TEXAS

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Yesterday, we picked up Chris, our old neighbor from Loth Lorian Drive and our Aunt Lola at the Lubbock airport. An event that we have long looked forward to. I can remember months ago hatching a plan with Sue for Chris to come visit while we were in the states-it was originally intended to be a surprise, but the night before we left Thailand I accidentally spilled the beans. I really was excited about the surprise but I don't think it took away from the actual reunion one bit, the boys were so glad to see Chris again. Chris is one of the 'most' missed things of VA for sure! The DiAntonio's lived through the trees and there was a well beaten path between our two homes. We have missed that boy this last year and we love him very much!

Most of you know about our Aunt Lola. She was a Godsend when the triplets were born volunteering to buy groceries for me every Friday night. Up until that point we were acquaintances at church but several weeks after buying groceries and my no longer needing that service she began babysitting the triplets every Friday night for free and became a part of our family! After 5 years of that she would firmly and forever take her position as our Aunt Lola.

So two great additions to our trip to NM in one day, my heart is full! We picked them up in the Joe's Boot Shop limo, we wanted Chris' first visit to TX to be memorable. Riding around in that attention-getter is sure to create some memories. It is a riding billboard for Dad's business and lots of fun. I can remember years ago when Dad first got the car and had the horns mounted on the hood and the mechanical horn with numerous tunes, sirens, animal sounds....installed, all of us cruising around in it and Dustin commenting at around 7 yrs of age, "Man, I wish we had a car where everyone stares at you!" while I was thinking, did he have to take the tint off the windows?!

After picking up our two new guests we headed to Amarillo for the production, TEXAS in Palo Duro Canyon. The second largest canyon in the US. This was my third time to see the musical and I thoroughly enjoyed it again. The backdrop of the play, the canyon wall, is spectacular on its own and I suggest anyone that might be in the vicinity to put this play on your agenda. There is this great, patriotic moment when they ride the TX flag across the canyon rim on horseback at sunset that is really moving.

We enjoyed a tasty steak dinner that was provided by the The Big Texan before the show. Another TX landmark. The place where if you eat a 72 oz. steak within the hour time limit you get it for free. Texans really know how to eat, the grilled jalapenos were delicious.

We finally arrived home at midnight NM time, 2 am for Chris on VA time. He had almost been up 24 hours straight. I just checked on them all to see if they are up and getting ready for a day of work at Joe's Boot Shop. The music in the bachelor den is blaring and they are getting dressed-youth!