So, we loaded up the van and left for the 14 hour drive to Texas at 4:45pm, with hopes of driving all night and the kids sleeping happily in the van. Presto! Everyone would wake up and we would be at my mom's house at 7:00am. And we did it!! Didn't quite happen as nicely as it all sounded, but overall, everyone did well. We stopped for breakfast in Canton, TX at 7:00 and arrived at my mom's around 8:00am. And wasn't she surprised to see us that early! :) We had a great time while we were there. We visited with my sister and two nieces, who both happened to have had little girls within a few months of Reese. Reese was the oldest, but remember, "everything is bigger in Texas", so she looked the smallest! It was great seeing them. And we also got to drive to the Dallas/Fort Worth area and visit with some of our best friends, James & Amy Wiebe, and their two beautiful girls. We hung out, saw Toy Story 3, and spent a day at a cool water park. The kids loved it! It is so great seeing them. Even though we all met in Seattle, we have managed to see each other at least once a year since we both moved from there back in 2005/2006! Next up, we will all meet up at Disney World for a week vacation the first week of January. We feel so blessed to have such a great relationship with them---one of those few in a lifetime that you get!
We also spent some good time with my mom on her land. She has 108 acres, which I grew up on---exploring, riding horses, climbing trees, camping, frog hunting with my dad, etc..----up for sale. She plans on living between Boston, MA with my brother, and Indianapolis with us, and flying back to Texas for visits with my sister and friends. So, it was bittersweet to be there one last time. So many memories. Some bad---but also many, many good ones. I have also shared that place with Paul for the last 15 years and with my kids. I can still remember my last trip back there before my dad died. Reagan was 4, Ryan was 2, and I was 5 months pregnant with Riley when we flew down there to visit with him. I remember exactly where he was sitting the last time I ever saw him alive, and the blessed, redeeming conversation we had that night. Thank you Jesus for that time.
The kids really enjoy being there. They get to run all over, go exploring, and play around the ponds and creeks, looking for cool "pond creatures"--man, you sure miss out on things when you live in surburbia! The highlight for them had to be shooting the BB gun and riding ( or driving for Reagan) the lawn tractor around. We all cried as we drove off that final day...... But we made some awesome memories and look forward to seeing Grammer much more than just 3 times a year. Below are many pictures that represent some of our fun!
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| Happy 4th of July |
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| Reese eats her first Oreo |
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| Reese and her 2nd cousin Heather |
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| Reese and Emma Wiebe |
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| Reagan, Riley, and Ellie |
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| The fruitful results of the Cornwells & Wiebes |
