Texas

There was no letter last week because we were in Texas until late Sunday night.  Monday I was recovering, Tuesday, too busy to write a letter, Wednesday, preparing for a colonoscopy, and Thursday, having that colonoscopy, and Friday I chose to do other chores, like work in the yard.  So, it's Saturday morning and I'm finally getting around to writing this letter.  It's close enough to Sunday that it will cover both weeks.

So, back to Texas.  On Wednesday, Oct. 19, Caitlyn, Roy and I got up early and left for Texas.  Elise picked us up at the airport and we met Andy at a restaurant downtown so we wouldn't have to fight Texas traffic at rush hour.  We ate at Papacita's, a famous Texas Mexican food chain.  We hung out with Elise on Thursday, did a little grocery shopping and enjoyed our grandsons.  Friday, Elise had a full day planned.  We started by taking Max to the zoo.  Elise came in with us and then left to take Maverick to his 9 month check-up.  By the time she was done, Max was done with the zoo, so we met Elise at the train (there's a train that goes around the zoo).  Andy was done with school for the day so he met us, too.  We had a great 20 minute train ride.  Maverick was on my lap and he was so excited.  He leaned forward and held on to the pole and the seat in front of us, and was bouncing up and down, making happy noises the whole time.  Max sat by Roy and they were obviously having a great time, too.  They both love trains.  After the train ride we ate our prepared picnic in the parking lot, then headed to Galveston to go to the beach.  On Thursday we had asked Max what he wanted to do on Friday.  When he heard the beach was an option, he told us he wanted to go to the beach, and then kept telling us the same thing every 5 or 10 minutes.  We could see why when we got there.  It was slightly breezy, so Roy and I thought it'd be kind of cool so we kept our clothes on.  Everyone else put on their swimsuits and were rewarded with beautiful warm water.  Max immediately went to play, and Maverick, not to be outdone, began crawling straight into the ocean as fast as his legs would carry him.  He had no fear.

Max loves the sea lions

And Mav loved pulling grandpa's hair

On the Train

 Then on to the beach:

Here he is--determined to get to the water

Caitlyn, expressing her joy of being away from
school and having a wonderful day at the beach

 Saturday we slept in a little, then prepared to go to the Renaissance Festival in a nearby Texas town.  Actually, it was about 2 hours nearby.  Apparently it's the largest such festival--at least in the US.  It was interesting, as most people dressed up as pirates, or wenches, or scullery maids, or barbarians--you get the picture.  The festival was much like one might have been in those days, with somewhat amateur shows (such as a fire-eater/sword swallower, and a circus with jugglers).  The shows were fun, but the real show was the people in their outfits--most women showing a lot of cleavage.  There were even Disney costumes (I asked Elise why someone would dress elaborately as "Belle" from Beauty and the Beast, since it wasn't the right time period.  She said that if you owned an expensive costume, this was the place to wear it).

The Fire Eater/ Sword Swallower

Pizza on the way home

Sunday, there was no sleeping in.  Church was at 9:00.  It was fun to attend church with the Jacksons.  Elise and Andy gave the prayers in Sacrament Meeting. Elise even taught the Relief Society Lesson.  It was based on Elder Bednar's talk from April's conference--Always Retain a Remission of your Sins.  She did a good job.  I reread the talk when I got home.  I think it's a pretty deep subject and hard to cover in one lesson, but she handled it very well.

After church we enjoyed a Salmon dinner and then relaxed until time to go to the airport.  It was a short but nice trip--and a necessary one--we need to see our sweet grandsons that we don't see as often as the others.  

The Wednesday after we got home, Ollie was in a little Halloween program at his school.  I had to visit teach, but Roy was able to go watch.  He was a dragon--in a pretty elaborate costume.  Roy said he didn't sing, though.  Pretty typical.

The stucco is finished and I think it looks amazing.
We're still waiting on rock for the front of the house.  Ryan
told us that it's his goal to get us in by Thanksgiving--or at least
a week or two after that.  I think I'll plan on the 2nd part
so I won't be disappointed.

Wednesday night Caitlyn had an orchestra concert.
Roy was the man of the hour again--since I was prepping
for my colonoscopy.  He said it was an excellent
concert.

Effie is starting to show her sweet and happy
personality.  Nick and Sara aren't sleeping much.
Hopefully that will change soon.

Is there anything sweeter than a daddy and his girls?

You've got to love this kid with his happy smiles.  I
miss Max and Mav and wish we could see them more often

Dancing with some show.  They were obviously
enjoying themselves.

Hyeji giving a presentation at school

We managed to find something to wear for the
Young Single Adults Halloween party.  Even
though most of our stuff is in storage.  We didn't match though.
The bishop and his wife were Popeye and Olive Oyl
The counselor that dressed up was a priest and his wife was a nun.  

Can you guess?  I couldn't if I didn't know.  This is Crista and Matt!

So, Elise told me that one or two genealogy vignettes was all she had time to read--the eight or so I sent last time was too much.  I decided just to forward the original document from Steve so you all have it.  I challenge you to read one or two each week to get a little taste of what your ancestors were like.  This way you'll have the pictures as well.

I have added something to my scripture study and thought some of you might be interested.  There is a web site called Book of Mormon Central and they have an app also, called KnoWhy.  (not a misspelling).  Each day they ask a question and answer it with a short video and, if you have time, a longer synopsis.  The questions are linked with the Sunday School Lessons, so right now, all the questions are pertaining to 3rd Nephi, such as, "Why is 3 Nephi important for Understanding the Godhead?"  and "Who is the Servant Spoken of by Christ?"  I have found these to be interesting and informative.  At the end of the synopsis, the sources are listed and further reading suggested.  They often suggest conference talks that go along with the topic.  I have really enjoyed using this app. They have questions Monday thru Friday and nothing on the weekend.

I have more pictures from the family from Halloween parties, and dances, etc.  I will add them to next week's letter.