Deep in the heart of Texas

We just got back from visiting my family in Texas. We had a wonderful time! My Grandparents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this month so all 5 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren came in to honor them. Everyone except two people were able to come in. Last year on Christmas eve my Grandma had a stroke and this was the first time I've seen her since she was in the hospital. It was a night and day difference from my last visit. Her speech was affected so her speech is just random words and she calls everyone by a different name. My given name was Ginger. She seems to be in good physical health considering her age and past medical problems. Before her stroke she used a motorized wheelchair but is now in a manual wheelchair and uses her feet to pull herself around the house.

My Grandparents

This will always be a cherished picture. Not many people are able to have a four generation picture.

No, we were not super models with fans blowing our sexy hair.
It really was that windy.

Phillip's grandparents and a few other relatives are also in South Texas, only a short drive from my parents, so we were able to see them as well. Phillip's Grandma is mentally going down hill. She has not been clinically diagnosed with alzheimers but is showing all the signs and symptoms. She is not able to remember things for long stretches of time anymore. She asked me three different times who Aubrey belonged to. It breaks my heart to see our Grandparents going down hill. I still think they should be the same as they were when I was 10.

My brother was there the entire time we were so we enjoyed catching up with him. It had been almost a year and a half since we had seen each other. He brought his girlfriend, Kristine, with him to meet everyone. She has met my parents and a few other relatives but she was thrown into the fire this weekend! I can't think of anything more nerve wracking for a girlfriend than spending the entire weekend with twenty something members of your boyfriends family. She is very sweet and down to earth. Kristine is about to move to Austin to start grad school so her and Aaron are about to start a long distance relationship. Distance is usually the true test of a relationship.

Aaron and Kristine

I wish we were able to spend a bit more time visiting with my parents. We didn't have much down time to just chat. Things are always so crazy with food prep and clean up and activities when there is such a large crowd. Mom and I spent a lot of time in the kitchen cooking together which was fun for both of us. Aubrey loved the attention from everyone and Ashlyn and Phillip always enjoy being outside doing a little "ranching chores" while we are in Texas. Ashlyn absolutely loves going out on the tractor and ATV with Pawpaw and I'm pretty sure Pawpaw enjoys taking her out just as much. About a month or so ago my parents had a calf that was rejected by it's mother. Under normal circumstances if another cow doesn't adopt the calf they take it to the sales barn. Well, since Ashlyn was coming to visit soon my dad decided they needed to keep it and bottle feed it so that Ashlyn could feed it while she was here. My poor mom was such a trooper, she went out every morning while my dad was at work to feed it. I'm sure my parents loaded the crazy calf up in the trailer and headed to the sales barn as soon as they saw the back of our van disappear! What Pawpaw and Nana won't do to make their granddaughters happy!

Look who sweet talked Pawpaw into playing with her new castle and watching cartoons on the floor!

Ashlyn loved watching cartoons in Pawpaw and Nana's bed

Opening Christmas Gifts

When I was young I always loved going to my grandparents house to be loved on and spoiled. I am so thankful for parents that do the same for my girls. When we were driving away I was teary eyed and Ashlyn asked me what was wrong, I told her that I was ok I just miss Nana and Pawpaw sometimes and she said "I miss Nana and Pawpaw too".