Monday, February 27, 2012

Tamara had a birthday party for Liam at Bass Pro in Grapevine.  He turned 5.  Bass Pro provided a room that they could bring in their cake and punch and provided fishing poles for the kids to fish in the pond. They even  had an attendant to put the worm on the poles. It was all FREE!  I couldn't believe it!  The kids seems to be having a great time and it was a beautiful day.

Liam's Birthday Party at Bass Pro


Liam with his Dad Fishing


Liam's Aunt Taryn and Uncle Chris and Cousins Luke and Logan


Me with Liam's Sister Sydney and Liam's Cousin Emerson


Thursday, February 23, 2012

They say in our part of Texas that if you don't like the weather wait a few days.  This is so true.  If you saw my former post of a little over a week ago with the rare snow fakes you will note a huge difference to the current 80 plus degree temps we had yesterday and are having today. Also, just a few weeks ago you could walk under our dock because of the lack of rain due to the drought last summer.  Yesterday I spent some time sitting outside with my camera and my Nook and took some time to relax. It was wonderful!

The Lake is Full


Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Snow is rare in this part of Texas. Some of our family got together at a restaurant on Feb. 12th for dinner. While having dinner it started snowing huge flakes. Today was the first time I saw this picture and just had to post it. Most of us being from the north you would think we had never seen snow before. It made me laugh.

Snowing in Texas (Feb.12, 2012)





Sunday, February 19, 2012

Today is Peyton's birthday.  She is sweet sixteen!  She will be getting her driver's license in a couple of days. That is scary but also helpful to her parents as she will be able to drive to her sports activities and other events. Peyton has been busy with volley ball and soccer so far this school season. Something you may not know about  Peyton is that she was named after Walter Payton. Walter Payton played for the Chicago Bears and Peyton's Dad was a huge fan.

So, Happy Birthday Peyton.  We all love you so much!

Happy Birthday Peyton!


Friday, February 17, 2012

It breaks my heart sometimes that we can not attend some of Jake's activities because of the distance we are from him.  But we try to make the best of the situation.  We have been able to attend a couple of baseball games in the summer.  I am thrilled every time Jane sends pictures. I noticed that just a few months makes a huge difference in the maturity of a child.  Jake has been active lately with basketball and loves to skate and as you can see has quite a sense of humor.

Jake Playing Basketball


Jake Ice Skating


Jake's Funny Face


Thursday, February 16, 2012

It is basketball season again.  Jack and his team have been doing very well this year.  The games are exciting.  It is interesting to see the improvements from last year to this year.  I love trying to get some action shots in when I can.

Jack at the Free Throw Line


The Ball is on it's Way


Jack Making the Basket


Tuesday, February 14, 2012

If you visit my art blog occasionally you will know that I like to make art with melted bottles.  But bottle tree sculptures are a little over the edge for me.  Perhaps if it were a bottle tree with only blue bottles? I know some people like this and that is what makes the would go around. No matter how you feel about it when driving by something like this it is difficult not to stop and take a picture.  

Along the Highway in Llano TX.


Saturday, February 11, 2012

Today is Angie's birthday.  Angie and her brother Robert came into my life a little over 26 years ago.  Angie was eight and Robert was ten.  It was a challenge blending the two families together.  I shared mothering responsibilities for Angie and Robert as well as Bob shared fathering responsibilities for my three kids.  I can't imagine being 8 years old and someone telling me I was going to be living with my Dad and someone I hardly knew.  I think about that often. And I think about how it must have felt for all of the kids to be placed in one combined family group.  But somehow, through the years the love between Bob and I grew and so did the love between all of us. I can't imagine it any other way.  We have been very blessed.

Happy Birthday Angie.  We all love you very much.


Happy Birthday Angie


Thursday, February 9, 2012

The Walden Plantation Bed and Breakfast just nine miles west of Llano Texas is a beautiful and serene place to stay. It is more like a hotel or resort.  We got the winter discount for 69.00 per night. The rooms were charming and decorated beautifully. The bed was very comfortable. It was chilly when we arrived right after a cold front but we still enjoyed the serenity, the quiet, and the sounds of the flowing river over the rocks.  The river levels were down because of the drought last summer but it was still beautiful.  The owner said they rent kayaks in the summer and also offer tubing. They take you about a mile and a half up the river to start.  Breakfast was good.  We had dinner Sunday evening in Llano but many of the restaurants are closed on Sunday.  The town of Llano is very quaint with many unique shops. We will definitely go back.

Walden Plantation Bed and Breakfast near Llano TX


Breakfast & Lunch Area at Walden Plantation Bed and Breakfast


Llano River flowing behind the Walden Plantation Bed and Breakfast


Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Bob and I decided to take a ride to the Texas Hill Country.  We booked a Bed and Breakfast for last Sunday night.  On our way we stopped at a German Restaurant less than 4 miles off  HWY 35 near Georgetown TX.  The German Restaurant was in what was once the grocery, dry goods and hardware store for decades. It was very quaint and on that day they offered a buffet. That was nice because it allowed us the opportunity to sample and choose from the wide variety of the German Food.  This also allowed me to pick items that are acceptable on my diet.

The waiter was telling us that in the spring, summer and fall they have a beer gardens in the back.  After lunch we drove back there and took a few pictures.  I would say this was a serious beer garden or biergarten as the Germans would say.

Biergarten at Walburg TX. Restaurant


Walburg German Restaurant in Walburg TX


Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Getting back to the glass bottom boat tour, I have some images of the coral as seen through the glass and some photos of the guide feeding the sharks.  I love the brilliant blue, clear color of the water.  The feeding of the sharks was intense but very interesting.

Guide Feeding the Sharks


Shark Feeding


Coral as Viewed from the Glass Bottom Boat