Last Hurrah at Lake Granbury

We had a fantastic weekend. Since my in-laws house on Lake Granbury burned last fall, we have not had any lake time. It has been bitter sweet this summer not going to their house and having fun at their house with them and having lake time fun. Sam has always been Big Daddy's dock hand and he has always loved being at their house. He is Mr. Dock. He loves to help with anything that has to do with the dock. So, when their house burned we told Sam that we would still go use their dock this summer and have one last fling with the lake.

We decided last week to make this weekend our last hurrah. We did not tell the boys until we were about to leave for fear we would hear the never ending questions of....when are we leaving.....when are we leaving.....and when are we leaving.

When we did tell them, there were all ecstatic. We got our gear loaded up and drove down Saturday afternoon. We arrived at their lot about 2. It was, like I said, bittersweet pulling in the long drive down to where their house once stood. Nothing but dirt and old landscaping in need of some serious water. The stone walls still intact and the big stone smoker all stood alone in the landscape. But, we knew that the dock was still the same.

We got the boys out, they put their swimsuits on and we unloaded down to the dock. It was a little cobwebb-y but still just the same. Sam was like a kid Christmas morning. We got our stuff put down and started surveying the area. There was an unmistakeable feeling that it was not the same and I got a little sad thinking we had made a mistake. However, as soon as we all got settled, we started having the best time.

Ben and Hayes - boom, off the dock into the water and up the dog ramp. In the water and up the ramp....how their day went for a while. Sam was more into the generator and getting the dock going to get the jet skis down. Well, we get them down and get ready for some jet ski fun and poof...nothing starts. Nothing.

So, the lake is down about 3 feet and the rope swing is a ways off the water so Sam and I start swinging on the rope swing and jumping in the lake. Ben even tries the swing and even though his little arms can't carry his weight, he rode it until he dropped off several times and loved it. We swam around and jumped off the dock for a while. Then, we decided it was time for a boat ride.

Luckily, the boat started just fine and off we went. Nothing but the wind in our hair, the sprite on our lips and the ever so hot sun on our faces to keep us company. Ahhhh, this is the life.

Each of the boys got a turn with daddy "driving" the boat. Sam was in hog heaven. We were out a little over an hour and having so much fun. We went back to the dock and Ryan tried to jump one of the jet skis to see if the battery was the problem . Voila! It starts!!

So, Sam and I jump on and think we are about to shred some water. Is that a saying? Anyway, over the roar of the generator and the jet ski I think Ryan says to turn it off so we can see if it starts again. I turn it off. Ruf Roh!!!

Ryan: "What are you doing"?
Kelly: "I thought you said turn it off"
Ryan:" Why would I say that?"
Kelly: "To make sure it starts again?"
Ryan: "NO, I said don't turn it off it may not start again."
Kelly: "oops"

So, he has to re-jump it and thankfully it starts. So, OFF WE GO!!! and a WOO HOO!!

We have a blast and Sam is in heaven, again.

We come in and get Ben and the three of us have a ride. Then we get the water weenie and attach it to the jet ski. Sam, Hayes and Ryan on the jet ski and me and Ben on the water weenie. I have fun. Ben, kind of fun kind of not.

Sam gets on, nothing but fun.

We get back to the dock and the boys and I mean all THREE (well, four including Ryan) jump off the top diving board which is mucho feet high. I won't do it cuz I am a scaredy cat.

I am so so so proud. The boys LOVED it!!!

Harley, the Waltons wonderful golden retriever died in the fire (she was 18) and is buried down by the lake. The boys of course wanted to know where she was so Ryan showed them. Towards the end of the day, Ben and Hayes decided to give her water from their buckets to "unlock her from Heaven." They said "she does not want to be in heaven. We can open her doors." Well, it was cute and sweet and we then explained she was very happy in heaven.

When it was time to pack up they each got their shoes on and roamed over the property and decided to each take a piece of the slate that had been in their home. It was now in chunk in the earth. A little remembrance of the love, the fun, the great times they had at the lake.

We packed up about 7, went to the hotel and cleaned up. Went to dinner on the square in Granbury and the live music pretty much put Ben and Hayes in a trance. Went to Braums for ice cream afterwards and then went back to the hotel. Got in bed about 10 and all three boys looked like monkeys in the bed asleep. But really, they were little angels.

So, we had a blast with our last hurrah at Lake Granbury! We are sad our time has ended but are so thankful for the time at all.

Thank you Nana and Big!!!!

Museum School and Mickey D's

The boys have have Museum School everyday this week from 10-12. They are really enjoying it. Sam is learning all about the body from head to toe. The twins are learning about native americans and all that entails. Museum school is apparently a blast as they all three love it and do not even bother to turn and wave as they enter the classroom. I take that back, Sam does. He is my firstborn and will be stuck to me like glue I hope forever. Anyway, I am really happy that they love it so much.

Of course it is lunchtime when they get out so to McDonald's we go. Same order every day - 3 Chicken Nugget Happy Meals for boys, no sauce with sprites. I have to say that by today, the fourth day of delicious saturated fats, I was kind of embarrassed to see the same lady giving me my order. I told her that today was it because we were done with Museum School. She told me she felt sorry for me. Was that in a good way? I could not tell, she was smiling so I think so.

Anyway, I hope the boys got their fill because that is it for a while. Well, except for the pizza they get tonight at a birthday party but after that I swear it is it.

July 4th!

Normally July 4th is a fun filled party. Consisting of family, fireworks, some lake time and lots food and fun. This year was spent quietly with our family. There is a ban on fireworks so we could only do the little poppers. That was ok though because the kids loved it and that is all that matters.

We started the day with doughnuts because you have to start a the 4th of July holiday out with the all american doughnut. Ryan also made bacon and eggs, also all american. Then Ryan grilled hot dogs while the kids went swimming. It was a nice and predictably hot day here in Texas and the pool is always an oasis for us in the back yard.

We swam for a few hours and then went inside to cool off. And, because the boys could not follow the "no touching each other in the pool and pushing other people's head under water" rule. Sam and Hayes took a nap. Ben and I ran some errands.

Rocky and Sharon came over for some delicious fish tacos and then the boys did their little poppers. Of course, you feel like you have a ton but within 5 minutes they are all gone. Ryan and the boys played tag and dodge ball and then we all went swimming again.

Apparently I still have it at the ripe age of 37 because flips and back dives and all sorts of fantastic moves were coming from me off that diving board. Oh yeah, I did. The boys were very impressed. I do have to say I am a bit sore - working those muscles.

Anyway, we hope everyone had a fabulous 4th just like we did!