Teaching, learning, and training...

Jenny told Ryan all about her trip to Israel. Pictures and stories. Ryan loved listening and seeing everything she had to say and show. She told it all like mini bible stories. So sweet.

Jenny got us all up and dressed and said we're going on a hike and treasure hunt through the woods behind our house. (there is a walking trail there). She loaded up the wagon with water, bananas, grapes,  and gold fish crackers.

Ryan on his scooter (sorry mom, no helmet, couldn't find it) and Sammy in the wagon we started our adventure into the woods. 

Ryan and Jenny raced and always stopped to look at interesting things for our bag of treasures. I was riding on the scooter. We also took a trash bag to pick up the trash. 

Then Jenny found a dried up creek down a small slope or mini canyon. :) She told me this is a boys play ground. They threw rocks, picked up rocks, talked about what animals lived in the woods, etc.

They found a rock house with lots of rooms..

We all added different rocks into the rooms and O if I had room to add all the darling quotes the boys said I would. 

Auntie Jenny teaching Sammy how to throw rocks and pee in the woods and watch for little creatures. You can't tell from my pictures but the other side looked like little caves here and there. We asked the boys who they thought lived in the caves. Ryan said BEARS.

Ryan would have stayed down there all day if we had let him. He loved living in the boys canyon. He was pretty sure footed and will do well on other adventures.

After we got back on the trail again we walked a while looking at cactus plants, different shaped rocks, and made some trail markers so we can find our way back and also to mark the spot. 

Ryan got up on the "stage rock" and began to perform for us which we caught on video. 

When someone walked by us he stopped and said, "Good Morning" then continued on with his performance. 

Sammy was content in the wagon most of the time eating grapes and drinking water and taking it all in. Rock throwing was hard work and tired him out.

 We brought all the collected rocks home and washed them to bring out their natural beauty. (Forgot to download the  picture). Later.

Thanks Auntie Jenny, that was the best day. Especially since it was early morning and still COOL outside. Fun fun day.

She's Back...

Jenny arrived back to the USA today (Friday). Need I say anything about how she loved her time in Israel following the Rabbi? Her expression tells it all. To experience her trip one has to see her pictures and hear her stories. I was spell bound and hung onto every word as she relived her trip to me over lunch. 

Anxious moms, wives, husbands, kids, and parents were there waiting for their loved ones to get off the plane.

Four wives, waiting for four husbands. Look at the happy, waiting, wives!

Let the hugs began. I love this picture of Jen and Jenny and in the back ground you will see Jen's husband with their boys hugging their dad. :) 

Mom and son. Teresa went on the tour last year and her son, Colton, went this year. 

Sweet Linda there waiting to see her husband but helping out with the children waiting for their fathers or mothers or both. 

Friendships were made that will last forever. 

Scott (Rabbi) gathered the group and said a prayer and the Shema. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and all your might" 

PS Jenny has been asleep since 3:30 this afternoon. 

Drew's American Grill

We tried out a new restaurant and were very pleased. We met Drew (owner) and the wait staff was very attentive. 

Mom had tomato bisque in a bead bowl and Lamb Lollipops. 

Dessert was Homemade Banana Pudding that was delicious. There were three spoons digging into that pot of goodness. 

We were surprised with a vase that had this cotton candy in it. ?? Don't know why but didn't take me any time to eat it.

Give the place a try, it's on the corner of 1604 and Stone Oak.

We all liked it and will be back. 

The bakery next door (attached to American Grill) will open soon.

Jenny is going to Israel

Jenny is going to Israel with the GTI Tours. Check out the Blog for Jenny's tour. 

All this has to fit into the orange and black bag next to Jenny. And under 45 lbs. ?? Really??

 Nutrition for the trip.

Before we could let her go we had a little going away dinner for her at the Tootle's house.

Grandma Dotty has been to Israel so she and I decorated the table with her souvenirs from her trip in the 80's. What a fun time they had talking and looking at the places Jenny will be going.

Here are some postcards and a rock picked up from Jerusalem and maps and other interesting items brought back from her trip.

Grandma Dotty explaining some of the interesting things they did.

