Grandparent Fun



This weekend, we were thrilled to have my mom & dad come down and visit for the weekend! 

They got in town Friday night just a few minutes after Joseph went to sleep for the night.   Saturday morning, we had a nice breakfast and then around 10:15 we headed to the George Ranch Historical Park.  It's only about 25 minutes away and is out in the country - you would never think you are just 5-10 miles from a Houston freeway!   The park is a registered historical park that basically shows the Texas history for 4 generations of this family.  It has their homes (or models of them because some burned down way back when), a coral with cowboys, a working blacksmith shop, and other characters/staff that explain life back in the 1800's. 

Luckily, it wasn't crowded at all.  It was a bit warm but there was a nice breeze so it made for a good day to be outside.  Unfortunately, we missed several tours at some of the buildings because we didn't realize there were set times of the tours and would have to wait 30 minutes for the next tour.  But, it was still fun to walk around and see the park and tour the other buildings.  The blacksmith was really neat to watch and listen to as well as he described how he was making different objects.

After lunch and finishing up at the park, we headed home with Joseph while Michael and my dad went to the beer brewing store.    Joseph took a nice long nap when we got home. Ever since he has started walking, he has been taking nice long naps - finally!!  :D    After he woke up, we all went in the backyard and Joseph got to play with his water table for the first time that my parents gave him for his birthday.   He loved it!   He must have played with it for a good 45 minutes, at least!

For dinner, Michael grilled us some yummy steaks.  Then later that night, we played hearts and had so much fun.   We had some oldies music on and were all singing and dancing the whole time - it was the hardest I had laughed in a long time!   

Today after church, we met my aunt and uncle downtown at The Aquarium restaurant.  The kids all had fun watching the fish and we got to have a great and yummy lunch!      Such a fun weekend and I'm so thankful my parents were able to come down!  I told my mom this yesterday....that I never imagined how much joy it could bring me to see other people love my baby.   It brings such joy to my heart to be able to see my parents spend time with Joseph over the weekend and see such big smiles on their faces....and his!

Walking to the first old house at the George Ranch

Watching the lady spin wool into a spool of thread/string

Dad & Michael in one of the old kitchens

Joseph just loved the chickens - and they weren't the least bit bashful either!

In front of the old barn

Little buddy hard at work with the grinder in the outdoor kitchen

A sign on our walk through the park

And look!!!   I didn't quite take the sign seriously and then we saw this baby alligator!!

Just past the alligator, Mom & Dad walking across the footbridge

In the old horse stables

Having fun walking around while Grandma took his picture

Joseph just LOVES to be outside now and has so fun playing in the grass

Michael & Dad showing just how big this old oak tree is

One of the houses we were able to tour from the 1930's - very interesting!

Joseph having fun with his water table

Outside the Aquarium downtown

Joseph loves his Gma & Gpa Eckel!