On To Retama

As always, Fredericksburg was a great stopover on our way to the RGV.  Along with Rod, Deb, Garry and Pat, we had lots of fun visiting,

eating,

and shopping.

And, as always, with friends the time passes by all too fast and yesterday we had to say so long to Rod and Deb as they headed out to Rockport.  We too were heading out and on to Retama, our winter home in the RGV.  Garry and Pat were staying in Fredericksburg for another couple of days.

We had an uneventful trip and arrived at Retama early afternoon.  We were soon

parked and had things all set up.

This morning, Mark was out early and ready to get started with the

clipping and snipping of the shrubs.  I started in on the cleaning for the coach house and the laundry.

This afternoon, Kathy and I helped out in the club house with the making of the Bierocks, a German meat pie, that would be part of

our Octoberfest Dinner tonight.

It is fun being back

and seeing friends that have become like family.  We are looking forward to a great season here at our winter home in the RGV.

Drop by occasionally, and see what's happening!

Heading South

Wow, how time flies.  Just a few short weeks ago, we were in Birmingham celebrating Sarah and Jason's wedding and enjoying time with family.  However, the time came that we needed to head to Texas.  We were able to take time to make a stop in Lufkin, to see Keith and Donna.

Keith

has an extra RV site

out back of the house.  How great is that!

  Once we arrived and parked, we enjoyed a leisure evening of sitting on the back porch and visiting.

Next morning, we decided to take a drive over to Livingston to visit the

Escapades home office.

Kim showed us around and gave us an extensive tour of the mail room and showed us every step of how the mail is received, processed, checked, double checked, requested, and finally forwarded on the the correct person.  And, just let me tell you, if you use their mail service, your mail is well taken care of from start to finish.

By afternoon, we were back in Lufkin and having an early dinner at Lufkin BBQ, home of the world famous "fried rolls".  Oh, my gosh, those things could be dangerous to one's waistline.  And, as if the fried rolls weren't enough, Donna and I had to try the

fried peach pie.  In order to walk off those rolls, we decided to visit the

Lufkin museum before heading back to the house.

We spent another beautiful evening sitting on the back porch.

By, Wednesday, it was time for us to say, "see you later", and head to Fort Worth.  We were there by a little after noon, settled in, and ready to stay for a couple of weeks.  Of, course, when we are in town, there is always lots to do.

There was

Hockey with Caden.  He is getting really good, now has all of his equipment, and is still taking classes.  He is trying to wait patiently to turn 5 years old, so he can be on a real team, just like

his big brother Andrew.  We can't convince him that at 10 years younger, he will never be on Andrew's team.  But, in the mean time he keeps

practicing.

Lauren is still enjoying playing

volleyball.

Zachary is playing

fall baseball and is quite an awesome pitcher.  He is also taking hockey lessons.

He celebrated his

11th birthday this month.

Kourtney and Kinley have been practicing for Halloween.  Kourtney is going to be a

Candy Corn Witch and Kinley is a

baby Candy Corn!  And, together they are quite a pair.

Kinley also had her first

taste of cereal.  Kourtney thinks she is way too messy with her eating.

We have enjoyed being home and catching up with all the kids and grandkids, however, we are ready to head South.  So, with the jacks up, the slides in, and the Jeep hooked up, we pulled out of Fort Worth this morning.

We made it to Fredericksburg, in the Texas Hill Country.  We are looking forward to spending a few days here with Garry and Pat and Rod and Deb.

Later this week, we will head to the RGV.

Wedding Week...

After all the lovely bridal showers last weekend, I headed back to Red Bay to join Mark.  By Tuesday afternoon, all the work had been done on the motor home and we were ready to check out.  Wednesday morning, we were on our way to Birmingham.  We settled into the Hoover RV Park.  It was a great location and close to where all the pre wedding and wedding activities would take place.

We arrived at

Dan and Conlee's to find that the decorating had already begun and a few of the out of town guest were starting to arrive.

Sarah and Jason arrived later in the evening.  After settling in themselves, we spent time going over some of the last minute details and opening

more gifts.

Thursday, more guests arrived and

more plans were finalized before the

girls headed out for an all girl's party and sleepover.  Well, that was, all but, Danielle, and she was pretty bummed that they were leaving her behind.  So, she had her own special sleepover with Uncle Mark and I at the motor home.

Then on Friday morning, we took her for a special

 

breakfast before school.

Then it was on to the house were everyone seemed to have a plan for the day.  The girls got

pedicures, while Lori organized and

sorted all the flowers in the garage.

Others were busy upstairs getting the

house and

patio ready for the

pre-wedding party.  It was a great evening visiting with family and friends.

Throughout the evening, Lori continued working on the

flowers, while we snapped pictures and partied the night away.

Again, there were

more cards and gifts to open.

Jason's parents joined the fun after driving in from Tennessee.

Wow, I am not sure what happened to the week, but yesterday dawned and it was wedding day.

Lori headed to the club early, so she could finish

the large flower arrangements.  The

tulips were looking good and the

flowers for the bridal party were complete.

The

patio was getting some finishing touches, the

cake was ready to assemble, and the

chocolate fountain was in place.

Meanwhile, in the bridal room, the

dress was ready and the

hairstylist was busy.

  Sarah took time for

lunch and a visit with

cousin, Kate.

By late afternoon, all the final touches had been made

 

throughout the club.

  And, while the final touches were being made

by mom and sisters with Sarah in the Bridal Suite,

the guests were arriving and enjoying the beautiful music on the terrace.  And, soon, it was time for the ceremony to begin...

Jason seated his

 

grandmother,

Nana, and

mom.

Dan escorted

mom and

Conlee to their places.

Danielle

was patiently waiting

 

to drop her rose petals along the aisle.

Jason

also waited as

Dan walked Sarah down the aisle.

Family and a few close friends witnessed a

beautiful ceremony, vows, and

ring exchange.

  Of, course, let's not forget

"now, you may kiss your bride"...and may, I now introduce to you...

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Hammontree.

After all the

traditional

family pictures, and a special one just for

Danielle, Sarah and Jason were off for a

few fun photos.

By the time they returned, lots of friends had arrived for the reception and it was time

to once again introduce the happy couple and for the party to begin.

Jason and Sarah enjoyed

their first dance, and then

Sarah danced with her Dad.

Everyone enjoyed a lot of delicious

food along with the fruit and goodies at the

chocolate fountain.

And, then, there was the

beautiful wedding cake.

After Sarah and Jason

cut the cake, it was time to get down to some real

fun.

Everyone continued

eating,

visiting, and enjoying Jason and Sarah's evening.

Sarah even took a moment to wish

Zachary a Happy Birthday.  And, I shared a

birthday dance with my grandson.

And, when the afternoon had turned to evening, and the evening turned to night, the party came to an end, and it was time to send the

happy couple off in style and tradition.

Jason and Sarah...

What a beautiful day...love each other everyday, be each other's best friend, and may God richly bless your life together!