Adventures of Three Texas Travelers

It all began on Easter Sunday, April 13, 2009.  The first leg of our journey...well, that was the unhappy part.  Brody, Leyton, and I flew down to Texas to attend my Pawpaw's funeral in Eagle Lake.  Brad was already in Dallas for work, so he drove down to meet us and served as a pallbearer during the ceremony.  It was a truly beautiful service, and it was a great reminder of just what an amazing man he was.  I felt so proud to be able to call him my grandfather, and I am thankful that I was able to be there to say goodbye and make my peace.  During our time in Eagle Lake, we also visited with Oma and Opa, and Great Granny.  We hadn't planned on traveling to Eagle Lake at all during our trip, so in a way, it all worked out for the best as it gave us more time to spend with those we love.

Leg 2 found us heading four hours north to Dallas, where Kelli and Jeff live.  Kelli wanted me to go back with her to help with last minute wedding details and errands, and that's just what I did.  From buying Brody's tux, to attempting to pick up rings (apparently the jeweler wasn't open on Jewish holidays--who knew?) to dropping off Jeff's shoes for shining, to picking out something blue and lacy for Kelli to wear under her dress, to wrapping bridesmaid gifts, she had me very busy all three days I was there. It was lots of fun to get out and about in Dallas and spend some quality time with Kelli. During the wedding weekend, she was so busy that I am glad now we had the chance to hang out with just each other before the big celebration.

Leg 3 began on Friday, April 17th, our original date of departure.  My Dad decided to drive all the way to Dallas to pick us up and bring us back to Taylor.  We loaded the car with all our gear and tons of wedding stuff, and then headed southwest bound.  We spent a very nice weekend in Taylor hanging out with Granddaddy, Grandma, and Aunties Ally and Bethany. Saturday was Allyson's senior prom, so I dusted off my rusty old hair and makeup skills (who worries about hair and makeup when you have two little ones to chase around every day?) and I made that girl a superstar.  I was actually very proud of myself for pulling off an updo--I've never done one on anyone else before!  I thought she looked beautiful, and I think she had a great time at the prom. :)  Leyton learned how to sit up on his own while we were there, so it was fun to show off his newest trick to his relatives.

Leyton and Bethany

Brody and Grandaddy playing cars outside.  Check out Brody's new boots that Grandaddy bought him!  Ready to go fishin'!

Ally's updo for Prom, created by Yours Truly!

All dressed and ready to go!

Feedin' the ducks

Sitting all by himself!  What a big boy!

On to leg 4--Dripping Spring, Texas.  Brad's mom came to pick us up in Taylor and drove us out to the Circle S Ranch for a couple of days.  From the minute we got there, it was nonstop adventure.  First, my rental car wasn't ready and we had to wait a whole day to get it.  Then, the landscaper ran over the natural gas line and caused a major gas leak, terrifying all of us and sending us out of the house in our swimsuits and flip flops!  The next morning, we were practically charged by an angry bull as we were feeding the fish in the pond.  He apparently had an issue with the Smith's tiny little dog, so he started chasing him around and we all happened to be in the way.  Still not sure how we got away unharmed!  On Wednesday, Brody took a bad fall while I was having lunch with my friend Marisha, and his head started gushing blood.  I had never seen him bleed that much in my life, so of course, I panicked a little bit.  But all turned out fine and you could barely see a scab when all was said and done.  Wow--what a crazy few days!  We had a great time playing by the pool, though, and visiting with Grandma and Grandpa.

Have you been counting--10 nights so far and we've stayed in FOUR places already?  See what I mean--endless adventure every time we go to Texas!  (I'll also have more pictures to add to this post as soon as I get them from Mom and Kelli.)

Next post--the wedding weekend!!