Camping Trip

This weekend we decided to go out to Mineral Wells State Park for Hannah's first camping trip. Our only hesitation was the hot weather, but we decided that if we had shade trees and a lake to swim in, we would be ok. And we were right...we had a great time!

We arrived around five o'clock Saturday evening and started setting up camp. Hannah loved running around and exploring everything. I don't think the child sat still the whole time. She was playing in the dirt from the time we drove up to the time we left. I mean, the child had dirt in her hair, her fingernails, all over her face...she was a mess!


She helped Scott set up the tent and aggravated Broady for a while (by aggravating, I mean throwing dirt on him).


Then, we went down to the lake to cool off. It really was a great place to swim. It was pretty shallow but Hannah didn't like to put her feet on the slimy bottom.


Then we headed back to camp and Scott cooked up a great meal on the pit...brautwurst!


After dinner, we took a little hike, played around the campsite a little more, got Hannah cleaned up and hit the tent. This is where it got a little ugly. You see, Hannah liked playing in the tent, but she did not like SLEEPING in the tent...at all! She is so used to her crib at home, that she was a little confused about what was going on. She tossed and turned and cried...repeat...repeat. Finally, we put her in the car and drove around until she fell asleep. Her and her dad slept all night...but it was another story for mom. I don't do well with one foot in my face and then in my rib and then in my back, etc.

The next morning after breakfast, we took a long hike around the park and enjoyed taking in the Texas scenery. Hannah loves riding in her pack, and because of the rough night, she took a little nap along the way.


We finished off the trip by getting cool one more time in the lake and checking out all the great big rocks in the park (great for rock climbing in this area).


All in all, we had a great time and I'm so glad we decided to go. Camping is definitely different with a 16 month old (ie, you don't really get to relax and you get less sleep), but she had such a great time out in God's creation. Here's to many more Hubley camping trips!!! (But how do you do it with more than one kid?? I mean...look at our car...it's loaded down!)

Passing of an Institution

Well the day finally came.  I knew it had to at some point.  My favorite childhood pet, Cowboy, passed away today.  He was about 17 years old and his age had been taking a toll on him the past few years.  He was one of the best dogs you could ever ask for.  He was extremely loyal, fun, friendly, troublemaker at times, good with the other pets, trustworthy, on and on. Some of my favorite memories:

• The night we got him from a "real cowboy" right after we moved into the house in Canyon
• Chasing rabbits at Dr. Colette's
• Taking rides in the blue pickup truck (he could jump into the back of a standard pickup with the tailgate up)
• Playing in the snow drifts with us
• Following me on my runs down FM 1062
• Fathering countless litters of puppies
• Getting old and just hanging out in the house

You were a good friend Cowboy and will be greatly missed!  Here are a few pictures of him below (most of them were taken in his old age)

Cowboy resting in the house as an old man

Good close up view of his markings

Hannah taking a ride on Cowboy

Enjoying a sunny winter day

Cowboy and Broady (who has some pretty big shoes to fill)

Did I mention he was good with the other pets?

Quilting and other news....

Well, I finally finished. I bought this quilt pattern about a year ago and cut the squares immediately....then I stopped. As I recall, I was about to have a baby and my mind was occupied with other things. But a few months ago, I got motivated once again and decided it was time to start/finish this quilt.

It was my first one to make and I have to say...I think I'm addicted. I really, really enjoyed the whole process. I still have a lot to learn and need a lot more practice, so don't look too close at the pictures.



I guess I'll give this one to Hannah and start on another one for baby #2....which, by the way, is due in FEBRUARY. Yes, the Hubley's are pregnant and yes, we've done the math...they will be 21 months apart. YIKES! But also EXCITING!

Cousins