Saturday, December 31, 2011

NYE 2011

New Years Eve consisted of:
  • Swinging
  •  Playing backyard games (all of which I lost)

  •  Jumping
  •  Celebrating Great Granny's (belated) Birthday
  •  Soccer
  •  Basketball
  •  Sidewalk chalk

  •  Jumping in to leaves


  •  Again

  •  And again



  •  And  again (not sure who enjoyed the pile of leaves more??)


  •  Admiring the in-laws awesome backyard (pool, hot tub, in ground trampoline and swing set!)

  •  More jumping
  •  A little self portrait taking
  •  Hawk watching

  •  More yard games
  •  A delicious dinner out
  • A little piano playing

  • Ringing in the new year in the hot tub!
Happy New Year!

Friday, December 30, 2011

Post, Texas

This afternoon we drove about 30 minutes South to Post to see where Luke's dad grew up. I love history. Not really the boring school text book stuff that my husband loves, but I do love stories. Family stories. Knowing and seeing and being where a family member grew up is exciting to me. So this little excursion was right up my alley! 
We made a quick pit stop at a scenic turnout to look out over the cap rock. It was beautiful!

Then, we were on our way to Post, Texas, population 35. Not really. More like 3,500 but it definitely had that charming small town appeal!

We saw the church where Luke's parents were married. I love the steps!
We also drove around the neighborhoods and stopped in a few cute shops downtown. Then we were off to the property his family owned.
He grew up on a ranch.
The house he lived in has been abandoned for nearly three decades. Walking through it was pretty fascinating.
 I am sure it was hard for my father-in-law to see it in that kind of shape considering the memories that house held for him, but it was such an honor to be able to go back there.
The property was gorgeous. And flat. Really, really flat. I've lived in Texas my entire life but it never ceases to amaze me how the various parts of the state are just so different.



I think I took about 150 pictures while we were there. All the textures were pretty neat. We took a few cabinet doors from a built in to use for decoration in our house. I can't wait to find a place for them!

We all enjoyed listening to his dad tell us stories about the property and his family, even Madelyn! She loved exploring too.



Just before we were about to head back to town for dinner, Luke and his dad got out their rifles for a little target practice. Luke hasn't had the chance to shoot the rifle his dad got him for his birthday, so I know that was a treat for him!
Madelyn watched from afar! Gigi covered her ears for each shot.

I took my turn too. I am just as awesome as the last time I shot a rifle! That time a couple of years ago when I impressed the hubs and my sister-in-law with my mad deer hunting skills. I am not sure who should be laughed at more...the dumb deer that stuck around after being shot at five times or me, the one who missed five times! The milk jug full of water was just as safe as the deer when it came to the few rounds that I shot!
 I love these two men!

If you've never seen a West Texas sunset, put it on your list. It's absolutely breathtaking!

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