The Cow Whisperer

We finally had a free weekend to escape to the farm for a laid back country weekend. Unfortunately, as soon as we arrived a suffering cow was spotted "stuck in the muck" by Will. This horrible Texas drought leaves quick sand like rings around all the drying lakes. Sometimes a cow goes in for a drink and can''t turn around quick enough to escape.

Will would not leave her side, feeding her nuggets and keeping some fresh water by her mouth to drink. We think she has been there for days and by the time our renter's ranch hand showed to pull her out, she could no longer walk.

After a quick prayer, our good byes, and a few more nuggets, we had to walk away. A tough thing for any kid to witness :(

Happy Halloween

The boys managed to get in 5 games of bowling and tons of errands with me as Fran had preschool today and the elementary was out for a teacher inservice day. They each had 1 strike and a handful of spares. We then hurried home to put the finishing touches on the house and run down for our block party.

Our Top Gun pilot, Skeleton Princess and Anakin could not wait to fill their baskets with candy. Happy Halloween!

Halloween Eve

Just after dusk, we had over 30 neighborhood kids and quite a few adults show up for a Halloween movie under the stars. We all watched Spooky Buddies in our drive way on the most amazing Halloween Eve. A million stars, temps cool but not too cold, and unlimited popcorn.

Thank goodness there is no school tomorrow because we all need to sleep in after this rowdy night!

Pumpkin Time

After finding the perfect pumpkin, we all sketched a few designs and decided on the perfect face. Here is to a perfect LONG Halloween weekend!

YEEHAW!

A chilly autumn day as our preschool celebrated their annual 'Cowboy Day!' Cattle roping, digging for gold, painting pumpkins, a petting zoo, and pony rides kept these partners grinning ear-to-ear.

Any Given Day

After school or on the weekends this is our driveway! The kids on our street love gathering at our house. The parts of the yard the drought did not kill off are now clearly marked with first, second, third, and home base caused by the bare feet during wiffle ball matches. Even though a few stick around while we sneak inside for dinner, I would not have it any other way.

Mignon McLaughlin says it best. "If your children spend most of their time in other people's houses, you're lucky; if they all congregate at your house, you're blessed."

Garner State Park

Due to the Red Tide, we quickly changed our camping plans and headed 3 1/2 hours southwest of Austin to Garner State Park. Days full of hiking, biking and swimming in the Frio River tired us out enough to sit back and enjoy s'mores at night.

If it was not for the small Tejano Village (9 tents, 6 BARKING dogs, and an uncountable occupant number) that set up camp across from us or the frequent night visitors (skunks) it would have been the perfect camping trip!