Rewind back to last summer 2013.... Part 1

Since I have a lot of catch up to do on this blog of mine I will start by going back to last summer because it was the best summer I have had in a very long time.

In June of last year (2013) my son Jessie came out to spend the whole month with me.  I was so very excited. Also in June my parents brought two of my nieces with them and spent over two weeks out here visiting. Splitting their time between me and my sister Valerie who lives about 30 miles from me, Jessie and my nieces got to see and do so many fun activities with all of us.

Since there are so many things to tell you about I will have to break this up into different parts so as not to make one huge long post that will take forever to read.  So this post is Part 1 of Summer 2013.

The first family activity took place on June 8th one of the first days after everyone arrived.  We took the family to Mineral Wells State Park for some kayaking and fishing.  Considering it was June, the temperature was very nice and tolerable.  The kids had a blast!  Dad and Mom seemed to really enjoy it as well.  I enjoyed having everyone around and watching them have so much fun!

Later that week they went over to my sister's home to spend some time with them.  She took them to Build-A-Bear where they were able to build their own bear. 

I think it is cute that 17 year old Jessie chose a bear too.  Over the last year he has taken an interest in being a cowboy and doing some bull-riding so he chose a cowboy bear.  Don't you just love his styling outfit?  I sure do!  LOL

Jessie & his Cowboy Bear

Melanee and her Texas Bear

Parker & his Batman Bear 

Mikayla & her soccer player bear (dog?)

Aunt Valerie also took them to the Aquarium and Swimming at the neighborhood pool.  Fun times were had by all.     

At the Aquarium in Dallas.  I just love this photo!

Swimming Fun with Cousins

Thank You Aunt Valerie for making sure they had a fun time while I had to work.

This is the end of Part 1...... look for Part 2 coming up soon.  

Look who is turning 16 years old today....

He is!

My Jessie!

Sniff - Sniff 

I don't have a lot of recent photos so I will be taking a little walk down memory lane and posting some of then and now.  

Jessie loves his cousin's and they love him

This is his beloved cousin Lilly who adores him

After all he is pretty Adorable!

Look Out!  He will be driving soon

I'd stay off the roads if I were you..... LOL  j/k

He is pretty darn handsome!

Skateboarder

A memory that keeps flashing back when I think of him skateboarding is when he was maybe 5 or 6 years old and received his very first skateboard.  The first thing he did was take the skateboard to the railing of the cement stairs going out of our front door.  He decided he was going to try to skateboard down the railing.  Oh my goodness I just about died.  

He is fearless!

Saxophone Player

Wish this picture wasn't so fuzzy

Jessie with his Dad, Sister, and their dog Dexter

Life in Cedar City

Cousins are wonderful friends

Visiting mom in Montana

A birthday from the past

He is an awesome Gamer!

A wonderful brother

A much younger picture 

And more to follow...

A blast from the past...

being goofy with goofy

He loved playing Army Men for hours

That look on his face makes me smile

He loved his spaghetti 

And was great at being messy... 

A cute messy though!

Who me?  Another look that makes me chuckle

Way back when he was very small

And loving his horsey that Grandpa made

Yeehaw!

Always a Family!

An oldie but a goodie

Jessie has been through some really tough trials recently, and is making  great strides in improving the situation.  

I am so proud of how responsible he is being and proud of all of his accomplishments.  

He is a becoming a wonderful young man!  

Stay strong my son.  I love you! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

JESSIE!

Autumn on the Farm......

On Saturday I woke up to the most beautiful day so I took this picture to capture the moment. 

This is Autumn at the Farm...  

It was nice and warm and sunny. Sandals and Capri wearing weather! (I almost took a photo of me wearing my sandals, but I didn't).

And these are our Babies..... (Two of them anyway)

Meet Cinnamon and Baby Cakes

And this is Cesar

sunning in the pasture

I am so happy to say that it is December 1st (Already?) and I am still wearing my Sandals and Capri's... and I am not missing the snow at all!  

It is supposed to be cold and rainy over the weekend and into next week so I will enjoy this while it lasts!

Christmas is around the corner and soon there will be a ground breaking on our new home.  Can't wait to get started!  And.... my parents are coming for a visit!  They will be here on Sunday (if the weather and roads are decent).  

