Texas Style

Whew! We are home, after 13 days in that huge state of Texas. Yeah, it's huge, it took us two days to drive through it. And we had issues while driving, namely with a police officer who believed that he needed to pull us over for going three (yes, three) miles over the speed limit. Yes, cruise was set, and yes, it does indeed fluctuate. Yeah, whatever. Anyway...

We had such a great time in Texas, both sightseeing and just hanging out. We went to the Blue Bell Creamery where they make some tasty ice cream. We hung out in the gardens, toured the plant, saw them making ice cream and of course, ate ice cream!

We went to church three times which was something I really enjoyed. The focus of two of the sermons was forgiveness and it really got us to thinking, and talking. It was awesome to have such great conversations full of love, laughter, and friendship.

We also did some dancing. Saturday night we headed out to Hulaballoo, an old diner where a benefit was going on for a mission team Jamee's mom is a part of. They had this great band, Texas Twister, who played covers from the 60s, 70s, 80s, etc. It was great to dance and enjoy each other's company. Also, we got to hang out with some of our new friends: Angie and Justin. Very cool!

And then there was Monday. Monday was our last day in Texas and we made the most of it. We went to the George Bush Presidential Library at Texas A & M University which was very cool. Justin met us there and we had a great time learning all about President Bush and his accomplishments and about history as well. We laughed a lot, especially after we were ushered into a tent that served as a replica of barracks from the first gulf war. The older woman who'd led us quickly through the museum to the tent told us to go in, sit down, and be quiet. I felt like I was back in elementary school! We got to sit in a replica of a situation room, fly a (video game) plane, and had the opportunity to purchase replica needlepoint bags just like Barbara Bush had made during her husband's campaign speeches (we declined). All in all, well worth the trip onto campus! And it was very cool to touch actual pieces of the Berlin Wall.

Then Monday night we participated in our last Supper Club. Supper Club is a product of Jamee's awesome brain in which she invites friends and family to come and share in a meal once a week to encourage the building of community. We loved Supper Club and were glad to get to enjoy it twice over our visit. Ang and I took charge and made mom's famous taco rice, which was loved by all. It worked out well, Justin brought queso (which, regardless of the crap he took for bringing it, was eaten heartily by all), Angie brought chips and guacamole, and Aggie Sarah brought cookie dough. And we all ate too much!

After dinner we headed outside where we engaged in a little sky soccer - a game invented by Angie and Hannah which has a lot of guidelines and no rules and involves a giant ball. I'm pretty sure by the end of the game there were no children involved and the tall people were enjoying themselves a little too much! Then we followed Hannah's lead and laid down on the grass to look at the stars. We did some "camping" and laughed and laughed and laughed. Really, I don't know when I've had such a good time. It's amazing how quickly you can forget how difficult life can be, all the stressors of your life, and just give in to something as simple as lying down and looking up at all the God has created. What an awesome night!

Tuesday we had to leave but it was a sweet goodbye (if there can ever be such a thing). We slept in, everyone, even the kids, and then we ate chocolate chip pancakes and played "store" with Hannah and David. While we packed the car David picked flowers for us and Hannah helped get Speedy and Gertie (our cars' beanie babies) ready for the drive. We hugged and smiled and promised to be together soon. A promise I know we'll all keep. And until then I'll keep all these pictures and memories close to my heart. God is good, all the time!