Weekend WrapUP

Seems like I was just going TGIF and here it is Sunday evening...These days pass so quickly!

Friday evening we enjoyed dinner then headed to the movies, since we needed to make a quick stop (read that two stores looking for "something" but not sure what) we were a little later then planned getting to the theater so the nice lady selling tickets told us it wasn't sold out but wold be very crowded; we opted out. Took the scenic route home and enjoyed a neighborhood walk before turning out the lights!

Saturday morning was gorgeous as we enjoyed morning coffee then stopped in on Operation Hero, where our military children get to experience what it's like to prepare for deployment among other VERY COOL activities. There was paint ball, obstacle courses, a firetruck with a hose out to shoot water, an ambulance with a "patient", SFS troops with their BIG guns, hummer and MRAP (which was uber cool) and bouncy house. Way cool stuff! I think everyone was having a great time and the breeze was awesome as it warmed up!

We headed to the BPCC100 after this and saw some "racing"! Neat stuff and great dedicated folks representing. Mighty Deuce LOA took 8th overall, way to go team! It was fun to get to mingle with the pit crews and meet the drivers! NASCAR fans can relate I'm sure! It was fun just simply fun!

The MIGHT DEUCE LOA Car

 Pit support...official and unofficial!

 The gokartsupply.com Car heavily supported by TEAM BARKSDALE

 gokartsupply.com Car taking their timed lap!

We didn't get a picture of the Lander's car but the two drivers were military...we were well represented! GO TEAM BARKSDALE...

Since we were out we decided to give Whatabruger a try for a late lunch. I was pleasantly surprised. Honestly, I wasn't sure when we walked in but I did enjoy my burger. MiB enjoyed this one and I was totally impressed with the amount of bacon on there. I may have that next time! Yes, we will be going back!

Then we spent another evening on main base with the boss, his spouse and our MXG leaders. That's the last of the group socials, we have a little break until next month when we will gather again with the staff. I will be glad to have my Saturday nights back after a month of not. We do church on Saturday evenings so we have been out for the month of September with these gathers. Not that we don't have several things come up that conflicts it's just that this month seemed full with no break on weekends.

Today I did rise and shine and got a walk in then came home to coffee. Nice cool morning and beautiful start of the day. MiB and I headed over to the community pool so I could get on the SUP. If I do say so myself I think I did just fine thankyouverymuch! If was a bit challenging but fun. Not sure how I would feel about it in open waters but in the pool it was dandy :) MiB wants to get me in a kayak next...not so sure about that!

 Pool SUPing

Then it was off to the movies...yes, plural. Thought we were just going for one then we ended up seeing another! Started with that new Clint Eastwood one and ended with Hope Springs! Both were worth the watch in my book, though I would wait for the DVD on Hope Springs if you haven't seen it. Eastwood's Trouble with the Curve I would definitely go ahead and take it in while it's playing at the theater as we did enjoy it quite a bit!

After making it home, talking with the MO family and having homemade veggie soup we are now chillaxin'. LIFE IS GOOD! Would like to get a chat in with LilBlue since I missed her call while we in the movies and I do need to get a little bit productive before bedtime with laundry but other then that it's time to chill and catcha little football! Have a great week!

Thursday Thoughts

Isaac is on his way so we are heading north. Not really to miss him but we are making a quick trip up to the BigO to see LilBlue. Glad we are missing the storm.

Thoughts:

• Thankful for wifi!
• Loooooooong road trip
• Love White Grill cheeseburgers!

That's it cause we still have miles to go...be safe out there if you and Isaac are meeting up!

Thursday, last day of vacation, thoughts...

Last day to hit the beach so off we went while the others snoozed...no worries, MiB enjoy our early mornings on the beach with very few distractions. 

 

 Even with the clouds the sunrise was spectacular...

 This morning I got a little more reading in!

I love the quiet time and ocean sounds while MiB is surfing, no matter if I am down on the beach or up on the seawall the sound of the waves is awesome!

The waves were few and far between but getting on the water is what it's all about so off MiB went for a last session!

 

 Last water therapy for awhile!

