In Phoenix with Claire and Whitney

Whitney is attending a conference in Phoenix this week.  She flew in this morning, so Papa and I picked her up, then drove to a Postino’s restaurant to meet Claire and Mary for lunch.  We all chatted up a storm!  After lunch, Claire, Whitney and I went on a hike.  I loved every moment!

Dinosaur Valley State Park and More Fire

With lots of talking going on, we took our time getting out the door this morning.  We drove to Glen Rose to Dinosaur Valley State Park to look for dinosaur footprints in the Paluxy River.  We hiked for a couple of hours and found several tracks.  We stopped for lunch in Glen Rose at Hammond’s Barbecue, then back to our house in Alvarado for the afternoon.  The kids had a great time building another fire!  We stayed outside in the yard the rest of the afternoon, talking and keeping the fire stoked, with Claire, Whitney and I taking a walk on the property, Greta and Emerson feeding the horses, and Papa telling stories about Noah’s Ark.  It was wonderful family time.

Thanksgiving Day with Fire

We woke up to a cool morning in Alvarado, so after breakfast, the grandkids went out to build a fire.  They stuck with the fire all day!  They added branches, logs, and leaves until dinner time.  They smelled of smoke and there was one burned finger, but they had a great day making fire!  There were a couple of breaks to feed horses.  The rest of us cooked and talked and walked.  Thanksgiving Dinner was a feast!  We lingered at the table and took turns sharing what we are grateful for.  We love our family!

 

Thanksgiving Week in Texas

Papa and I flew to San Antonio on Monday, to spend a couple of days with Lynne.  We pulled out her Christmas decorations and decorated her apartment!  We enjoyed every moment and it was quite festive.  We enjoyed time with Lynne, eating meals and talking.  It was a nice visit.

We flew to Dallas this morning, rented a car, and drove to Alvarado, where we’ve rented a house in the country.  Claire, Whitney, and Brian, with their families, will be joining us later today.  Claire found the house on Homeaway a few months ago.  The house on Coyote Creek is spacious and has room to roam outside, with four horses grazing.  We’re looking forward to everyone’s arrival!

Whitney arrived by 4.  Brian wasn't far behind, so we started preparing dinner plus pies for Thanksgiving.  Greta helped with all the pies!  Claire arrived before 7.  We were so happy to see everyone!

Hiking in Sabino Canyon

Claire, Emerson, Colby, and I hiked 3 miles in Sabino Canyon this morning.  The creek was running, cottonwood tree leaves were turning, and it was a beautiful day!

Tucson Zoo Visit

Claire, Emerson, and Colby met us at the Tucson Zoo on Sunday at 11.  The weather was perfect, sunny and in the 70’s, for the animals to be active and at their best.  We had a picnic and fed the ducks in Reid Park.  What fun!

Making a Gingerbread House

Snowy Day

We woke up this morning to a blizzard of white!  It was snowing in Chicago!

Chicagoland for a few Days

We flew to Chicago on last Sunday, to stay with Lauren and Taylor while Audrey and Dan went on a short trip.  We had a busy week, taking the girls to and from school, trick or treating on Halloween, going to the library, going to the kitty room at the pet store, making sure homework was done, art projects, playing games, and so much more!  It’s been fun!