Camp Nelson and Grammy & Gramps

The kids spent two weeks with both sets of grandparents in Texas.  They started off with the Nelson side in Plano participating in things like: feeding horses, riding the DART to visit the Dallas World Aquarium, going to the movies to see Mr. Poppers Penguins, painting birdhouses, bowling, shopping, Dave & Busters, and swimming every day.  Xavi was thrilled to buy a shark's tooth from DWA!  They were also able to visit their cousin Parker and visit with aunts Kim and Kelly.  

I flew in and was picked up by my kids and parents.  Our week was spent doing things like:  watching Wild Ocean at the Omni IMAX in Fort Worth, going to see Harry Potter with Gramps and Uncle Eric, visiting the Farmers Market for fruits and veggies, watching home movies which entertained them immensely, reading Bible stories, visiting Lifeway for books and music, having lunch at On the Border, and visiting great-aunts, great-uncles, and great-grandmothers; which resulted in receiving a nice stash of cash.  Mimi even included a framed picture of butterflies from Brazil for Angela and inscribed a sweet note to Lizet in a Baptist hymnal which Lizet has promised to learn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" for Mimi.  We also played several games of Chicken Foot and the kids got to see where Gramps teaches English.  The minute we arrived however, Lizet received a mani/pedi from Grammy.  I couldn't believe Grammy was okay doing that at 11 p.m., but she did! Beautiful taupes and mauves look so pretty against Hispanic skin.  

 

  

4th of July Weekend & Camp Wah-Shah-She

Fireworks, Slip 'n' Slide, hamburgers, hot dogs, chili sauce, banana pudding, chips, French fries, lemonade, sweet tea, playing the piano, more fireworks, more water fun, bike riding, movies, Uno, Connect 4, and a trip to the mall to see the movie, Monte Carlo with the girls.  Then, more fireworks! What a terrific weekend!!!

Last week, Aunt Cathy flew in for a visit and stayed for four days.  Upon arriving, Cathy and I went to pick up Lizet from Girl Scout Camp:  Camp Wah-Shah-She.  I’m certainly glad this was just a weekend getaway, and I think Lizet felt the same.  She loved it, but has some suggestions for future camps.  For instance, she says next time she needs to bring a wheelchair because 10 miles was too far for a walk.  I seriously doubt it was that long, but strappy sandals she insisted on taking probably wasn’t a great idea.  She also realized she didn’t need her stuffed monkey from the Tulsa Zoo, which was half her size.  She did make a friend who was from Guatemala.  So, she had to run back for one last hug.  She also taught us a song called “Bazooka Bubble Gum” they sang around the campfire.    

We had dinner at several restaurants in town, went to see Soul Surfer, played games, and bought an old Don Knotts classic:  The Ghost and Mr. Chicken.  It was tough to see Cathy go, but we will look forward to her next visit! 

Next year, I hope we can find a Vacation Bible School that complements our summer.  Between Girl Scout camp, Boost Reading, swimming and vacations, it's hard to find one available during the day.