  
Returning to the room we met with three still sleeping beauties who soon started to stir. We had to get moving since we were checking out and heading north to the airport. Uncle G had the first flight so we got him squared away before enjoying a Chick-Fil-A lunch. LilBlue and the Bud do not have CFA in the BigO so this was a treat for them. Though LilBlue did consider choosing PeiWei I am glad we "ate more chiken"!

 CFA

 

 MiB and Me :)

In case I forgot to mention it the engagement ring is GORGEOUS...loved seeing it in person, loved that it is now on it's fourth generation. Praying for the marriage that will be here sooner rather then later... 

 BEEEEEEE.u.ti.fulllllllllll

I am still somewhat "pink" today...I cannot believe I did that. I have not burned in eons! Really stinks and honestly hurts a little. the Bud definitely got some sun this week, check out his arm...

 Definitely see the contrast

Back to the airport to drop off Uncle G and hugs all around. I so wish we all lived closer...our time together is always so short but also so precious. Someday, maybe things will change and our lives will intersect more often. I always remember that airports are the setting for the happiest and saddest times...you are usually happy to see the person you are picking up and most always sad to see the person go you are dropping off. That is certainly the case today.

 Hugs all around

Then over to the mall to do a little strolling before the late afternoon flight. We saw some sights as seems to always be the case whenever we do mall walking. I only wish I would not have been so stuffed that I could not enjoy a cookie...well, second thought I did not need a cookie but I really did enjoy smelling them!

Back to the airport one last time and then we are on the road back to LA. The trip was good we enjoyed it and loved the time together which as usual was waaaay too short. Looking forward to next time already whenever and wherever that will be remains to be seen. Plans are being formulated, we shall see what materializes.

Home, car unpacked, laundry started and frozen pizza consumed, life is good!

Beach, Pizza, Movies and Bikes

MiB and I hit the beach early again this a.m. 

While the clouds made the sun's appearance later then usual it was still gorgeous when it did make it's appearance. 

 MiB finally got a few waves in. 

 

Pulling out the board for the first time...he was sooooo ready to hit the waves!

He was thrilled I know and I enjoyed finishing the book I was reading. It was all good until he was coming in and a local let him know he was surfing in an off limits spot...oops! Upon further investigation sure enough he was breaking rule #7.

Rule #7 was on the white sign on the lifeguard stand...pretty small writing; I guess we just missed it!

After we returned to the hotel we went to straight to the pool and  the others came and joined us.

Boys in the pool...

LilBlue catching some rays and Uncle G sitting in the pool in the chair!

Then it was off to find lunch, pizza was the unanimous decision, so off we went to Papa's Pizza. I say it was average but filling. We all did the buffet with the exception of the bud who reported he wasn't so hungry so he would just have a slice of pizza. LOL 

  Hmmmm, who was hungry and who wasn't?????

Then we went and took the dolphin tour aka ferry ride and saw even more dolphins this time around and the boat was way less crowded so it was pretty darn neat!

After a quick stop at Sonic we headed inside for a cool adventure at the movies since it was so stinking hot today. There was an arcade area inside the theater and we dropped a few quarters since we were a bit early for our flick!

 

Movie was ahhhh, there is not much I can say and I will not even be reporting which movie we saw. Mixed reviews from our crew though there were a few laughs not a favorite for sure!

 

Back into the pool we went and also did some hot tub time which we all seem to enjoy!

 

Then it was on to the bikes. Yes, we decided to rent the multiple passenger bike and take a little 2 mile ride down the seawall. We had a destination in mind for dessert so off we went. When we arrived we had to find a good place to secure our rented bike...

Then we headed into The Spot for our long awaited for dessert!

 Dessert :)

Personally, I had carrot cake :/

Others had ice cream...

It was a hoot. Ringing the little bell for EVERYTHING was hilarious and we also raced with another bike which was pretty funny too! WE also took a few detours! 

We returned the cart, walked the pier and returned to the room to bed down for the night. It's been another great day of sun, surf and sand! Can't say I am happy about having to head home tomorrow but we knew this day was coming. I know I will be on the beach first thing in the morning getting those last few minutes of beach time in!

Beach, Shopping and the ZOO!

This morning MiB hit the water EARLY, I joined him a bit later and then the Bud and LilBlue showed up...it was awesome on the beach this morning!

