Let's Go Fly a Kite!!!

On our trip to TX from AK...the younger set, the girls and I spent time with my family in OR and in Seattle, WA. My cousin, Launnie (I spell his name different every time and I'm still not getting it right!!), gave the kids a kite.

Fast forward to our weeks in TLF (Temporary Lodging Facility) in TX...hot days...over 100* days....in cramped quarters....toys packed....but WAIT we have a kite! We quickly discovered that West TX is a great spot for kite flying. We always seem to have a gentle breeze and we've got lots of wide open fields to in which to play. Everyone had fun with the kite but the younger boys were really captivated. The kite is wonderful, Launnie! We are totally impressed and plan to spend many more lazy days flying a kite.

Does this make anyone else break into Mary Poppins style singing????

Below are pictures of the outing....beginnng with a critter we met for the first time in the field outside the TLF where we were flying our kite....We don't have these in Alaska!

Our first tarantula - I've been assured they are not poisionous

Sometimes an independent guy just needs Dad's hand

We can do it, Dad!

Nolan with our cool kite!

Zander's turn....

Reconnecting with Buddies!

The best thing (so far) about moving back to TX has been reconnecting with past friends. We first met Brad and Brenda through the homeschool list that I co-own. We became fast family friends during our previous tour in TX. They even opened their house for us to housesit for them when we moved to TX 6 years ago.

As "fate" would have it, Jamin's first football game was in San Antonio, the day after I came home from the hospital. I came home, got settled and then the family (minus myself, Bre and Stacia) left for San Antonio. They LOVED the chance to reconnect with dear friends.....though the younger two were not impressed with their introduction to chiggers. Alex was impressed with the pretty chickens (peacocks).

A couple of pictures....Brenda just seeing the picture of you made me smile this a.m. and I LOVE what you did in your living room.

The whole crew (ours and theirs)

At the game (notice how much Arielle - back row pink shirt- loves the game)

Brad, Brenda and family