A Week With Jen and Kids in Dallas

It is time for the big move!  I flew up to South Dakota to meet up with Jen and ride with her back to Texas so that she would not have to be alone with the kids for the trip.  I am so excited that they are moving closer and my heart is full just knowing how close we will be.

After a long drive with many interesting moments (peeing on the interstate in Denver - never to be forgotten) we are finally arriving in Dallas -- the kids are fascinated with the "bridges" otherwise known has our road system.  As we pass the "high 5", they are mesmerized.  We arrive at the house to be greeted by a very anxious Mister.  I know he has worried like crazy while we have been on the road.  Jen doesn't close on her house for awhile and cannot get into temporary housing yet, so we will have about a week together and I am stoked.  The house soon fills up with activity and we have 5 kids that are very happy to be out of the van.

I share my addiction to Farmville with the kids and we are soon creating Facebook accounts for them and they are up and running as well.  I know, I know -- shame on me.

Louis is down in Killeen already and will be up for the weekend and to pick up his family, but until then, they are all ours and we will play and visit places around town.  So, I guess we should get started.



The heat is taking everyone by surprise and pink cheeks show up with very little effort.  We decide to get the wiggles out by walking over to the school to play for awhile and it doesn't take long for cries of "water" to be heard.  Of course, learning to dress a little different comes harder for some than others -- yep, talking about you Jon.

It is interesting to me that I have made the switch to warmer weather already.  I am not even breaking a sweat out here today.

Once we are back at the house, Mister greets everyone with popsicles on the patio.  Yum.

And within no time, the cooling off has taken place and they are all back at the computers.  This is going to be the computer generation and they grasp everything quicker than me for sure.  They are also very content to watch things together and take turns trying new programs.

Mister's little mini is definitely a hit.

Catching moments for great pictures -- this is Mister's specialty.  Here are a few of Jared that are just too cute -- must share.

Mister had given him some bubbles in the back yard and he was content.  Yes, that is new for him, but we are loving it.

Our adventure for today is the Dallas Zoo.  Mister and I absolutely love it here and are members, so let's share our love with the grands.  We'll see how pink we can get their cheeks.  We take the DART down and are soon ready for the fun to begin.

Very hot and ready to go back to the house.

Once everyone is cleaned up, fed, and ready for bed --- it's back to watching each other on the puter.  They are content.

Another day dawns -- what shall we do today?  Something crafty is what Bekah wants to do.

Mister gets her all set up and she is soon busily turning a bottle into a piece of art.  I LOVE the dress.  Now that is getting into southern weather.

Let's go find a new playground for awhile.

Mister takes the camera on a trip around the house to see what everyone is up to.  It is quiet.  Here is what he finds:

I'm not sure we had enough computers available.  Waay too funny.   Since Louis has arrive, we are off to Fairpark tomorrow for a family activity day.

Today is a trip down to the Museum of Science and Nature at Fairpark.  Time to get those thinking caps on.

I think my favorite item is the giant bubbles.  I LOVE when Louis encases Jared in one.  But, in all fairness, just watching these minds at work gives me great joy.

Turtle hunting

The next day starts out as usual:

Today we are going down to the Arts District.  We'll do a little trolley riding and then a visit to the DMA.  Come on along with us.  Um, Bekah -- no, just no.

While on the trolley -- the boys get a chance to ring the bell for the driver.

At the DMA -- crafts and explorations take over -- nice tongue Jon.

How about some Josh shots?  I think that is where Mister was hanging out.

One of my favorite pictures from the day.

Okay I guess we can let these kids truly enjoy the heat.  We are off to a water park to cool off.

AWESOME!

Since we were able to score on some berries -- it is jam making time and a few extra hands are always welcome.

This week has literally flown by and I am sad that it is over but oh so very excited for Jen and her family to start this new chapter in their lives.  We are now only 2 hours apart and we haven't been that close since they left Bozeman.  Yay!  Thanks for sharing this week with us.

Play Day With the Boys in Cleveland - Ryan is 3

Since my flight is not until later this afternoon and since this was also Ryan's birthday weekend, we try and do a little something nice for him as well.  What could be better than a pizza and play day an the indoor children's park.  I absolutely cannot believe this little guy is already 3.  The years are just flying by and I am not sure I like it.

