Family Fun in the Sun

The weekend before Father's Day, Kimberly and Mark came for a weekend visit.

Saturday morning Joshua had a golf tournament so Craig, Kim, Mark and I spent a little time in the pool. Craig and the kids played basketball.

For lunch we went to Kemah and ate at the Outrigger. It's a little cafe grill on the water where boats can pull up and tie off. They have a little band that plays all kinds of music. It's very relaxing to sit and watch the sailboats coming and going to and from Clear Lake to the Bay and back while listening to music and filling your tummy.

After lunch we went back to the house because Joshua had requested a cook out so he could introduce his sister and brother-in-law to the guys he works with.

Craig smoked ribs and a brisket , we grilled corn on the cob and jalapeno poppers while the kids played volleyball.

After supper everyone played volleyball. I'm proud to say the "old folks" won the first game. On the "old folks" team was Craig, Kimberly, Mark and me. Of course Kim and Mark aren't old but everyone else was younger than them so by default they had to play on the "old" team.

It was a great weekend with beautiful weather. Hopefully we will do it all again soon.

The Old Man makes a BIG Splash

Craig and the boys needed to relax after a long pressure filled day of golf. HA!

Craig being the oldest by many years won the biggest splash. Being the sentimental sap that I am when it comes to my kids, I could just imagine Kimberly's giggles when her Daddy made the water splash over the sides of the pool like he used to when they played ring around the rosey in her little wadding pool.

One question...when do boys finally grow up?
Craig during take off. (sorry for the blurred photo)

Big splash. Casey Fries is watching Craig's technique.

Casey gives it a try. (again blurry)

Casey's splash.

The old man wins!

We are under ATTACK!

By....

MOSQUITOS

They have no mercy.

Nothing seems to help.

We have tried everything; citronella candels, marigold plants, rosemary and lemon balm plants, bug spray, anything you can imagine.

The little pest swarm the glowing flicker of the citronella candles. I swear I think I saw a few actually make smores.

Bug spray works as meat tenderizer.

Marigolds work best. The little vampires don't like those but the problem is they do like the moist soil around the flowers. If only you didn't have to water flowers to make them grow.

Even the quickest venture out doors makes for an interesting "dance" with waves, kicks, ducks, dodges, flaps, slaps, taps, etc.

Relief comes midday. Never say 90 degrees and 80% humidity isn't heaven. You may sweat but at least you don't itch.

buzzzzz......buzzzzzz......buzzzzz.

What is Yours?

A few weeks ago, my niece Tori asked a question on her blog, What is Yours? Her question pertains to your favorite childhood toy. I am finally getting around to answering the question.

I would like to introduce Jocko.




Jocko was given to me by my Mom and Dad when I was 6 months old. From that day forward he was my constant companion.

I couldn't go to sleep without him by my side. (here I am at 3) I think I actually slept with him until I was 9 or 10 years old.



Jocko rode in bicycle baskets, went to sleepovers, went on all family vacation...you name it and he was definitely there.

When I was 6 and had my tonsils removed Jocko went into the operating room with me. While having my tonsils removed I also had a wart burned off my hand. When I awoke from the anesthesia I had a band aid on my hand and Jocko had one on his same hand. It was also at that time he got his name. I had always called him monkey but the nurse said he needed a name and suggested Jocko. From that day on he was Jocko.


Fast forward 49 years...


Today Jock is still a part of my life. He is a little worse for wear. His arm was taped on many years ago. His hand has been stitched back on numerous time and rather than having cute yellow fuzz he is mostly threadbare.

I will never part with Jocko that will be something my kids will do for me someday. So for now he sits in a special place in my closet smiling his goofy little grin.



Now it's your turn...What is Yours?

a Birthday Junk

Over the years I have received some very interesting birthday gifts.

I have been given a wheel barrel, bags of cement mix, yard tools, power tools; you get the picture. While they weren't really meant as gifts each one was purchased around the time of my birthday as a necessity. We have an ongoing joke about these "gifts".

This year is the first time I can honestly say I was given a junk by Kimberly and Mark.

The story is Kimberly was looking for a sailboat for me to add to the house decor. She found a Chinese sailboat with a metal sail. She told me she knew it had a name but both of us were at a loss as to the actual name.

Later in the day Craig remembered it was a Chinese Junk.

Now have a Junk on the mantle and it's perfect!

Another Texas Tech Graduate

I am proud to announce Joshua Craig is an offical alumni of Texas Tech University.

Commencement started at 9 a.m. Saturday May 9, 2009

Josh's best friend Kellen Smith came for the ceremony. Also Josh's Grandma Light, sister Kimberly and brother-in-law Mark were there to share the day.

Craig and his mom, Josh's Gramma Carol.

If you look closely you can see Josh on the jumbo screen about to receive his diploma.

First official photo of the graduate along with Kimberly (guns up) and Kellen.

Our 3 Texas Tech graduates. Kimberly and Mark graduated in May 2006. Wreck 'm Tech.

Josh's dreaded photo op with the parents. (Craig tried to find a curb to stand on since Josh has outgrown him and I am in 3 inch heels.)

Finally the last photo of the day. As you can tell Josh is tired of smiling for the camera. (I actually have a good one of him smiling but thought this one captured his "spirit".)

After commencement, we had a celebration lunch at Abuelo's Mexican Cantina.

Josh's Aunt and Uncle, Steve and Ronna and 2 cousins, Myles and Lauren also joined us for lunch but I forgot my camera in the car so there are no pics to share... plus I's pretty sure Josh would have thrown his plate at me if I had tried to take more photos.

Pool is...OPEN