Texas: Thousand Trails Day 1

When we were kids, we used to camp at Thousand Trails. So Mom & Dad decided to take the family there while they had their grandkids together. We had a blast!

Saige brought her old bike, so Shelby could join them in riding. He wasn't thrilled with the pink bike, but quickly got over it.
As soon as the riding competition with Saige got tough, Shelby would just turn around and go the opposite direction as if she was the one who didn't know what was up. What a little toot.
Look at that big girl bike! Hi, Saige"E"-poo!
You have a big girl bike too, Aunt Sharla!
My precious little Dax... I got to really see his personality this year and he just won me over.
Speed demon.
It was so hot the fans with water were essential.
I have no idea. They're probably poisonous....have fun kids!
We promised the kids night swimming. PARTY!
Time to get the chlorine off. These kids should have been exhausted, but they were still soooo fired up I think they chattered on till almost midnight!
Bedtime stories with Aunt Sharla.

Texas: Helping Nonna

It was sooo hot in Olney! 112 three days in a row. And the drought was out of control. Shelby worked hard to make sure he was a good helper for Nonna.

Yes, he's doing what you think...I love the sweet garden stones Saige & Daxton made some time ago.
He was careful not to miss a thing.TONS more Texas photos to come!

Sean's Bday & After party with Gianna

Earlier this summer we attended Sean's birthday party. Then, Gianna & Staci came back to the house with us for an after party.

The Texas Jones' were having their annual reunion, so we skyped with them, and Shelby introduced Gianna to everyone as, "this is my girlfriend, Gianna" with his arm proudly wrapped around her. CUTE!
Gianna had never seen the Lion King on DVD, so we watched and the kids danced.
Later we went out and took advantage of the beautiful day to play in the hammock.
Goofy kids.
Don't copy him, G.
So cute!
Sean's party! It was at a park and the kids had a blast running around, splashing through water, climbing on play structures, etc.
Gianna and Shelby were drawn to Sean's friend reading some of his new books. Yeah for storytime.
Gotta love summer days.

Blue October Concert

Yet another year in which we make it to my favorite concert ever! Blue October!!!! As you may recall, I've been a Blue fan for 12 years now. Stacy's hit his decade mark. Justin is still good enough to come out after the concert and personally thank his fans, sign autographs and take pics with us.

We always get extra love when we tell him we've watched him perform back at Shadow Canyon (College Station)! He's so gracious for our years of dedicated love for Blue. :-> And no, those are not tears in my eyes, the flash somehow blurred in my eyeballs. Seriously. Though I did actually tear when they first came out (see video below) and I felt that same old rush of my happy place!

We love you, Blue!

Uncle D's Visit

After we returned from Singapore, I had the rest of my bday gift (yes, from May) to look foward to! Stacy flew my "little" brother out to spend the weekend with me. I picked him up from the airport and we headed to pick up Shelby from school. Uncle D was a complete celebrity as Shelby whisked past Mommy straight into Uncle D's arms. When we got home Shelby wanted to tear him up a bit and recruited some help from Jett.
Umm...I don't think that's legal, Shelbster.After putting in some quality time with Shelby, it was time for MY weekend! Darryl & I ventured out to Half Moon Bay on Sunday....Saturday below (I put in wrong order)

This plant was so pretty! It was at the precious cafe we ate at with lovely outdoor atmosphere.
We loved the downtown with all its cool colors, textures and nice weather.
This was painted on the back of a little, old school-looking grocery store.
Off to the beach.
Wanna go in? What? You mean the water's cold? Ha! Welcome to No Cal.
On the walk back to the car we took some shots of the beautiful mountains behind this cool barn.
And another cool barn & field. So pretty.
Of course, he can't come visit his sis in Livermore and not enjoy our wineries!
Me & My lil bro
Saturday we went to the city. We started at Fisherman's wharf where we were excited about Sponge Bob...LOL....poor Shelby, I don't even let him watch this show.
Alcatraz
On our walk to the ballgame. This was in Little Italy.
Chinatown.
D liked this really cool fountain...
At the Giants game for some serious fun!
We had the coolest seats and had a blast with the people around us.
D took the camera and ventured out on his own to check out the stadium.
Who's idea was it to let this guy control the camera.
Giants won!
I've learned that when you're grown, opposite sex siblings just seem to give up their relationship and instead find themselves lucky to pair up with in law same sex siblings. Though I appreciate this addition to my life for sure!!!!....I am also grateful for the chance to spend time with just my brother and talk like we used to. And of course, it's D, so the weekend was FILLED with TONS OF LAUGHS! I thought my abs would never heal.

Thank you to Sharla, Saige & Daxton for giving up a weekend with Darryl.

Thank you to Stacy for such a special gift!

And thanks to D for making the trip. I love you, Lil Brother!