On Wednesday, a friend of Becky's came out to visit, with her 3 kids. The kids all swam until they were cold, then we made lunch. Mostly, the kids just all played together.
Once the friends had to go home, we went over and visited Nola for a bit. The kids all free- ranged, in the most literal sense.
They played in the tree fort/ clubhouse that Becky's kids had built themselves. Roamed the property. Kitties and puppies, ducklings and small hooved critters.
Ben and Paula stayed to supper, with a great bonus of Paula's fresh grown squash.
Althea decided to stay the night, as she was afraid we would be having too much fun without her!
A movie was rented, and the crew settled in to watch "How To Train Your Dragon 3".
Afterwards, the littles slept on the couches, while the biggers retired upstairs to continue listening to Bill Wallace's "Journey Into Terror" before it was lights out.
Thursday, the kids all pitched in with a huge "Community Service" project. We all worked together to clean out Becky's big walk in refrigerator. The kids worked together in hauling out and scraping out dishes that had sat forgotten for too long. They carried out bags of trash, and scrubbed doors and shelves, and swept the floor. Becky scrubbed dishes and jars.
Afterwards, we all rode to Eden, where two cartons of ice cream were obtained, and we went to the park. The kids had cups of ice cream and played until they were played out. Then, we took a scenic route home. There was swimming, and supper. The littles were read to downstairs, and the bigger kids got a few more chapters of their book. This was the day we almost lost a kid. The problem with taking more than one vehicle is the head count.
As we were leaving the ranch, Becky stopped to count. Nickole was missing! She'd been sent upstairs to put on a shirt without bare shoulders... and picked up a book. Got lost in reading instead of loading up! (She is VERY fair complexioned, and was already slightly pink, we were trying to prevent a bad burn.)
Friday, we swam early, did crafts, then met Uncle Daniel at a park by the river in San Angelo. We took a picnic lunch, and scooter, bikes, and roller skates. Ben and Paula arrived, and we spent several hours as the kids played. Then it was back to Becky's for roasted hot dogs and jalapeno poppers. The kids that wanted to help, got to help make the poppers. Becky was saying she was concerned that 48 wasn't enough. I thought it was overkill. Wanna guess who was right?
(Hint: It wasn't me)
Kids played outside later than we had been allowing, then all came in. Daniel finished off the last few chapters of our book upstairs, then we came down to visit. It was nearing midnight when we turned in. Grace woke with a stuffed nose/ breathing problems, so we were up and down with her the remainder of the night.
Saturday saw us on the road by 7:30, returning all the borrowed grands to their destinations.
It was a fun, exhausting week.
Link to lots of pics
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Adventures at Camp CowGranny, Part 1
Nickole (2.1) and I left for Camp CowGranny on Saturday, June 8th. We picked up Alana (1.2), and headed to my folks homes in East Texas. (Mom and Dad live about a mile apart, with their respective spouses. The four are good friends, so there is no strife in hanging out together for our visits.)
Gavin (1.3) was supposed to meet us at my Mom's (GG) house. She lives just over halfway to where Gavin lives, from my house.
Due to car problems, Gavin's Mom didn't make our meeting. We had the choice of waiting until the next day to meet, or going on without Gavin.
Now that would be pretty sad- Gavin is Alana's little brother, and the only boy cousin anywhere close to Tyrel (3.1) in age. So we waited until Sunday... only to have more scheduling conflicts. When your car is broke down, you are at the pleasure of other people's timing when needing a ride. The girls and I drove farther south as Gavin and his Mom rode north. We met at a gas station, and were soon both on our way. It was well after 9 PM by the time we got back to my Mom's house.
Camp CowGranny was delayed by a day.
Sunday morning, Alana and Nickole baked cupcakes with GG Rose.
We missed a Feast of Shavuot celebration at Benjamin's house. It is a Jewish celebration commemorating the anniversary of the day God gave the Israelites the Torah. But we did have a very good extra day with the Great Grands at both houses.
Monday saw us traveling to Becky's house in West Texas. We had several stops along the way, since I try to stop and say hello to my kids every chance I get, even if it is only for a few minutes.
Arriving at Becky's late Monday afternoon, we were greeted with the rest of the cousins. Ben and Paula were there, and we all had a great supper.
Tuesday was our Zoo trip. A picnic lunch was packed. We planned to go to a splash pad after the zoo, but it was closed for maintenance. We played at a park instead.
Here are some pictures of the first couple of days.
For those unfamiliar with our shorthand system, my kids have a numerical designation based on birth order. The grandkids numerical designations are based on their parents designation, then their own.
I will try to post more pictures and CCG posts as I have time. Thank you for reading.
Gavin (1.3) was supposed to meet us at my Mom's (GG) house. She lives just over halfway to where Gavin lives, from my house.
Due to car problems, Gavin's Mom didn't make our meeting. We had the choice of waiting until the next day to meet, or going on without Gavin.