I fall down on the job taking pictures today - ugh.  I just want to play with the kids - that is way more fun.

I am heading back to Dallas with a full heart and great memories.  The memories include my different visits to Cleveland as Amanda will be moving shortly to their new location in Las Vegas.  New adventures heading my way I am sure.

Graduation and Commissioning: Trent's Turn

After a good night's sleep -- who am I kidding?  I played Farmville half the night.  I have a real addiction that is in need of an intervention I think.  Anyway, I am up and on my way to the airport to catch a flight to Cleveland.

I arrive and am met out front by Amanda.  We are off to the house to meet up with her "boys" and Trent's family as well.  Louis arrives shortly behind and we take our seats and the processional starts.  The boys do well through the opening remarks and the commencement speech give by Katie Couric.  At the point where it is time to start handing out degrees, the start to waiver but fortunately Dad is near the beginning.  Once he is seated, Louis (who joined us just as the ceremony was starting) and I take the boys outside to play so that Amanda and Trent's parents can enjoy this special time.

I m trying to be a good grandma, but I look around to discover that they boys have located an outside stairwell and are climbing on it.  Way to go Gammy.  Dang, they are quick.

Next up:  water.  Fortunately Mom and Dad are here now so if they get wet -- not my fault.  Smile.  Are these or are these not two really great looking boys?  Wow.

Congratulations Trent!  We absolutely could not be prouder of you.  You set yourself a goal and followed it all the way through not only in achieving it, but in excelling along the way.

It is picture time - always the best part of any event.  I honestly don't think I have seen smiles like this on my son-in-law for several years.  A slight break from stress, yes?

After a fun lunch/dinner with family, it is time for the second event of the day and the reason Louis made the trip here as well.  Trent is being commissioned an officer in the Air Force and receiving the rank of Captain.  He has asked Louis to be his commissioning officer.  Is that not just awesome?  It is being held at the home of a family friend and I have to tell you -- my eyes are tearing up most of the time.  To have two of my "sons" standing there together for such a solemn occasion after watching both of them graduate in their respective fields -- well, my heart is full.  I am so glad I am here -- this is truly something I would not have wanted to miss.

Introducing the new captain.

It has been a whirlwind weekend with flights all directions, hotels, car rentals, and all the logistics that go along with traveling like that.  I am glad it is behind me, BUT oh so glad I was a part of it.  Congrats again to both of my wonderful sons.

The Boys are Graduating: First Up - Louis

It is the time of year when graduations take center stage and in our family, we are no different.  I have two son-in-laws graduating within days of each other.  First up is Louis, who has completed his BS in Business at Colorado State University.  Yep, seemed kinda odd to me too, since he lives in South Dakota, but apparently one can do amazing things with online education.  I wonder if I should go back to school too.  Hmmm.

I fly into Denver, rent a car, and drive to Fort Collins for the day's event.  After locating the family, Jen, the kids (minus Jared and Bekah who stayed home with Aunt Rhiana to prepare for a dance recital), and I wander around while Louis attends a "meet and greet."  We grab a bite to eat before it is time to return to the campus.  After climbing way, way up in the hall, seats are located and we settle in.  Just in time as the procession starts.

This is where the "Find Louis" games starts.  He is indeed in the picture.

And that is about all I saw of the graduation.  Josh has already had enough and I take him down to the room that has been set aside for children.  It has many activities and after only a few minutes, Jon and Jake join me as well, leaving Jen to enjoy her husband's moment in peace.

The boys get busy creating things and soon a gentleman comes in to do balloon animals.  He is quite good and all three manage to capture one as a take away souvenir.  Ha ha.

After graduation, we have a few minutes and then they all need to leave and hopefully get back to Rapid City tonight so that Louis can fly to Cleveland as well and Jen can have everyone ready for the dance recital.  Wow, and I thought I was on the go.

I drive back to Denver, grab a hotel room that Mister has booked and crash for the night.  Tomorrow I am on my way to Cleveland and graduation number two.  Goodness.