Stillwater Grands Finale

We were so blessed to get bonus time with Kate and her girls. The cuteness just keeps on and on. Hated to see them go.

 We've always got shots of our babies in their hoody towels after bath time. Evangeline Rose Hopkins.

 Mercedes Noel Hopkins

 Mama Kate is a treasure hunter, and she found a Woody doll for next to nuthin'! Mercedes is happy.

 Sunday after church portrait on the porch. That is one happy Papa Wes surrounded by his gals!

 Kate and her girls.

 An excited Evangeline (Pooter) with her xylophone.

Happy visit, sad goodbyes!

Fun with the Stillwater Grands

It has been a while since Kate and crew have been in Liberty Hill, so we are really enjoying having them for a short stay. Mama gets some well-deserved baby-sitting services, and GG and Papa Wes get what they like the most, porch time with the Grands.

 Mercedes enjoying the playhouse. She is the perfect hostess!

 Always plenty of dress-up gear at GG's. Evangeline trying out the pink slip.

 Why is our yard like heaven? 'Nuff said!

 Sisters playing nicely.

 Mercedes ready to twirl.

 Evangeline loves pushin' the stool.

 A trip to Dahlia for the Friday special was a must. Kate says their Philly cheesesteak is the best anywhere. Oh, and my grands are popular with the staff there!

 Papa Wes answers the question, "Why is my porch like heaven?"

 They love pushin' something.

At the playscape, Evangeline enjoys the swing, and Papa Wes enjoys swingin' her.

 Mercedes demonstrates her fearlessness on the climbing wall, and comes down the slide unassisted.

 My precious grands Mercedes Noel and Evangeline Rose, and me.

 Ride 'em, Cowgirl!

 Yeeeee-haw!

Some play-dough time on the porch.

Well, you can't always get them to look at the camera!

Midland Grands Wrap-up

Our second installment of fun with the Grands, with more to come, as Kate and her crew came in the day the Midland bunch headed back home. Enjoy our chronicle of fun with the Grands from Midland.

 Exploring the woods is one of the favorite activities. Here Morgan and Emma are ready to head out, equipped with food, and well-sprayed for bugs.

 Not far from the house, the old goat shed serves as a convenient spot to picnic in 'safety'.

 We stopped by the playscape at the City Park on CR 200, and were treated by a parrot dropping in to share a snack with another visitor to the playscape.

Wes had his camera handy, and followed the parrot to a nearby oak to get some close-up shots. He is still investigating if this is an escapee, or a bird that really lives in the 'wild'.

The sun was bright, so they had to squint to get this shot.

 Emma and Viola enjoying the playscape.

 The weather really cooperated, and we had perfect 'mountain-style' temps for a fire, hot dog roast, and cookin' s'mores.

 I think that is something akin to pure joy in their eyes.

 S'MORES!!!

 And MORE S'MORES.

 Papa Wes's work schedule allowed him to stay late one morning and fix his signature omelets for the group.

 A little porch crafting time with my new favorite recipe for home-made play dough.

 I read the first book of the Boxcar Children series while they were here. Morgan liked it so much he took it for the trip back home and finished it before they got to Brady. Needless to say, it was one of their most popular activities during the stay.

Pizza picnic in the living room while watching the Grinch that Stole Christmas. Fun times.

Fun with the Grands

We had a great day runnin' with the Grandkids today. A full day, and good to be home. Love the way they pass out on their beds after this kind of day. Topped off by visiting Mawmaw in New Braunfels.

 The day actually started with Wes getting up early to take Matt and Ashleigh to ABIA, and me providing breakfast. I'll say Wes was very pleased with the eggs, bacon and biscuits. Then on to the train ride at the Williamson County Park on Sam Bass Rd. This was our 4th miss, as a party was scheduled and we couldn't wait for 40 minutes for the next train!

 Oh well! We'll catch it next time.

 Then on to the Jourdan-Bachmann Pioneer Farms off Dessau Rd. Our kids had been many times over the years, but this was our first visit.

 They have a great laid back approach, and visitors are allowed to just walk and visit the exhibits at their own pace. Viola Marie, Morgan Wesley, and Emma Ireline Griffin on the porch.

My favorite place to be, huggin' on my Grands!

 It's good to educate them about the blessing of indoor plumbing!

 This salvia intrigued me. Looks like some dreamsicle salvia we once had, but a deeper red rather than salmon pink.

 Papa Wes and Viola on the steps of a restored farmhouse.

 Do my Grands exhibit exuberance? I think so!

 I extracted a promise from Wes that he would grow this vine for me at our place. We'll see!

 The smithys were plying their trade, and knew a lot of the history of blacksmithing.

 This water source was one of the reasons this homestead could survive.

 Viola and me at the Jourdan homestead, sitting on the original spot, though the entire house had been disassembled, stored, and rebuilt in the '80s.

 The Grands really got excited when they realized the donkeys would eat from their hands.

 Another well-preserved relic, my hubby! This grape arbor leads up to the Jourdan family homestead.

 This Tonkawa Indian campground last saw visitors in the 1850's. The oak is estimated to be 500+ years old, and has a lightning strike scar. Amazing stuff!

 Another classic pioneer home; cedar logs, masonry chinking, masonry shed addition.

 Just can't get enough!

 The staff dressed in period clothing adds a nice touch for the kids.

 After getting some stick candy in the store, caught the kids giving each other a taste. Hmm, that probably will end some day!

 Need some help here from my naturalist friends. What is this berry?

We get to end our day with a good visit with Mawmaw in New Braunfels. We enjoyed an early supper at Olive Garden, and a great time was had by all.