FALL AT THE DALLAS ARBORETUM

Our first taste of fall came to us by a visit to the Dallas Arboretum.  Even though its 90 degrees it really feels like fall here.  There are pumpkins everywhere and parents and kids enjoying the fall morning.  This particular day there are lots of activities for the kids. We took Scott and Samantha and the boys to meet Debbi and Brooklyn and Carrie, Presley and Sam. Our first stop was the face painting. This lady is amazing. She puts the kids at ease immediately and within seconds has their cute little faces looking ready for Halloween.  Everyone popped up on her chair, but Kaden and Lincoln weren't buying this activity. We finally talked them into little pumpkins on their arms which they proudly displayed.  Next we were off to the Kindermusic area where everyone jived to the music. Of course the arboretum wouldn't be fun without a stop at the frogs shooting water to play in . By the time we left everyone was soaked.  When we  left the park we headed to Fuddruckers Hamburger joint for wonderful, overpriced hamburgers.  Can't even imagine how many weight watchers points that cost me.  Oh well, all in the name of the grandchildren.

A DAY AT FOSSIL RIM

When Scott and Samantha came we decided to take the boys to Fossil Rim Wildlife Park to see the animals. Its a fun day. The animals were pretty attentive.  Most looking for a hand out.  The ostrichs were the first ones to come by. Boy, can those things be aggressive!  They'll come right into the car for a hand out. The boys jumped back when they came through the window and than couldn't stop laughing.  There were quite a few new babies including the zebras and giraffes.  And what would the day be without a stop at the gift shop for an orange push up treat.

    

                                                                                   

THE ST. LOUIS JONES' COME TO VISIT

Scott, Samantha, Kaden, and Lincoln came to spend a week with us. We were so excited to have them.  They haven't had a chance to come all summer.  And with Samantha due to have a little girl in December they won't be back for Christmas. Of course, Uncle Richard couldn't miss out on the fun,  so he flew, in from Tampa to spend the weekend. We had a week of busy activity. A trip to Fossil Rim animal park, the Fort Worth Stockyards to see the cattle drive and a day at the Dallas Arboretum for Fall Festival kids day. And in between, there was swimming with cousins on Sunday and a couple of boat trips on the lake. Boy, I'm worn out just writing this.  There's a lot of energy in two little 3 yr. old boys. More than our house usually has. They love their grampi so he was kept quite busy. Thanks for coming guys, we love you and you really need to move to Texas!

SURPRISE CAMPING SITE

Was I surprised to find Jim's new camping site. In the middle of our family room?? I thought scouts camped outside?  He was checking things out for his first scout camp out.  They took the boats upriver with the scouts and camped out near the lake dam.  They had a good turn out and on Saturday they spent the day doing water activities. From the pictures I saw looks like the food was good and everyone had a good time. 
 

MEMORIES OF MY MOM

On September 5th, my dad called to tell me that my mom had fallen. I went over to their home to help.  By that evening she was having some trouble breathing and had gotten really weak. I spent the night and the next afternoon we decided that she needed to be seen by her doctor.  In the Emergency room at Lake Granbury Medical Center, they decided that she had aspirated and the fluid was building up in her lungs. She was admitted to the medical/surgical floor that I work on. Everyone was so kind and caring to her.  She only spent 4 days there and was transferred to Harbor Lakes Rehab to try and get her strength back, so she could return home. She was doing well, but 2 days later her breathing became labored and raspy again. I spent the night on Monday and Tuesday morning I called my dad, at our house, and he came to the rehab. She peaceful and quietly passed, as my dad talked and held her. She was such a wonderful mother. She gave my sister and I a wonderful childhood. I can say that I don't think I would have changed anything about my childhood and the wonderful parents that I had. My mother was a great business woman. She worked at Dow Chemical, Pontiac dealership and than Midland Valley Travel, which she and my dad eventually bought. They were able to travel all over the world during this time.  My mother loved golf, travel and gardening, especially growing roses. I will always remember her love of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved being around them and they loved her. We all traveled to Midland, Michigan, where she was laid to rest at Memorial Gardens on M-30. She had many wonderful friends and family. There were at least 100 people  who came to say good-bye one last time. We will all miss your sweet smile. Good-bye mom, until later. Love Peg 

I PLEDGE ALLEGIENCE

This is our families newest Boy Scout.  Jim was asked at church to work with the young men. He is the varsity scout leader.  I thought I was done sewing on badges with the four boys, but here I am trying to figure out where they go.  This is not a cheap venture.  First expediture, $61 for shirt and badges.  I think he's finally getting into it though.  They are going on their first boat trip with an overnight next Friday. He's remembering back when his dad was the scout leader and they did high adventure.  I think that's the thing that he thinks could be fun.  Do you remember the boy scout oaths????? 

A CHANGE IN OCCUPATION

We were headed out of our subdivision when we stopped to talk to a neighbor for a few minutes. As we sit there the BMW went pffff. A large bellow of smoke and steam came from under the hood. We jumped out and unbelievable the radiator blew a hole in the side. Tom (the neighbor) said he could help change it out. I have to say I was a little skeptical. The next morning with new radiator in hand the two started taking the car apart. Only 4 bolts, Tom said. They were unable to get one loose so Tom started taking the front of the car off. Even Jim was beginning to wonder. But, alas, he was good at what he was doing and they soon had the new radiator in place. I stayed close by for the test run, in case I had to rescue him. But, all was good. I guess Jim can always get a part time job at Goodyear when he retires if we need extra cash.  Way to go guys!!!