Now that would be pretty sad- Gavin is Alana's little brother, and the only boy cousin anywhere close to Tyrel (3.1) in age. So we waited until Sunday... only to have more scheduling conflicts. When your car is broke down, you are at the pleasure of other people's timing when needing a ride. The girls and I drove farther south as Gavin and his Mom rode north. We met at a gas station, and were soon both on our way. It was well after 9 PM by the time we got back to my Mom's house.
Camp CowGranny was delayed by a day.
Sunday morning, Alana and Nickole baked cupcakes with GG Rose.
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| 1.2 and 2.1 with GG Rose |
 |
| 1.3 with GG Rose |
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| 1.3, 5.0, 2.1, and 1.2 in Dallas |
Monday saw us traveling to Becky's house in West Texas. We had several stops along the way, since I try to stop and say hello to my kids every chance I get, even if it is only for a few minutes.
Arriving at Becky's late Monday afternoon, we were greeted with the rest of the cousins. Ben and Paula were there, and we all had a great supper.
Tuesday was our Zoo trip. A picnic lunch was packed. We planned to go to a splash pad after the zoo, but it was closed for maintenance. We played at a park instead.
Here are some pictures of the first couple of days.
 |
| 4.0(s), 4.1, 4.2 |
 |
| 3.0, 3.1, 4.0, 3.5, & 3.4 |
 |
| 1.3 |
 |
| Front to back, 3.3, 3.1, 1.3 |
 |
| Front row: 2.1, 4.1, 3.3, 3.4, 4.2 Middle/ Top row: 3.1, 3.5. 1.2, 4.3, 3.2, 1.3 (corner top) |
 |
| 3.5 |
 |
| 1.3 |
 |
| Picnic at the Abilene Zoo |
For those unfamiliar with our shorthand system, my kids have a numerical designation based on birth order. The grandkids numerical designations are based on their parents designation, then their own.
- Christopher, my eldest is 1.0
His children are Connor (1.1), Alana (1.2) and Gavin (1.3) - Bill was 2.0
His child is Nickole (2.1) - Becky is 3.0 , her spouse Stephen is 3.0(s)
Their children are Tyrel (3.1), Kimber (3.2), Dakota (3.3), Grace (3.4) and Katie (3.5) - Benjamin is 4.0. Paula is 4.0(s)
Their children are Jasher (4.1), Althea (4.2) , and Milo (4.3) - Stephen (Tommy) is 5.0
- Daniel is 6.0
- Samuel is 7.0
I will try to post more pictures and CCG posts as I have time. Thank you for reading.
Monday, June 17, 2019
---> ---> Processing ----> ---->
It may take me a few days to get my Camp CowGranny post(s?) and photos done.
But TODAY!
Today is the 23rd anniversary of Daniel and Samuel's births.
Happy Birthday, guys.
Dan and Sam are remarkable young men. Both are patient and kind. Neither is afraid to stand up for the weak, or to lend a helping hand, or to give generous gifts.
I'm not in Texas to make Dan a special birthday dinner. Mr C has gone to town to get stuff for Sam's requested meal. He asked for BBQ Beef Ribs.
Once again, our weekly routine is a bit off kilter. I got home from my travels for Camp CowGranny yesterday afternoon. Alana and Kimber both came home with Nickole and I. Today, we returned Alana so that she can get ready for her next camp. Her entire summer is scheduled and organized, but she squeezed in a night to visit her Umpaw.
I have laundry going, while Nickole and Kimber play together. Or argue. None of us much felt like yet another car ride!
Tomorrow is Summer Reading at the Library. Afterwards, we will go get the groceries we missed today. The blackberries are ripe and begging to be picked... we need to try to do that one morning this week. We got another 2.5 inches (and still falling) of rain over the last 3 days.
Have a blessed day, and please remember the Z family in your prayers today and tomorrow.
But TODAY!
Today is the 23rd anniversary of Daniel and Samuel's births.
Happy Birthday, guys.
Dan and Sam are remarkable young men. Both are patient and kind. Neither is afraid to stand up for the weak, or to lend a helping hand, or to give generous gifts.
I'm not in Texas to make Dan a special birthday dinner. Mr C has gone to town to get stuff for Sam's requested meal. He asked for BBQ Beef Ribs.
Once again, our weekly routine is a bit off kilter. I got home from my travels for Camp CowGranny yesterday afternoon. Alana and Kimber both came home with Nickole and I. Today, we returned Alana so that she can get ready for her next camp. Her entire summer is scheduled and organized, but she squeezed in a night to visit her Umpaw.
I have laundry going, while Nickole and Kimber play together. Or argue. None of us much felt like yet another car ride!
Tomorrow is Summer Reading at the Library. Afterwards, we will go get the groceries we missed today. The blackberries are ripe and begging to be picked... we need to try to do that one morning this week. We got another 2.5 inches (and still falling) of rain over the last 3 days.
Have a blessed day, and please remember the Z family in your prayers today and tomorrow.
Friday, June 7, 2019
Camp CowGranny 2019: Plans
We are headed into "Camp CowGranny" next week. It is our (try for annual!) get together of the mine and Tom's grandkids, to hopefully help the cousins build stronger bonds with one another.
