Homestead Heritage Farm

The second weekend in October we visited Homestead Heritage Farm near Waco with Nana and Papa. They have a traditional craft village which has a blacksmith, textiles, gristmill, woodwork, and pottery shops. Visitors are welcome to watch the craftsmen at work in the shops and to buy their crafts. They also have a barn and a deli with a fresh bakery.

The Barn

Nathan was excited to see the animals, so we headed to the barn first. We found chickens, goats and turkeys.

The Gristmill

The Blacksmith Barn

The Hayride

After eating lunch in the deli, we rode the hayride and toured part of the farm. We stopped at this covered pavilion to look out over the fields.

Overlook to View the Fields

The fields were empty because they had already harvested everything. The Brazos River runs along the fields where they have a grove of pecan trees.

Mommy's Birthday

I celebrated my birthday at my parents' house. We had a delicious dinner, treasure hunt and then cheese cake for dessert.

Me, Nathan and all my nieces and nephews.

L to R back row: Joelle, Jaxon, Julia, Jordan, Alison, Josh and Collin

L to R front row: Jessie, Nathan, Me and Ryan

House Guest

Nathan's cousin, Jessie, can to stay with us for a couple of days. Nathan was very excited to have his first house guest. Jessie is a year older than Nathan, but they play together very well.

They played many games together.

Yelled together.

And bounced in the bounce house many times.

Nathan loves when he has a bouncing mate. It's not that much fun to bounce by yourself.

They even enjoyed eating together. Yum!! Grilled cheese and strawberries.

We had a great time with Jessie. We would love to have her come back again!

Cousins Camp - Planet 51

We went to the movies today for Cousins Camp. It turned out great because it was rainy outside. We saw Planet 51 at Studio Movie Grill.

Waiting to be seated.

Enjoying his lunch before the movie starts. He loved his drink and the french fries the best.

The happy campers. Everyone was all smiles after the cute movie.

Jaxon, Julia, Joelle, Jordan

Jessie and Nathan in the front.

Show Week at The Little Gym

This was the last week of Little Gym for this semester. Nathan was taking a sports class. He learned sports skills for several different sports. Today they showed us everything they had learned and put on a show for the parents.

Showing his frisbee skills.

Nathan still needs some help with his form. Mr. Travis is showing how to wrap his arm around his body first, then throw.

Sitting on the watching wall and waiting their turn.

Mommy double booked Nathan on Wednesdays, so by the time we arrive for Little Gym class, he is ready for a nap. Here he is taking a rest before his turn.

Hanging with Mr. Zak.

On the podium getting his medal.

Showing Mommy his medal.

His sports class with their teacher, Mr. Travis.

We invited Nana to come and watch the show. Nathan is showing Nana his medal.

Afterward, we took Nana to our new favorite place, Yogurtville, for a treat. Yum!!

More Camping at Cooper Lake

Papa, Josh, Collin and Ryan were playing a serious game of poker Saturday morning.

Julia, Jordan and Joelle playing in the mud.

Nathan enjoying the beach.

Joelle and Julia swimming in the very cold water. The cold just doesn't seem to bother the kids.

Nathan flying his kite on the beach. He's all covered up because the wind was very cold.

Kite flying was a big hit.

Even with the older kids.

Jaxon flying his kite.

A battle of the minds over a scrabble game. Ryan, Josh, Jenny and Nana with Joelle looking on. I think Josh ended up winning.

Nathan played really hard and fell asleep on his Aunt Patty. Then, she passed him off to Papa who also decided to take a nap.

Back at our cabin, Nathan is looking for someone to play with him.

Nathan and Jessie

My family loves to play games. Here we are playing Left, Right, Center and Papa just won all the nickels.
Nathan, Collin, Ryan, Julia, Josh, Jessie, Laura and Papa

Nathan getting a game of frisbee and football started.

I love camping with my family. It's nice to spend a couple of days just hanging out with them. All the kids play very well together. I hope we can keep this tradition going each year.

Cooper Lake Family Camping Trip

Arriving to our cabin.

Nathan couldn't wait to check out the playground.



Nathan's cousins, Joelle & Jessie, arrive and are ready to play.

March of Dimes - March for Babies 2010

The rain stayed away today, so we could walk another 5 miles for the March of Dimes. We raised $500 towards our Plano NICU Parents team total of over $12,500. We give a BIG thank you to everyone who made a donation and who walked with us.

We received a lot of love and support today by having many family members join us on the walk.

Back Row: Papa, Josh, Collin, Uncle Matt, Aunt Patty and Daddy
Front Row: Nana, Alison, Aunt Kathy and Mommy
Very Front Row: The star of the day, Nathan.


Nathan's Path of Hope sign was at the end of the 5 miles. By that time our group was spread out with the younger kids walking way ahead of the older ones.
Aunt Kathy, Aunt Patty, Nana, Papa, Mommy, Daddy and Nathan (Uncle Matt took the photo.)


Mommy, Daddy and Nathan with his Path of Hope sign.

Aunt Samantha's Birthday

Aunt Sammy had another birthday, so we celebrated at Nana & Papa's house.

Laura & Samantha

Kathy, Jenny, Samantha, Laura and Patty

Samantha opening Nathan's present. He made the wrapping paper all by himself.