We Went To Texas!

Last Thursday (Oct. 25) we flew to Austin, Texas to visit with Devynne and Brandon for the weekend. We had a fantastic trip. Thursday night we ate dinner at La Margarita with Brandon's mom, Lenda, and his uncle Charles. The food was yummy and we had a great time visiting. When we got back to Devynne's apartment we celebrated Dakota's birthday with a birthday cake she made earlier that day. (I thought that was so sweet of her) Friday morning we stopped for doughnuts then headed to San Antonio to see the Alamo and to walk around the River Walk. It rained super hard when we first arrived so we stopped and got rain boots for me and ponchos for the guys and then we were off. We ate lunch at the Lonestar Cafe which was one of the restaurants on the River Walk. We walked around and took pictures and enjoyed being around each other. We also toured a spanish mission "Mission Concepcion" and took pictures. On our way back to Austin we stopped by the San Antonio Temple. It was beautiful. After getting back to Devynne and Brandon's apartment it was pizza and movie night. Saturday Devynne had school all day so Brandon took us to see downtown Austin. Although, before heading downtown we stopped at what is now Steve's favorite taco joint called Torchy's Tacos. The place was packed and the tacos were awesome. We bought some Texas gear at the Co-op and a store called Tyler's (very cool store). We drove by the UT stadium and then walked through the capitol building. When we got back home we only had to wait a few minutes before Devynne came home from school. We then met the rest of Brandon's family for dinner at the Salt Lick (a rustic looking bar b que restaurant) and had a good time visiting with everyone. Sunday on our way to the airport we stopped at one more place. Brandon's favorite bar b que place, Rudy's. It's at a gas station and they claim to be the "worst bar b que in town" So not true. The guys loved it! We had such a good time and we miss Devynne and Brandon terribly. We love them tons. :)
In front of the Alamo The River Walk The Spanish Mission
The San Antonio Temple
   
Austin, TX

Dakota's 16

Yesterday was Dakota's birthday. He is now 16! I'm not sure how I feel about my youngest being 16. He can drive, he can date, he now has a midnight curfew (Yikes). At the same time, he's one of the best people I know. He's such a wonderful young man and I look forward to the wonderful things he will do in his future. I love him tons. Happy Birthday Dakota Man. :)

Dakota Goes to a Renaissance Fair

Dakota went to a renaissance fair this past Friday out at the Silver Bowl with 3 of his friends (Josh and Casey I know).  They had so much fun walking around and messing with the different weapons and battle clothing.  Here are a few pictures. :)

My Trip to Virginia

I went to New Castle, Virginia from September 28 to October 3rd. My family and I buried my grandmother's ashes on Sunday, September 30th in the Huffman Memorial Cemetery (not our "Huffman" family). It was a beautiful sunny day and we gathered around while Aunt Connie read a few cards that were sent to her from people who had specific memories about my grandma. At the cemetery were myself, Daddy, Rita, Aunt Connie, Uncle Billy, Uncle Gary, Aunt Wilma, Heather and her family, Sammy and Danielle. We then went to the Huffman Cemetery (which is our "Huffman" family) to visit my Granddaddy's grave site. I was able to see many grave sites of ancestors and take some pictures. It was a good way to feel connected to past family members.

This was a great week to catch up with family that I haven't seen since I was 17.  So much fun to see cousins and their families and to visit with my aunt and uncles.  I heard so many great stories and kind of sad stories.  These stories all help tell who I am and who I come from and that means so much to me.  I love this side of my family and I miss them.  Hopefully it won't be too long before we can see each other again. :)

New Castle from the "Look Out"

Uncle Billy, Daddy and Aunt Connie

Grandma (still needs engraving)

The Four Siblings

Danielle, Sammy and Heather

Uncle Gary and Aunt Wilma

Huffman Cemetery

Huffman Cemetery (Daddy walking towards grave sites)

Granddaddy

Lindsay's son, Will

The three brothers

Holly, Connor and Carter

Troy, Heather, Tanner and Drew

Heather and Hollly

Aunt Joy

Uncle Billy's truck (1965 Ford)

Holly's house (Her father grew up here too)

Uncle Billy's house

House Granddaddy built that he and Grandma lived in when we visited in 1973

Uncle Gary's house (Daddy, Uncle Gary and Will)

House Grandma lived in

Norman and Aunt Connie

Aunt Sue

New Castle Main Street