rest of the photos from our trip to Texas here.

Texas Drop Off

We drove to Texas today and dropped the boys off with my parents. We typically meet half way, so the drive is not too long for either of us. We had a nice lunch and visit. I gave my Dad his father's day card, since I knew last weekend that I would be seeing him soon. We also gave Evan his birthday present, as he turns 8 next Wednesday and we won't be with him.

My parents are taking the boys to a family reunion tomorrow and then dropping Chad off at camp in the afternoon. This is his second year and he had a really great time last year, so he is very excited.

My parents have promised Evan that there is a lot of petrified wood at their farm, so that is one of the things he is looking forward to this week. The heat is really bad, so I don't know how much time he will get to spend outside, especially with his poison ivy, but I'm sure he will relish the attention of two doting grandparents.

Two silly boys enjoying the drive to Texas.

Evan with a nice smile and Chad making a funny face.


"We are hungry after all that driving!"


My favorite guys!

Dad opening his Father's Day card.

Evan opening his birthday card while I smile for the camera.

"Let's see what's in here."

"I love opening presents!"

"Yea, a Nintento DS; I have been asking for this for months!"

Frantic Friday

We ended this week scurring around. Chad is off to camp in Texas next week and Evan ended up with poison ivy that he came in contact with searching for insects this past week. Todd stopped by the pharmacy on his way home from work to get medication for Evan and I spent the day with Chad taking him to the dentist and finishing all of the preparations for his time at camp.

Evan will be spending a week with my parents before we pick up Chad and join them for the 4th of July, so Todd and I have a few days to ourselves. We already have the restaurants, movies, golf practice and other activities planned out.

Chad packing for camp.

What a handsome young man you are growing up to be.

Evan isn't so sure about this poison ivy treatment.

Todd doctoring Evan.