This year, we plan to have it at Becky's house... because she has more sleeping space, and because there are LITTLE cousins that need to be home at night. Seems like a great plan at the moment- we have has 2.5 inches of rain since last night, and it's still pouring.
There has been more rain than usual in Becky's area as well. They still have green grass- and it's already JUNE!
I'm not even taking the tent. I don't have room to haul it. Mr C wanted me to drive the truck, but I have 3 kids to haul, and we won't all fit. Sam is graciously allowing me to use his car.
I pick Alana up in the morning. We drive to my folks place in East Texas. Seneca is meeting us there with Gavin. From there, we stop in Dallas- Tommy has something to send to Becky, plus I need a hug from my kids when I can get them! From Dallas, the planned route is through Glenrose to Ballinger, to Ben's. He has a shindig planned for Sunday afternoon.
Most of our 'plans' have already been thwarted. The Bat Cave at Mason- you have to ford a river to get to it... and for one thing, the river is flooded. The Bat Cave is closed at this time. It doesn't say WHY, but likely due to the Mommy bats being on maternity leave. So there went that plan!
I had hoped to visit the pictographs in Paint Rock. That proved to be too pricey for our group- for something the kids would only find mildly interesting and reluctantly attend. Even the museums are pretty proud with their entry fees.
So! Swimming at Becky's. Wading at Ben and Paula's. The Abilene Zoo. MAYBE we can visit a Fire Station and see real fire trucks up close? We are flexible. Arts and Crafts. Parks and picnics. Lots of "free play" time for the cousins to just hang out. I will try for pictures. My camera has been terrible lately. (It was cheap when I bought it 4+ years ago!)
It's supposed to be cooler than the normal Texas temperatures- mid 80's instead of low 100's. Becky and I were just making meal plans... some stuff we leave til last minute!
Becky and I have been trying to think of "cabin" arrangements. Her upstairs has a boys bedroom, and a girls bedroom, with their "classroom" in between.
Granny will have a bed in the classroom to keep havoc to a minimum.
Alana will sleep next door with Teresa. Nickole will share a room with Kimber and Dakota. Gavin will share Tyrel's room.
The little girls, Grace, Althea, and Katie will sleep in the little girls' bedroom.
That leave Jasher as "odd one out". Not sure if he should sleep upstairs in the classroom near me & the big kids, as that implies he is a big boy (Which he clearly considers himself to be!).. or downstairs with the Little girls, as he is closer to their ages.
I don't want to put him in the room with the 12 year old boys without very close supervision.
This year, we plan to have it at Becky's house... because she has more sleeping space, and because there are LITTLE cousins that need to be home at night. Seems like a great plan at the moment- we have has 2.5 inches of rain since last night, and it's still pouring.
There has been more rain than usual in Becky's area as well. They still have green grass- and it's already JUNE!
I'm not even taking the tent. I don't have room to haul it. Mr C wanted me to drive the truck, but I have 3 kids to haul, and we won't all fit. Sam is graciously allowing me to use his car.
I pick Alana up in the morning. We drive to my folks place in East Texas. Seneca is meeting us there with Gavin. From there, we stop in Dallas- Tommy has something to send to Becky, plus I need a hug from my kids when I can get them! From Dallas, the planned route is through Glenrose to Ballinger, to Ben's. He has a shindig planned for Sunday afternoon.
Most of our 'plans' have already been thwarted. The Bat Cave at Mason- you have to ford a river to get to it... and for one thing, the river is flooded. The Bat Cave is closed at this time. It doesn't say WHY, but likely due to the Mommy bats being on maternity leave. So there went that plan!
I had hoped to visit the pictographs in Paint Rock. That proved to be too pricey for our group- for something the kids would only find mildly interesting and reluctantly attend. Even the museums are pretty proud with their entry fees.
So! Swimming at Becky's. Wading at Ben and Paula's. The Abilene Zoo. MAYBE we can visit a Fire Station and see real fire trucks up close? We are flexible. Arts and Crafts. Parks and picnics. Lots of "free play" time for the cousins to just hang out. I will try for pictures. My camera has been terrible lately. (It was cheap when I bought it 4+ years ago!)
It's supposed to be cooler than the normal Texas temperatures- mid 80's instead of low 100's. Becky and I were just making meal plans... some stuff we leave til last minute!
Becky and I have been trying to think of "cabin" arrangements. Her upstairs has a boys bedroom, and a girls bedroom, with their "classroom" in between.
Granny will have a bed in the classroom to keep havoc to a minimum.
Alana will sleep next door with Teresa. Nickole will share a room with Kimber and Dakota. Gavin will share Tyrel's room.
The little girls, Grace, Althea, and Katie will sleep in the little girls' bedroom.
That leave Jasher as "odd one out". Not sure if he should sleep upstairs in the classroom near me & the big kids, as that implies he is a big boy (Which he clearly considers himself to be!).. or downstairs with the Little girls, as he is closer to their ages.
I don't want to put him in the room with the 12 year old boys without very close supervision.
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