Trip to Nanny's

Driving to Nanny's.  Passed Big Springs - windows rolled down - singing and dancing to "Wild Thing."  Just got a trucker to honk at us too - fun trip.

You can't really take a trip to Nanny's without going through a box of stuff.  She's VERY organized and so she always has a box of stuff to go through for crafts or clothes.  She had some boxes of clothes she was getting rid of and we got first dibs.  It cracks me up that Joy chose the silky nightgowns - - - she decided she had to wear 3 at a time in order to wear them around the house (because they are see-through).  Hahaha.  And Nanny has never fogotten Joy LOVES doilies and told me a few years back that when she had her own house, she was going to have LOTS of doilies.

Oops, Joy couldn't get this all the way down, so Nanny came to the rescue to unbutton it (and we also laughed because the buttons are supposed to be in the back!)

One of my favorite things at the retirement center is to see how folks decorate their doors.

Definitely "West Texas" ideals.

This is my favorite door :)  Nanny's!!!

I guess Nanny will cook us awesome meals as long as she's able.  Typical breakfast at Nanny's - buttered biscuits, bacon, scrambled eggs and fruit salad.  D-Lish as always!  And her house is clean and neat - AS ALWAYS.

Another sign you're in West Texas - fly swatters.  This is out in the lobby.  Lots of flies.  I laughed and laughed because Nanny said there was a party at the retirement center the other day and kids were coming in and out all day.  She said the flies were so bad she was "scared to open her mouth."  bahahahahaha

Nanny's Squash!!!!  These plants were HUGE!!!!

Of course, just like Joy, she's found a cool bug.  Glory's picking squash - Joy is bug-hunting.

Hey, there's Nanny's dog out in the garden.  He keeps the bunny rabbits away!

Squash galore.  Folks had already been out picking this morning and we didn't even get them all here.  Yep, MY NANNY planted this garden from seed.  Most of those old folks living here are sitting around in a rocking chair - but NOT my 84 year old Nanny!  She's been working to make something beautiful out here.  Remember kids - SHE is who you come from.  A blessing everywhere she goes.  NOT lazy.  Doing.  Creating. Sowing.  Watering.  Harvesting!  Wait a minute - WHY is Nanny holding a gazillion and y'all are only holding a couple?  Guess we're not quite as good as her yet.  

Freedom, watering the flower garden and his feet.

Hey boys, get out of those chairs!!!!  Didn't I mention where we come from and what kind of people we are!?!?!  :)  Legacy.  People.  Legacy.

Got to visit Uncle Lowell's.  Always a doggie here.

One of Freedom's favorite parts of the trip was getting to drive the hoopy.  Thank you Uncle Lowell for getting out in the heat with the kids!  This was Freedom's favorite AND he really took your offer for a week long visit SERIOUSLY.  He's still asking when he can stay with you guys.,

More of Uncle Lowell's critters - goats, chickens and quail.

Thank you again Uncle Lowell and Aunt Connie!  We loved visiting you and hearing your stories!

The horny toad the kids found out in Nanny's garden!  THIS was the best.  Freedom said that so far, it was his best experience in life - but that he might have a better experience later on in life.  He said if he had a time machine, he would relive this part over and over.  

Oh man - fried squash.  Flour, cornmeal, buttermilk, salt and hot oil.  Nothing better.

I snuck this picture of Nanny facebooking at night.  :)  She hates this picture but I think she looks beautiful.  

Kids, this is Aunt Lannette, Aunt LaDean, Uncle Lowell and My Dad.  These are Nanny's 4 kids.  They are BEAUTIFUL!

This is Nanny's parents in the middle.  They had 8 children and each child gets a cirlce around the middle with their family.  That's Nanny's family (her 4 kids with their spouses and 2 grandkids (me and Chris) on the right hand side and that little extra circle is Aunt Deanie's family.

Glory snuck a picture of my last Nanny hug.  I love this woman.  I asked her what advice she has for me, a woman half her age - she's 84 and I'm 42.  What advice does she have for me?  "Well, Amy, just do your best.   Life will have its bitter, but it will have its sweet too.  I think the good really does outweigh the bad." 

Headed off to Palo Dura Canyon.  Passed through Happy.

Getting ready to purchase our tickets.

Inside the restrooms at the entrance of the state park.  It used to be an old water resevoir.

:)  Love this guy. :)

These 2 immediately just started climbing the old resevoir.  Love that Joy takes every opportunity to conquer her fear of heights and climb on something.

Palo Dura Canyon.

The stage for the play Texas.  It was awesome.  

Drove home that night after the play was over at 11:00 PM.  Got home at 8:00 AM - Joy's still looking good!...and even better in her new cowgirl hat from Palo Dura Canyon!  Cowgirl AT HEART.

Doing my best, and keeping focus on the good, 

Momma