Family Time

Aunt Anne came in for a visit a few weeks ago and we enjoyed a nice day at the zoo and then some quality down time at the house.

She makes the best cookies!

Saying good-bye…

Back in June, our family said good-bye to sweet friends. They packed up and headed north for cooler temperatures…who can blame them!?! In my opinion, we met them way too late in the game. We really just started getting to know them over the last year or so. I wish we could have had a few more years. But…the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. I’m thankful for the time we had.

You see…they were a lot like us. She and I loved sewing, crafts, and taking walks with the babies. Her husband and Scott both enjoyed biking, running, camping and such. They had two children the same ages as Hannah and Nathan, we went to the same church, should I go on?

Hannah absolutely adored their son. You remember their camping trip? She always asked if he was going to be at church and he was the first one she listed off as being her friend. I was so worried she was going to be scarred for life because her “best friend” was moving away. I worried she would ask where he was and I would have to console her when I told her he was gone. I braced myself for a long conversation about “Owen moving to Minnesota” and how we wouldn’t see him for a long time (if ever). I mean, I guess I thought she was ten. I way overestimated my two year old. After he left, she said very matter-of-factly, “Owee moved to Sota.” Sorry Owen…no tears. Obviously, she doesn’t know how far “Sota” really is.

We had the opportunity to have them stay with us a few days while they were in between houses. We had a great time just visiting and enjoying them being in our home.

 

Thanks for being such great friends…we’ll miss you down here in Texas, but we’re excited to see what the Lord has in store for your family up north. Enjoy the weather!!

Hubley Saturday Morning

Here are some typical views around our house on any given Saturday morning:

Pancakes

Hannah dressing up like an “angel”

Nathan sucking his thumb

Can’t beat the weekends!

4th of July in Canyon & Angel Fire

Last month we went to Canyon for my 10-year high school reunion over the 4th of July weekend.  We stretched the long weekend into a whole week and ran up to Angel Fire to get a break from work and the hot Texas weather. 

While we were in Canyon, we made it down to the Fair on the Square for the 4th of July parade.  We had a great time, and Hannah was especially impressed.

Eager anticipation of the parade

The streets were packed.  It is a pretty big deal

Some of the crew and cast of the Texas play in Palo Duro Canyon

Smokey the Bear even made an appearance which is pretty timely considering the extreme fires we’ve had this year

Like I said, Hannah really enjoyed her first parade.  We decided to leave Hannah with Nana and Pappy in Canyon while we went to Angel Fire for the rest of the week with Aunt Rebecca and Uncle Jon Michael.  We figured 4 on 1 for Nathan’s first trip to the mountains would make for a pretty restful week, at least comparatively speaking.  It reminded us of Hannah’s first trip to the mountains when she was about the same age.

When we got to Angel Fire, we were a little disappointed to learn that the forest was closed due to Stage III fire restrictions.  Basically all the state parks and national forests (any public land) was closed for hiking, biking, camping, everything.  Since we couldn’t hike in the forest, we took several walks up the hills around town.  These were the typical views from our walks – not a bad substitute considering the circumstances.

Jon Michael and I played golf at the Angel Fire course.  It was the first time I have played there and the first time I’ve played in a long time.  We had a really good time (JM won).  Here is the view from the #6 tee box.  200 yd Par 3 and the green is ~250+ ft below the tee box.  Pretty fun to watch that little white ball drop

We made the obligatory trip to Taos  one day and got massages, shopped around, and ate at our favorite Taos Pizza Outback.

While we were on the trip Nathan found his toes just like big sister.

Jennifer and Rebecca took a knitting class in Taos and spent the rest of the week working (and re-working) scarves.  Nathan thought it was pretty neat.

Another one of the casualties of the fire restrictions: outside charcoal fires were banned so we cooked our steaks inside.

Overall it was a great time with Rebecca and JM and lots of special attention for our little Nathan.  We can’t wait to go back!!

62nd Annual Fling Reunion

Not sure if you can tell yet, but we’ve had a busy summer! I’m trying to keep up but I’m failing miserably. So I’m going to stop worrying about putting all these events in order. That’s right…I’m getting’ a little crazy! Let’s go back about a month.

All the way back to the Family Reunion. When the second weekend in June rolls around, there’s only one place you will find us (and about 150 of my relatives)….the Fling Reunion. Three words describe it…

Food…

Fun…

and lots of Family…

Did I mention some of us are a little crazy?

This year, just like every year I can remember, we gathered at the lake and had a great time visiting and eating and swimming.

Mike led the auction.

We raffled off a beautiful ring and necklace made by Fling Jewelers in Bryan.

Aunt Margo made this beautiful quilt that sold for $600!! That’s Mama and Granddaddy Fling in the middle. I never got to meet them, but they left a legacy that long outlived their time here on earth.

The kids are always so proud of their trophies after the fishing tournament (even though I think they all get one)!

As always, I feel so blessed to be a part of this legacy and love that Hannah and Nathan get to experience it too.

Can’t wait until next year!

Billy Bob’s

“You have a baby….in a bar?” (Sweet Home Alabama).

That’s what kept going through my mind when we took the kids along to Billy Bob’s with Mama Jo and John. It was actually my first time to go to the famous honky-tonk….I’ve always wanted to, I just never thought I would have my kids with me!

Nevertheless, it was lots of fun. We went early and ate some BBQ and then hit the dance floor. They were teaching swing lessons, but we got to dance during the breaks.

As you can see, Hannah really enjoyed herself (maybe a little too much)! She ran all around the floor chasing the lights and loved that everyone was watching her. I’m hoping she got her fill and will never want to go back again….unless, of course, she brings us along:)