2 Weeks in Midland

Never mind that this post is two months late.  I'll eventually back-date it, but didn't want it to get lost in the shuffle just yet.  So here's a (not-so-brief) recap of our trip to Midland this summer.  

It started with a planned weekend visit by Kim, Brian, Kelley and Carley to our house.  We had a great time even though our trip to the water park (the one planned event) got rained out.  We ended up bowling (Jack's first time) and playing arcade games instead.  It was super fun!  The rest of the weekend was filled with playing, eating, and visiting... you know, the usual quality family time :D

THEN...

I'd held off on taking the kids to Midland until this summer for several reasons.  Jack and I used to fly... but I didn't see how that was possible with him plus the twins... which meant we'd need to drive; with all the gear and necessities for 6 looooooonnng hours.  I just couldn't stomach it.  I also knew that I would need to wait until I had help (aka: my mom, sisters, niece, nephew... etc) lined up on the other end.  So I had planned to load the kids up in the weeks following Kim's trip and finally make the trek out west.  It wasn't until Sunday morning (the day they were leaving) that it occurred to me "you know... there are people here who would help you drive / entertain the kids back to Midland TODAY if you got your act together."  So, the trip I had put off for 18 months came together in 90 minutes.  I called my mom and Cary to make sure they didn't have major plans that week (they didn't, thank goodness).  And by noon, we were on the road to Midland.  

The first stop as I drove into Midland...  

Luckily, my mom has a local friend with twin grandbabies, so we were able to borrow their high chairs and a spare pack and play.  

We also spent some time in the water that week.  Actually, the little boys were much happier if they were on the outside of the water.  Details ;)

Luke and Aunt Cary

See what I mean, both little boys were NOT fans of the pool :(

I was finally able to get Colt to relax for a bit on his back.  He stayed this way for about 5 minutes!!!

Jack and Aunt Kim

Colt really warmed up to Kelley

 Having lunch at the cute church cafe

Luke can give some of the best expressions

Quality time with Carley :)

and Kelley

I was super thankful the "big kids" were out of school while we were there.  They met us at several parks and helped with the boys.   

Love this picture of the 5 grandkids

Here's Uncle Brian showing us the elusive horny toad.  I'm pretty sure it was this same afternoon we went into his shop to see a "pet" snake he had (he's been a science teacher for over 15 years).  He got the snake out to show us and it BIT him TWICE on the hand!!!!!  It was in total slow-motion!  C-R-A-Z-Y!!  Luckily, it wasn't poisonous, but still freaky to see that thing open its mouth and strike his hand.  And then do it again.  Brian is always good for entertaining us with some sort of drama ;)  Remember when he nearly cut his leg off and then got to the ER told the nurses it was a shark bite?  Surely you know about those West Texas sharks, right?  

Love how little Luke looks here playing soccer with Kelley and Brian

(and love the horse in the background)  

Colt wasn't too sure about this country setting and stayed as close to me as possible (as if that's too different from every other day... not)

Luke Brian with his namesake

Jack with Brock and Claire (and Luke and Colt in the background climbing onto the table!!!)

So thankful to have kept my friendship with Ashley (these are her kiddos) since junior high!

Colt examining the water hose in Gran's backyard

Jack and I sporting our Superman shirts

It was so fun taking Jack around to see some of the places where I spent my childhood.  I love that my mom still lives in the same house where I grew up.  Great memories in that house and neighborhood.   Here, Jack and Kelley are standing under the Goddard rocket at the junior high I went to.  

Gran spoiling Luke 

Luke's expression here pretty much sums up how we felt about leaving Midland :(  The morning we were loading up into the car, we couldn't find Jack.  Come to find out, he was hiding and told us he wasn't going back to McKinney.  My entire family lives in Midland along with countless friends.  I love that I've stayed in touch with some and others I'm able to  pick up with right where we left off.  Those unexpected meetings with old, dear friends often come at just the right moment.  I love how things work out like that.  We'll definitely be making the trip to Midland more often now!!