Lots to look forward to!  

Now I just need to finish the Christmas shopping and start the baking and the candy making.  

What are you looking forward to?  

Texas Part 4 - Parker's Baptism & Lockheed Martin

Besides wanting to see and visit with family, there was another reason for our Texas vacation.  My nephew, Parker, was going to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It was another really great reason to be there during that time.   My parents came from Utah to be there, and it had been almost a year since I had seen them.  And so we were able to spend time with both families.   I'm really glad my sister, Valerie, and Billy's parents and family all live within 30 to 40 miles from each other.

Here are a few photos of the baptism.

Parker with his parents

Bob, Parker, Valerie

Parker with Gpa & Gma Alldredge 

(my parents)

Parker and his dad in front of font

Parker with his Dad

Both Grandfather's

Both Grandmother's

The Alldredge side of the family

Bob, my parents, Valerie and Parker

Parker with his cousin at the luncheon

 Luncheon after the baptism

It was a great day.  I am so glad I was able to attend and participate by playing the piano for the baptism.  Parker, thank you for inviting me!  I am so proud of the wonderful boy you are.  I love you!

___________________________________

Later in the day after the baptism, we met up with Bill's parents.  We were scheduled to go on a tour of Bill's dad's work.  He work's for Lockheed Martin in Ft. Worth and he was able to give a tour of the whole plant.  He had to go to a lot of trouble to get the proper security in order for us to see the plant and I am so grateful for him doing that.  This was another major highlight of my vacation.  

The plant is HUGE and we had to drive golf cart type vehicles in order to get from one end to the other as it is over a mile long.  This is where they actually build fighter jets from start to finish.  At the Ft. Worth plant they are currently building the F-35 Lightening and the F-22 Raptor.  

 

It was an awesome place to be able to see where and how our fighter jets are created.  My father-in-law has worked there for years and has a very important job.  He has invented many things that have been patented and used in the building of some of these aircraft's.  I always new that he is a very smart and knowledgeable man, but I didn't realize how much until I saw his wall of fame in his office.  Love him!  Thanks Dad for making it possible for us to see where you work and what you do.  

This day is the last day of our Texas trip.  The next morning we flew back home to Bozeman, Montana.  We left 100 degree hot and humid weather and arrived to a rainy and cool 55 degrees.  That is Montana for you.  

We had a wonderful week spent making memories that will last us a lifetime and beyond.  Thanks to all my family for making it awesome!  Thanks for the many laughs, good food, card games, and all the wonderful experiences we got to share with everyone.  I am blessed to have two wonderful families that I love.  

Texas Part 3 - PARTY!!!!

Prior to this trip, it has been SIX YEARS since Dear Hubby had been home and seen any of his family, and it was the first time for me to meet (in person) my new extended family.   It is for this reason my sweet and amazing mother-in-law planned a family party event.

DH's brother, Brad, has a very nice large yard, complete with a pool and large covered patio, so the planning began and the extended family was invited and the food was ordered from a local caterer.  MIL even invited my sister's family and my parents who were in town visiting also.

The day arrived, the food arrived (and boy was it good!), the family came, and the party began.  There was eating and visiting and swimming and eating some more.  It was a great time!  My MIL went to a lot of trouble to create such a special party where fabulous memories were made.  Thanks Mom!

Here are a few many photos that details the days events.

Aunt Karen, Cousin Valerie & Jeff

Enjoying the Yummy Food

Aunt Patsy, Uncle John, Aunt Sandy 

My Mom and Mother-In-Law with Valerie (My Sis) in the middle

The Two Boys

Billy & Bradley

Nephew Austin

Family Togetherness!!

Techie Brothers

Brothers

Beautiful Ladies

Valerie (my sis), and Brenda in background

Cousin Valerie

Poolside Fun

Parker & Grandma in deep conversation 

Love this Picture!

More Poolside Fun

Landon

The coolest boy ever!!

The party was great fun.  I loved meeting everyone and can't wait to see them again sometime soon.  

To my mother-in-law D'Ann, Billy & I can't tell you enough how thankful we are for all you did to get this party arranged and for the great food and fun that was provided.  It really meant a lot to Billy and we both  loved spending time with everyone.  This day was one of the most memorable days on our trip.  Thank You!!  We Love you!