Letters from the Evans

Weimar Visit Part Dos + Videos

Since Blogger wasn't too interested in my attaching anymore photos to the previous post, I'll finish up here.

I love how Maverick & Goose look like they are in a scene of Homeward Bound here :)

To say that the puppies were exhausted from chasing cows and supervising the rock wall construction would be an understatement.

In fact, for more pictures of the rock wall construction, I'm going to refer to you Marrisa's blog post about it here: http://arookiewifewiththeveterangod.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-climbing-rock-wall.html

Grady did an awesome job designing it, and everyone did a terrific job of helping him make it happen.

Clara was pooped out, so we decided to get some of the toys out that Jan let us use (thank you!) and let her just play on the floor for a little bit.

THEN this chica decided to really walk! She was walking across the whole room several times!!

Quick video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-y_rawzi5I

In case you were wondering why I'm singing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" it's because every time I started singing it Clara would stand up and start walking! It was the goofiest thing. No other song did the same thing, so I just kept singing it over and over and then Bryan joined in and we just kept singing it in a round. It was so fun and so exciting to see her toddling everywhere!

Go Clara! We officially have a walker!

Victory playing with Dada. He's so fun and silly!

Victory playing with Mama. She tries to be as fun as Dada :)

Then ... somehow... *cough cough* I fell asleep. I was so exhausted, and it just happened. Meemaw and Aunt Tricia were both incredibly sweet and took little bit for a walk. I bet she really enjoyed that - thank you both so much!

Then it was time for dinner, PJs, and time to hit the road.

We had lots of hugs and good byes to say first though.

So tempting to honk at this romanic-looking moment G&M :)

A pin-wheeling good bye to you!

Phew. That was an exhausting day.

I had zero cell phone service, and I loved it! We just played and played, and visited with family and friends. I can't thank you enjoy, Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin as well as Grady & Marissa (and Murphy, too, of course) for hosting us!

Weimar Visit Part Uno

Last Friday the Baldwins were incredibly sweet and invited us to join them at their new place out in Weimar, Texas, which is actually remarkably close to my parent's ranch in Cuero, TX.

(Small world moments: The man who sold the place in Weimer to the Baldwins moved next door to my parents on Lake Conroe!

And the Baldwins (Grady married Marissa formerly-Baldwin, who he met at A&M) live next door to my Aunt Jana & Uncle Keith - crazy.

Annnnd Marissa's uncle (?) was my Dad's very first boss.

Seriously, people, it's a super small world!)

Anyway back to our Friday fun:

We got up really early on Friday so that we could hit the road and hopefully have Clara sleep through most of the 3 hour drive. Thankfully, it worked like a charm, and she only woke up about 30 minutes before we got there.

The puppies did a little snoozing of their own.

After we arrived and visited, we were invited to take a tour.

Meemaw and Papaw drove the camo limo:

While the rest of us road in the back of the truck. Except for driver Grady and Clara who road in Lulu's lap in the A/C. It's too hot for itty babies!

After an awesome tour of the barn, guest house, tree house, and other areas of the property, we came back to the house to prep lunch for the other guests arriving.

While Clara took a (very short) nap, Mom, Jan, Marissa & I played Sequence. It was Moms vs. Daughters, and I have to brag .... Marissa and I won 2/3. Champions!

Meemaw made sure to cheer both sides on equally :)

Then we took a swim in the gorgeous pool. Clara liked it for a little while, but despite the heat the sun wasn't really out so I think she got a bit chilled and we called it quits before too long.

(please note Maverick photo bombing in the above picture :)

(Goose's turn to photo bomb ^ look on top of the waterfall)

Bryan stuck around a little longer enjoying the water.

3 lovely ladies:

Sweet girl-child of mine:

Then it was time to go help the rest of the menfolk with the rock climbing wall that they were building. Clara got to test drive the new wagon as we delivered some snacks.

Short video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-jxIbk_43o

I love the pinwheel Aunt Tricia gave her!

Once we got to the barn we found everyone hard at work.

But I didn't feel very comfortable with Clara hanging around power tools and nails that could have rolled away, so Bryan encouraged her to walk the wagon around.

Murphy hitched a ride :)

Then she joined him. Pushing a wagon is exhausting, and she needed a breather.

Sweet Mav. The most lovable pain ever.

On the way back to the house Clara had a very special fellow rider: Meemaw!

Just for comparison's sake

Crazy difference!

Miss Independent! (July 4th)

I love July 4th - well, at least I've loved it ever since we moved to Springcroft Ct :)

We started our day off with a few goofy looks.

More information on the making of her adorable handprint shirt in a future post.

We played with maracas and sang along.

Then, last minute, Bryan and I decided to make shirts for us to match Clara's. They are far from perfect but I really love them anyway :)

Once we were all dressed, it was time to hit the Tomball Independence Day Festival!

(Note: This will be much more fun for Clara when she can walk really well)

Hanging out, enjoying all the people, the band, and the aura of festivity:

While Bryan and I enjoyed snowcones, yumm.

Then it was time for the Annual July 4th Springcroft Cook-Out. The water slide was set up, the grill heated up, fireworks at the ready, the puppies frolicking, and lots of fun people ready to visit and have a good time.

Belly button!

Sweet Aubrey and Clara:

I think one day Clara will make a wonderful big sister. She was so sweet with wee Meagan.

Fortified with some friends and food, we drove to The Woodlands to watch the fireworks from the parking garage roof, which is thankfully available to employees even during non-work hours.