It's Halloween - Off To Temple

Halloween!  I love this holiday, don't you?  We don't have many children come to our door in Dallas so we decide to go down to Temple and share the day with Jen and the grands.  As usual, the costumes are great and everyone is excited.  Mister decides to walk with everyone while out treating and I opt to stay and hand out candy.  I am pretty sure I got the harder job --- After opening the door at least 20 times in 10 minutes, I set up a chair on the porch and have a steady stream of kids for at least an hour.  Oh my.  I am starting to worry about running out of candy.

As it starts to get dark, we light the candles in the pumpkins and turn on all the decorative lights -- the house looks so cool.  I especially love the way Jen has turned the upstairs windows into "eyes" and made the whole front of the house look like a face.  So creative and cool.

Once everyone returns -- let the dividing of the spoils begin.  This is such a time honored tradition in our family.  Dang -- we still have a 2 hour drive home.  Time to get going.  Thanks fam -- we had so much fun.

Birthday Time Again -- Jacob is 8

Another birthday?? My goodness they do pop up ever so often don't they?  This time we are down in Temple for Jacob's 8th.  Family tradition dictates that the honoree is allowed to choose whatever they would like for dinner.  Jacob's choice:  Grilled Cheese sandwiches and Tomato Soup.  Easy Peasy for Mom.

Time to open gifts and he is all smiles as he receives each one.  We have helped out with his main gift by giving him money for some accessories.  

He has been asking for a guitar for awhile now and both he and Mom are going to take lessons.  It should make for some great time together.  As soon as he had it in his hands, he busted into song.  Love it.

We spent the rest of the afternoon just visiting with family and relaxing by playing games and various other activities.

Jared is always one to stick around and be part of the festivities.  He and Bekah always seem to enjoy being around the adults and want to take part in whatever we are doing.  I love that they do that because it makes my time there so much more special.

After awhile, I started doing Bekah's hair -- which seems to be a habit of mine anytime we are sitting around and she is nearby.  After a short time, we had it all in braids and contained.  Old person in me -- apparently I am like my grandfather and hate to see hair in people's eyes.

Finally it was time for cake -- we had to darken the house a bit, but overall it looks great.  A DQ Ice Cream Cake.  Oh the hours I used to spend making those, ha ha.  What a fun year he has ahead.  Happy Birthday Jacob.

Dr. Pepper

It is the end of an era --- Dublin Dr. Pepper is no longer being made.  I have to say that since moving to Texas -- Dr. Pepper has become the soda of choice IF I order a soda.  I have also started saying soda instead of pop.  Too funny.

We Did It -- Married

The day has finally arrived!  I'm a wee bit scared if truth be told.  I have Amanda and the boys staying with me and waking up to their cute faces is truly wonderful for me.  They are already dressed and ready to go, now it is my turn.  Amanda has asked to do my make-up and I'm happy to give that up.  Since I have basically given make-up up, it's a rare moment to wear it.

Family Time - 1 Day to Go

We are one day away.  Really?  Wow.  Matt and Becca have arrived and we are all off to Cafe Brazil for breakfast.  Since most of the wedding preparations are complete, today is another family day and we are so blessed by it.  Mom and Sis are not in the picture for some reason -- it is so difficult to get everyone no matter how hard ya try.

After breakfast, Mom wants to take Sis and Jill down to Dealy Plaza so Mister and I drive them down for a nice walk around the area.

It is time to get Amanda and the boys from the airport and so Mister is off on another run.  I think the car knows the route by heart after all of my trips and now this.

Jen and family arrive as well and we are complete.  Everyone is here and meets back at the house for some great visiting, cousin playtime, and lunch.

It's a good thing we spent as much time stocking a toy cabinet this year as we did because they pull out one thing after another until the house is brightly colored and buzzing with activity.

Mister spends some time outside with the boys and Miss Elena needs to be right out there keeping up.  It is so very cute.

Aww

Uncle Matt and his never ending "magic" tricks.  He sure can keep everyone entertained.

"Now, how did he do that?"

Yep, everyone is paying attention now.

Is he escaping the crowd or enjoying a granddaughter?  I am pretty sure it is the latter.

I LOVE this picture.

All this time with the little ones is so special.  I love seeing them play with each other and watching them interact with their parents.  It is hard for me to believe sometimes that my own children are grown and taking care of a new generation.  Where did the time go?

Kissin' cousins.  Yes!

After a break to refresh, everyone gathers to form a caravan to Babes!  Oh yeah -- this visit would not be complete with everyone together for a meal and we could not think of anyplace more fun and appropriate for a crowd.

These two are stuck like glue.  Just seeing them together makes me smile.  There is only a month between them and they get along like champs.

 

Once we arrive at Babes -- we have about a 45 minute wait to get enough seats together.  So, everyone takes some time to visit and reconnect.  All in all, the time goes quickly.

There is a fire truck out front and it doesn't take long before the kids are climbing all over it.  Mister goes along to supervise.

At last it is time to go in -- they have set up two large tables for us and we have an entire end of the restaurant.  Truly a great place.

Oh my --- these ribs are amazing!

Oops - a small owie.  Dang.

Time for the "hokey pokey" in which the owner joins in with us and has everyone giggling by the end.

What a great evening.  Tomorrow promises to be a beautiful day --- yay.  Come cruise with us and enjoy the moment.  Time for an attempt to sleep.