A night at the Ballpark

L

Last week I had the opportunity to watch my 4 grandkids of the Ogdens (Christy and Jordan). Luana was in Dallas with other GK duties so I was by myself. It was also the last weekend Baylor baseball series and we were playing Texas so I tried to accomplish two things at once. I took all 4 of them to the baseball game. We had a big time and sat in the stands for the first 4 innings and then moved over to the berm for the last 5. We even stayed late to watch the fireworks display after the game. All went well except when Campbell had to go tinkle and I had to load up all of the to go with us. Then an hour later she had to go again. We ate some hot dogs and popcorn and then topped it off with sno-cones. Barron was good but kept wanting to crawl down the berm which he finally did and made friends with a couple of freshman coeds - they kept each other entertained for 1-2 innings.

Happy Birthday

Last Saturday was a big day for Emery Kate Marable as she had a ballet/tap recital and it was her 4 year old birthday. Since they have thrown some whopper birthday parties in the past, Amy and Blake decided to just do a family party (with both sides that is not as simple as you might expect).

The recital was in a hall at SMU and was well done and very organized. The dance company is Christian and so all of the music was worship songs. Emery Kate looked so cute in her outfit and performed admirably.

The party was nice with lots of dips (Sudans of course) and Blake slow cooked a brisket. It was wonderful - Uncle Dan's has nothing on him. So fun to be with all of the kids and GKs except MB and Alex as well as Jason and Alex had to miss. The Marables are such wonderful hosts.

A Sunday stroll

I have been negligent in blogging so I am trying to get back in it. Last year until it got too hot and then the days too short, Luana and I took Sunday afternoon strolls exploring the various areas in and around Waco. We decided to revive this practice so we went out on our first trip of this year as we headed to the Waco wetlands - this is an area northwest of Lake Waco in the watershed area of the lake. It is home to innumerable birds, bog plants, beautiful sights and sounds. It is also home to solitude as we were the only people there. Here are some of the pics. It was a fun time.

A heron

Pickeral rush

Buttercups

Masses of birds

A red winged blackbird

Every few steps flocks of these would rise from the grasses.

Christmas #1

This past Saturday we all gathered at our house to exchange gifts for Christmas. Only Mary Beth and Alejandra were not able to be here. It was crazy wild with 7 kids 5 and under but so much fun. I will let the pictures do the talking.

 

What an angelic face.

This was a new swing I had put up and it was an instant hit.

Lots of presents to open.

This little girl is OCD opening her gifts.

Blake and Molly

Alex- such a beautiful young lady - inside and out.

Little EK - our shy but sweet little girl.

What? How did Batman get here? aka Duncan

It is group tackling on the presents.

Jayden with his light saber

Sweet Barren.

Sweet craziness.

Christmas cookies

 This weekend we had the annual Sudan cookie decorating contest. It was held at the Marable's house this year. As usual it was a fun time (as you can see the kids were even involved) and there was not any trash talking this year. We were sad that MB was sick and so she and Alejandro could not make it.

Getting the dough ready.

Sweet Barron did not know what all the fuss was about.

 Even Jordan got in the act this year.

 Luana is the official icing maker.

 Sweetness personafied.

 How can you say no to this guy?

 Such a pretty little girl.

 Emery Kate and Jayden hard at work.

 The eventual winner hard at work.

 Christy at work while trying to keep all her kids under control at the same time.

 Past champion hard at work on his legendary "Santa".

 Our hostess who did great despite being pregnant.

 Nothing attracts a little girl like a baby - Mollie, Hallie Jane and Campbell.

 The winners!!!

 The winning cookie!!!

 A glimpse of the other entries.

 Artie's christmas tree thematic cookie - with lights and ornaments.

The sad losers - but in reality at the cookie decorating contest there are no losers.