What I failed to get a picture of is the pin my mom is wearing. It's made of shells from the Sea of Galilee. Also she is wearing a dress that she bought there. 

A rock from the Sea of Galilee.

Ryan was wondering what all the fuss was about so Nama Dotty took the time to explain to him about her trip to Israel and Auntie Jenny going to the same place. Such a sweet moment. Grandma's are good at taking the time to explain to the children. :)

Jenny decided to take the bag that Grandma Dotty got on her trip. Perfect! We all are very excited for Jenny and her new place of travel and this inspiring life changing trip. Maybe if you click the picture you'll get a closer picture of the pin on my mom's dress, made of shells from the Sea of Galilee. 

She did it!!! She got it all in the bag and with weight to spare. Good job Jen!

 Dad and I are so excited for you and can't wait for the first post on the Blog.

Dropped off at airport at 10:05am. She's pretty excited!

15 days in two bags under 40 pounds. 

May God bless your journey and keep you safe.

We love you. 

See you on the blog. 

Mattie Sue

Mattie Sue and Boo came to town!! What a fun surprise! After feeding them dinner, Mattie Sue and I drove over to Nama Dotty's apartment for a quick hug and kiss and ice cream. :)

(I have not edited any of these pictures because I somehow have a whole new photo program that is unfamiliar to me.) Due to the Lion program that Apple offered. Don't download it unless you know for sure what you are doing. 

Cindy to the rescue: I had a dr. appointment and so Cindy (what in the world would we do without Cindy) offered to take care of Mattie Sue. Mattie Sue said she loves her house because it's so neat and clean. hummm . and has a pool. 

 Here you see my little swimmer jumping...

 cannon ball...

then dive. She does free style, backstroke, and breast stroke like a champ.

 We dropped Poppy off at Bass Pro or Pro Bass and decided to go in as well. Mattie Sue was overwhelmed and wants to take her sister back when they come in Dec.

 One of the coolest places in town when the temps are in the 100's. 

We made sure the barbie doll saw all the stuffed animals throughout the place.

The Arnolds went on a camping trip not long ago and so Mattie Sue was interested in the camping section as well as the animals throughout the store. If you look hard you'll see Mattie Sue peeking in the tent window.

Needed a hunter here to explain why these animals were fighting.

Mattie Sue and this Elk ? or Deer were having quiet a conversation. I'm wishing Poppy was with us and not in the restaurant.

Well after our safari at Bass Pro we decided we were hungry so we spotted the golden arches and make a quick turn to visit "Old McDonald" as Sue says.

"Nama, I'm not sure I'd post this picture. I usually don't get this strawberry milk shake with my happy meal." But like I said what happens at Nama's stays at Nama's.

Mattie Sue is quite confused with this TX weather. It's burning hot outside and freezing cold inside. What's the deal. Yes mom, little pampering here in the lounger with dinner next to her. I went all out with spoiling her. :)

This is the sweet face I have seen in my rear view mirror since Thursday evening. 

Friday night was spent at Auntie Jessica's house with her Auntie Jenny, Uncle Rod, and Ryan and Sammy. Swimming, pizza, and fun with the cousins. You'll have to see the pictures of that evening on Jessica's blog.

Below we have two excited kiddos heading for the Smurf Movie with Nama and Poppy.

Here they are ready with their booster seats for in the movie. Sue didn't end up using hers but Ryan loved his.

Here we are all decked out with popcorn, candy, and a drink and more extra treats in Nama's purse. 

No Mattie Sue does not wear real glasses. She wants to be just like her Nama. :) I'm going to hold on to every moment of her wanting to be just like Nama. We put on our Mexican dresses each night too. Ahhh I've been in heaven!

Sat. we visited Nama Dotty again and went to her pool. What a fun pool. Under the bridge..

swimming with Nama Dotty..

standing under the water falls..

and hanging on the waterfalls. 

Last night of pampering so in the big tub with door open to bedroom watching "Annie" the movie. I mean can life get any better? Yes, Nama was baking ch. chip cookies for her. 

Fastest 3 1/2 days in my life but well worth it. I'll take whatever I can. Thank you Arnold's for the visit.