MiB SUPing

Body Surfing

Then we headed into Houston for a little shopping... we had to hit several stores before we finally scored a few shirts. But it was the looking and the people watching that was fun as well.

 Soooome shoes...and NO we did not buy them!

But I was glad when we were ready to head to the Houston Zoo. That was F U N even if it was H O T!

 Welcome to the Houston Zoo :)

Aquarium with piranha's in it and MiB as well! He's soooo brave.

 

Zoo map reading 101

 Keeping cool at the zoo and making kid noises in the fan!

 Those are some REALLY BIG horns!

 Yes, I can play the bongo's!

 Aurora the baby orangutan w/her surrogate mom Kelly enjoying a frozen apple juice block!

Awesome day even if Houston traffic is insane! We finally made it back to the room and enjoyed a snackfest and visiting and laid our plans for tomorrow, think it will be horseback riding for most and beach of course and then mostly chillaxin' in the G-Town!

Night all it's been a good day and we are all beat! I know MiB and I will hit the beach early while the rest of the troops sleep in, however, there is a rumor that there will be a KrispyKreme donut run! NOT what I need...we'll see how it goes, I am trying to eat as good as one can while on vaca :)

Engaged...

Last night we got several calls from LillBlue...no voice messages were left, then there was a text...

We were at the pool and my phone was in the car. When we were leaving I did not call her back but texted her and said we will be available in about 5 minutes was she? She texted back YES so we called when we got back to the house. Since we are still very perceptive parents I had a feeling I knew what the phone call was about, but I waited to hear it from her.  She was over the moon excited and totally giddy :)

To get the full story we must back up to Easter in MO earlier this year. Or maybe even 2007 or was it 2006 that we FIRST heard about this Bud? Yes, way back then. But let's just take it back to Easter for now. We took a long weekend and went up and she came down with the Bud. The Bud spoke with MiB...he asked for permission to marry LilBlue. Talk about whoa, MiB thought he was ready to answer that question, but then when the time was upon him his brain went foggy and thousands upon thousands of thoughts were rolling around in his head. And getting the words out as he wished was very difficult. Anyway, after an extremely deep somewhat long conversation that was even emotional at times he granted said permission. Next stop was checking in with Uncle G, yes, the Bud made a good decision by checking in with Uncle G. After all, he has and always will claim her for his own, it seemed only right. He got a good lecture, uh, I mean talking too, or er, uh, great discussion and then was threatened with his life given permission on that end too!

 Chatting with Uncle G

No worries, wedding is not too soon so to speak. He was just asking and there is no wedding planned to take place until after graduation NEXT spring. That's a relief. Because we really want LilBlue to finish school before going off and getting married! Ahhhh, but there will be a ring...sometime this summer he says to MiB. Okay, so we now know, we just don't know. He has the goodtogo but when he will act on that goodtogo is unknown! The reality is we know it's just a matter of time...breathe in, breathe out, that's what I keep telling myself; after all, she IS 21 years old. I was already married by the time I was 21. That's really irrelevant, she is mine and 21 is too young to be getting married!

So in May when we were in the BIG O for her surgery, we went to see the narrowed down ring choices. Both are beautiful and I think she will be thrilled with either one. So to recap again, we know, we just don't know; we are in a holding pattern until he pops THE question and gives her the ring...

That time came last night. That's why we got several calls with no messages and finally THE text :) When we did talk with them, she was just a tad bit excited! She's going to be a Mrs. and she is certainly thrilled about that, she loves the Bud :)

Wedding is most likely going to be next summer some time. Let's just pray for a mild day rather then a melt your face off day especially if she wants it to be outside! I know she has already started planning...she's been "pinning" under a Mr&Mrs category for quite awhile now but in the last 24 hours she gone pincrazy! LOL

Tonight they had dinner at at the Bud's house where there was a little engaging celebration. Let the countdown begin!

Celebration Cake! Looks yummy!

MANY CoNgRaTs to them both and may God bless them richly with many happy years to come. It's extremely easy to get married, but staying married is the part you have to work VERY hard at every day. To working hard together! We love you both and truly want the best for you!