Mid 30's mom of three wonderful kids and married to Trevor since '94. My occupations consist of: chauffeur, cook, maid, accountant, repair person, advisor, etc. I don't get paid for what I do, but I love my job and couldn't imagine doing anything else right now.
We met Keith and Jenn there. Kaitlyn was getting her face painted. I zoomed in across the park from the ferris wheel. Keith is on the phone with Trevor making plans for dinner later at The Flying Dutchman.
Lena and Bri.
Did I ever tell y'all I DO NOT like heights? Trevor and Rance got in trouble for moving around too much in the seats.
Rance made a friend named Lorenzo.
A German friend of Lena's named Fabian, was staying in Dickinson, which happens to be close to Kemah. Her host dad was nice enough to drive her over so the two could visit. They spoke German pretty much the whole time. It was neat listening to them.
Waiting to ride to the top.
Trevor's mom and Colton.
Trevor's step dad and Rance peeking around.
Our view from the tower looking down at the boardwalk.
Our trip wouldn't be complete without a pirate ship.
Oyster on the half shell.
Yes, I ate some, with Tabasco sauce. It was really good.
The Flying Dutchman has some really tasty clam chowder, I highly recommend.
I showed the boys how hungry the seagulls were by throwing a chip up in the air. Austin wanted to try and the bird snatched the chip right out of his fingers.
Everyone headed for cover when a swarm of gulls flew over but Keith still got hit. At least it blended in with his shorts.
Best friends!
Just like sisters.
At the aqaurium.
Lena got to touch a star fish.
Rance looking at a king penguin.
Afterwards, we tried to find a place in Galveston to eat but they all were packed from Spring Breakers. We drove back to Lake Jackson and ate at our old stand by, the Red Snapper.
Lena was excited to order a traditional German dinner. She had Schnitzel with German potato salad and fresh fruit.
I had the Wienerwurst with sauerkraut and onion straws. Um, yummo!
(Oh, and check out my doodle guy eyeing my plate.)
My first lager, from Munich, Germany, all 16.9 oz. of it.
For dessert, Lena and I shared an Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), here is what was left of it before I remembered to take a picture. Definitely the best strudel I have ever tasted!
Since Lena has been staying with us for over a month, she has taught us soo much about her culture. Things such as they have 2 different schools to attend as youth enter the same as high school here. They have school for the ones that will continue to grow in their education and on into college, while others are sent to an 'easy' school to finish. The legal drinking age is 16. It cost over a $1000 to get a drivers' license. And so much more.
One of the customs we recently learned is that when a young person turns 18 it is a REALLY BIG DEAL. It's the equivalent of turning 16 or 21 here. So much so that they have birthday cards for turning 18. Of course here, I was unable to find a single card for 18, but plenty for 16 and 21.
Lena celebrated her 18th birthday in Star Harbor, Texas with us. She knew when she signed up the exchange program that she would not be in her home country to celebrate. I thought for a long while how to celebrate this momentous occasion. Of course there were obstacles...there usually are obstacles where I'm concerned. The 22nd of February was a school night and the girls had practices after school. That eliminated a trip to Dallas. Even Tyler would be difficult. Lena likes Asian food so she made it easy on us with a short trip to Athens. We tried out the new Hunan restaurant, sushi and grill. It was very good.
One of the things Lena remembers growing up is waking up to a 'teddy' cake for her birthday. I couldn't disappoint her... So I placed an order into Wal Mart. Sure wish I could have made it myself. Of course it had to be pink, that is her favorite color.
But what made the day even more special was the package she received all the way from Germany. Her mom, Brigitte, mailed it 2 weeks ago. It perfectly arrived the day of. Right before Lena opened it, she called up her mom and sister to get on Skype. They watched and chatted as Lena opened up the special gifts her family sent over. I have never seen her smile soo much before.
I thought it would be a nice memory to record the moment for her to relive once she is back home.
Be sure and pause the play list to the top left.
Yes, that was Rance in the background, screaming bloody murder from his room. Sigh, what can I say. Hey, he's still alive. ;)
...and I have been slacking in the blog department. But it's not too late. So I am going to update with pictures, which I like to post more of anyways. Fall Festival
My little ninja and little Spiderman.
This is the deer hunting stand booth Keith and Trevor worked really long and hard on, only to be blown to pieces just a couple of days later when a storm blew threw. Trevor had it for a dual purpose. When he went to see what was left of it, the stand had been picked up by the wind and carried over onto the adjacent property, leaving behind the stairs, still upright or budged. This is the same storm that got us a new roof.
Bri chose not dress up this time, but posed with Asher anyway.
Colton's 10th birthday with a chocolate ice cream cake.
Bri's sweet sixteen.
Man this day makes me feel old.
I had to replace the window regulator on my truck, the part that raises the window up and down. The cable was messed up by someone leaning on the glass while the window was partially down. Part was $60, estimated savings on labor: $200.
Bri receiving her certificate for the National Honor Society. To qualify, the student not only had to have good grades and attendance, but also activities at school and in the community. We are so proud of the young lady she has become. I pray that God will continue to work through her.
...and never have been. Rance gave me a whole new reason why I don't like baby powder.
I could smell the lingering odor of powder all the way in the living room coming from my bathroom. Bri, Colton, and I wondered out loud what it could be from. We all knew at the same time; Rance! We jumped up and rushed to my room to find the bathroom door locked. He was using squares of toilet paper to 'clean up'. I choked on the powder in the air and could hardly speak to scold him. Not sure how he could even breath. He explained that he needed to powder his bottom. He got more than a powdered bottom... Bri and Colton quickly found out they share my allergic nose to any sort of dust or powder. My nose still itches. Trevor thought it was funny so I let him clean it up. Powder was on everything, including inside of Trevor's hunting boots. Not soo funny anymore. The deer will smell him coming a mile away.
I had the privilege of Donna Spies camera expertise today. She patiently took A LOT of pictures of the kiddos today. I got to preview a couple of shots and they are going to be absolutely wonderful. After the session, I took advantage of the kids good humor (cough, cough) and headed downtown to Dottie's building for the brick facade. This place is a popular spot for photos. I tried my hand at a couple of shots before the sun set, came home and tweaked it just a bit.
