4th of July

Fourth of July. Ok, so I'm only a week and a half behind, that's not so bad. We celebrated the fourth with neighbors across from Bryce and Carmen's house. The food was good and there was a big blow up waterslide, but the best part was the fireworks. Love Texas (you can buy the really big ones here). So just before 9pm, when it starts to get dark, we started the exploding extravaganza. Over two hours later we were finished. The coolest part is when you and your other neighbor set off kabooms at the same time. It is almost like being at a fireworks show. On Sunday we continued the celebration by watching 1776.

Happy Birthday Taryn! Did you get my text?

Memorial Day

Two things are a must on Memorial Day, something outdoors and watery, and grilling. Starting off early at Eagle Mountain Lake, we staked out a picnic table and set up our shade. The water was surprisingly warm and I was impressed with the lack of organic stuff and rocks in the swimming area. Wesley loved riding around in his water floaty and even learned to propel himself around when no one would push him – yea for 1 dollar garage sell finds!

We enjoyed a make your own sandwich and chips for lunch then went back out into the water. Bryce brought the canoe, and Larry had a successful canoe ride with out falling in the water.

We left just before two and after a quick bath Wesley had a long nap. After a restful afternoon we went over to Bryce’s for grilled hamburgers and lamented how grilling at home is more comfortable than grilling at the lake, not to mention the lack of ants.

All in all it was a pretty good Memorial Day, thank you servicemen!

Fourth of July Week

Since their house is still not finished and they did not have anywhere to stay, Grandma and Grandpa decided to spend their Fourth of July holiday in Mississippi. We started the week with Vicksburg National Military Park and Stained Glass Manor Oak Hall.

The battlefield was nothing great, especially compared to Antietam and Gettysburg of which we have visited many times. There is no 1970-80s light diorama depicting the battle and no viewing towers to climb. But, it does have an ironclad boat, which is pretty neat to see and worth driving through the endless state monuments. The Stain Glass Manor home was very interesting and the proprietor who gave us the tour was even more interesting. The house was designed by Maher who taught Frank Lloyd Wright. It also has 36 original art (stained) glass panels by Millet and subcontracted by Tiffany. Despite the horrible damage to the wood from previous owners (who sandblasts beautiful wood trim and columns?) the home was beautiful. During the week we didn't get much done except for a few trips out and about, an endless game of Pinochle and a few rounds of Texas Hold 'em with our new poker chips. One of the trips out was to the sewing machine store. I think I'm going to start quilting, but first I require a sewing machine which is on my Christmas list. It is never to early to start thinking about Christmas, especially when Grandma starts shopping in May. We also took Wesley for his three month photo session. Let me know if you want a picture; I've got lots to share.

For the first time in what seems like forever, Larry and I took advantage of the live in free babysitting and went to the movies as part of our anniversary gift. We saw Indian Jones which was pretty good, but nothing like the first three. It is hard to watch a hero age, and Harrison Ford has definitely aged.

On the Forth we decided to have breakfast out. Bad Idea. The first few places we went to were closed! That is one of the biggest disappointment about Mississippi, there are not enough bagel shops here, so after driving around for 40 minutes we finally ended up at a doughnut shop. After hanging around the house all day playing games, we made our way over to the Lowes parking lot to view the Madison Fireworks. Since the Lowes parking lot is elevated from the launch site, it is almost the perfect spot, except for when the show was over and an entire packed parking lot tries to exit at the same time. Wesley enjoyed watching the fireworks and was mesmerized by all the pretty colors, he was almost as fun to watch as the fireworks themselves.

On Saturday, we finished off the visit with a trip to the State's Museum of Natural Science. I was little afraid that it would be very small, so I kept talking it down. Oh how we were so spoiled living close to Washington DC with the Smithsonian. But, overall it was pretty nice. A little heavy on the stuffed animals, but I expect nothing less from Mississippi. The Aquarium and fish were plentiful and I always enjoy watching water turtles. No sharks, Leah. Wesley loved looking at the big fishies!