Spring Break in Lubbock, TX (PART 1)

We decided to visit Lubbock for Spring Break this year.  Charles and I would often go to Lubbock for Spring Break before we had kids to visit Grandma's.  This trip we are visiting Papa's grave, lots of family, The towns of McAdoo/Spur, and exploring the kid friendly side of Lubbock.  We started with our list of fun activities we wanted to do and each night decided what adventures we would take the next day.  Before we left we had contacted family first to see when we could visit everyone and I am so blessed we had an amazing trip filled with family.  The kids had a blast and already have their toy bags packed again for our next trip to Lubbock!  Ha!  Here is a little bit of what we did each day.

Monday: Had a great drive and of course had to eat at Underwood's Cafe for Mom in Brownwood, TX.  We also stopped for the usual DQ ice cream before making it to Lubbock.  Once we arrived, we managed to check out the prairie dog park (they eat everything, fyi), visit Papa with graveside flowers, do a scavenger hunt, gravestone rubbings, genealogy lesson with pictures, dinner and now to hotel for some late night swimming.

Tuesday: Had such a fun filled day! We visited the arboretum this morning, tech campus (someone may have left the gate open to the stadium and we took a self guided tour, nice stadium!), and then spent the afternoon and evening at Uncle Clayton and Aunt Loretta Parks! The kids are still talking about all the fun. They had an Easter egg hunt, sprinklers, and we were spoiled with love and nature in their beautiful backyard. We laughed many times at how much Uncle Clayton is like Dad, like lighting candles with a blow torch.  What a blessing!

Wednesday: Today was filled with seeing my best friend from high school, Jeff Nicholas and his family. We saw the butterfly imax, science spectrum, tour of the Parks Print Shop by Uncle Don Parks (Parks printing was founded by my Grandpa/Grandma and now owned by my Uncle), and then a family dinner on my Mom's side! It was a total blessing of a day ending with swimming at hotel. Whew! Good night!

Cade's 1st flag football game

Cade rocked his first game with playing center and snapping the ball.  Go Cade Go!

Project flooring is DONE!

It has been quite a few busy days and hard to find anything with the piles of clothes and furniture, but the house is finally back together and we are all good!  Baylor loves his new rug under the bed, and we discovered a few interesting things about Cade/Caelin.  Cade apparently loves to wipe his boogers on the wall behind his bed, and Caelin shoves dry dog food into the wall socket.  Hmmm.  Regardless of our new discoveries, I love the new floors!

Pheasant Hunt

Cade and Daddy had a great time on the annual Pheasant hunt for True North Outfitters at CFBC.  I think I know what's for dinner!

New flooring!

I guess I needed a project to keep me busy during these next few days, so apparently ripping up my entire house sounded like a good idea. The people are coming to lay laminate in the morning and all carpet is officially ripped out of house (thank you to Gamee/Grampee for helping)! Couldn't be more excited to get this project complete.

One last hug

Emotional day. Make no mistake, I am confident that I serve a mighty God that will heal all things including our hearts. Now does that lessen the pain we sometimes have in life? No. But a wise friend once told me that you can never have a testimony without a test. That being said, this week is just part of that test. So many emotions and pain, but I know I am never alone. A year ago today was the last time I hugged my sweet Daddy. Oddly enough when I was leaving he made a point to hug me longer than normal, tell me he was proud of me, and even told me to "look at me" and said "I just really love you sweetie". I remember thinking he was probably over medicated from the surgery and being silly. I did my usual dance around him to annoy him and he gave me the half smile. I drove away with the usual honking theme we do as he waved and never imagined that would be my last. However, what a great last it was. Sure I wish I would have held on a bit longer, but the truth is had I known, I would have never let go and that happy moment would have not been such a happy one. Life is just funny that way. I am blessed not only to have had the best Daddy ever, but the best last moments together. I sure do miss my old man though.