Long Weekend with Aunt Jamie

While Keri & I were traveling, Jamie let Evan sleep with Daisy (the dog), swim as much as she wanted, and take a gigantic bubble bath! She carried Daisy around the whole time. Jamie told Evan that I would pick her up and go home either on Monday or Tuesday, and Evan told her that she thought it would be best if we left on Tuesday. I am so glad she is finally over her fear of spending the night by herself.

Trek to Utah

We had to get a gift for Evan in Gallup, NM on Route 66 - a Kachina Doll necklace.

Wilson's Arch in Moab, Utah

Sneaking out for lunch after lunch in Brigham City, Utah

Last week we received the news that my Uncle Paul passed away. He's always been a favorite for many reasons. He was the adventurer of the family. He led river rafting groups down most rivers in the US, sailed to Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand and Australia (I think), and just loved the outdoors. When my dad had a serious stroke in 2000, Uncle Paul and Aunt Sharla came down a few times to help out. Keri & I thought we were special because that's how he made you feel. We found out at his funeral that he made everyone feel that way. What an awesome trait!

Keri & I decided we wanted to attend Uncle Paul's funeral but would need to drive -- to Utah. So, we left Evan with Aunt Jamie and the girls while we took off in the van. We left Thursday evening from Houston and drove straight through. Keri wanted me to see a travel plaza outside of San Antonio called Buc-ee's, so we almost ran out of gasd trying to get there. the distance to empty gauge read 0 for a few miles, so we must have been running on fumes. This would be the first of several adventures and great memories. Keri & I haven't made this trip and spent so much time together since January 1990. We had a great time.

We hiked up Wilson's Arch, drove through a sandstorm, reconnected with family & friends and had a lot of laughs.

Evan & Chandler

Evan had her first sleepover with MiMi and PaPa when Chandler came to visit. Chandler is 10 & Evan loves her. They play very well together - partly because Chan is old enough to give in to Evan. They spent a few days at our house and played Barbies in Evan's room for most of that time. We played in the pool for a few hours and I was the only one to use sunscreen, yet I was the only one to get sunburned. Evan and Chan just got browner.

The Cowgirl and the Derby Diva - BFFs

Julie & I took the girls to the races again this week. I think they were more excited to wear their hats than anything else. They watched the horses a little but then got bored. It was hot and humid, and I felt like I was there with 2 old women because they wanted to stay in the A/C. It took some coaxing, but I finally got them to the fence (in the sun) to watch the horses up close. We had a good time, though.

Make-Up Artists

I came home late one night last week to find that Mike had already started dinner and was cleaning. How nice! I walked in to the dining area to find Evan and Kassi playing in Evan's new make-up. They had glasses of water to clean their brushes in like they were painting with water colors. I thought that was kind of funny!

A Few More

And They're Off ...

Evan & I had a great Friday together! We started off getting pedicures - she got a manicure also. There is something to be said about a fresh pedicure. We then met Mike for lunch at China Inn. Evan's favorite food is Egg Drop Soup, so we try to appease her every once in a while. I have found a package mix that is so easy and good that she would have for every meal if I would let her. Then it was off to the races. We spent about an hour at Louisiana Downs. We 'inspected' the horses in the Paddock, made our bet (it's a good thing Evan had cash because I sure didn't), watched our horse stay in first place until the last 15 seconds, and then watched our horse fall to next to last place! At least it was only $6 down the drain. She bought a cowgirl hat that looks so cute on her. It was so hot and humid while we were outside watching the actual race that Evan decided she wanted to head to the movie sooner rather than later. SO, we went to see G-Force and topped the evening off with dinner at Coldstone. A perfect day!