.

T-Wolves Quarterfinals - Bennett (November 2018)

2018-12-23T14:35:00.001-06:00

The T-Wolves made it to the quarterfinals this year. Brent is the Head Coach and Bennett is one of the players. He is #8. Here are a few pictures from the game. We lost but the players played hard.

Bennett is far left. His best friend, Case, is next to him. Brent walking off field. Nash and his dad, assistant coach, far right.

Cousin Camp 2018

2018-07-14T13:56:00.000-05:00

Cousin Camp 2018 began on July 6, 2018. Leaving in our new 2018 Montana High Country we set out for an RV park in Lake Village, Arkansas. Destination: Gulf Shores State Park, Gulf Shores, Alabama.

We stopped in Dumas, Arkansas to see Papa Jack. Nana was in the hospital in Little Rock with a fractured hip.

Along the way we stopped in McGehee, Arkansas to meet up with Sancy. Gary had picked something up for Johnny to use in their camper and Sancy was going to meet us on the road to pick up the item. I opened the door to the camper and BANG....the kitchen dining window was completely blown out. After spending several hours in McGehee trying to patch and cover the window (no success) we went on to the RV park in Lake Village. One word...mosquitoes.

On the morning of July 7th at 6:00 a.m. the Coursons (Sancy, Johnny, Presley and Haysley) met us at the RV park in Lake Village. Anna Claire then rode with them to Gulf Shores.

We left too. Bennett and Sutton were occupied most of the way to Gulf Shores.

The rest of the pictures are in no certain order. Just some fun things we did in Gulf Shores!

Bennett loses a tooth! It seems like every year one of the Orr kids loses a tooth at Cousin Camp!

Whale sight-seeing tour!

The Hangout in Gulf Shores.

Digging for crabs.

Air Force. When entering Anna Claire had her water bottle confiscated. She is still mad! I saw a lot of officers and people in uniform standing around. I asked if the grandkids could have their picture taken with them. The people said yes and seemed very honored. Only later did I find out that there were so many there in uniform because they were there for a funeral of a fallen soldier.

The beach.

Happy Camper!

It's tradition at Cousin Camp for Anna Claire to fix Presley's hair.

Fort Pickens

Fishing!

Lulu's

Shopping! Hermit Crabs!!!

I would say Cousin Camp 2018 was a SUCCESS!

William's Law School Graduation (May 15, 2018)

2018-05-12T14:50:00.000-05:00

William graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Law School. Shane flew in (Thank you, Shane!) and the three of us stayed at John and Jill's condo in Hot Springs.

William took us for a ride around Lake Hamilton.

Shane, William, Betsy and Gary.

Shane, William, John (all lawyers!)

Before Gary and I took Shane to the airport we walked around the William Jefferson Clinton museum in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Christmas 2017 at Ma and Granddad's

2017-12-30T18:14:00.000-06:00

I have certainly fallen behind on my blogging. My new year resolution for 2018 is to do a better job. Family is everything and I want my family to have these memories etched in their brain forever. I'll try to go back and fill in some blanks but it will take a while.

This Christmas, like all others, was so memorable. Shane and Jess were not scheduled to arrive until midnight December 23rd. Brent and his family arrived on December 23rd around 5:00 p.m. I had these super cute Christmas pj's for the kids; however, I knew they would not want to wear them. I had two presents for each child to open but only after they put on the Christmas pajamas and let me take my traditional Christmas pajama picture by the fireplace.

I have never laughed so much in my life. The pajamas were too small. They fit smug. Very tight fitting. Bennett came down the stairs saying "I feel awkward." Anna Claire had to be coerced to put hers own. Sutton was all game. He seemed to get a kick out of the pajamas being a little too small.

Anna Claire helped me make some pretzel desserts.

The boys got a Play Station 4 for Christmas from their parents and they brought it with them. They played that most of the time until the 24th when Shane and Jess were there.

Again, I have to bribe my family for pictures. No presents until after pictures. Here they are.....smiles and all.

Aunt Jess brought a jewelry making kit and she and Anna Claire worked on jewelry.

Anna Claire, age 11, ready to open gifts. Sutton, age 6, and Bennett, age 9, are counting down.

Anna Claire got a monogrammed silver necklace.

Anna Claire made her Aunt Jess a beautiful string art picture.

Bennett is happy with his hunting jacket.

Thank you Nana. Anna Claire just found your present to her.

New head phones....Beats.

When Sutton gave Ma his Christmas list he listed Legos 6 times. He got a few Legos.

Oh yeah. When Bennett gave Ma his Christmas List he was told to list 6 or 7 things. He would definitely get at least one on the list. He listed ONE thing. Go Pro Hero 5. Smart boy.

Jess, Shane and Brent opening gifts.

Jessica opening gifts.

Granddad got a new North Face jacket.

Look Bennett.....pencils. (Nana started the pencils tradition. She always gave Brent, Shane, Josh, Chris and Matt personalized pencils for Christmas. I have kept the tradition going and the kids are starting to catch on.

My two girls....Anna Claire and Jess.

My two loves....Shane and Brent.

Granddad opening gifts.

Thank you Jess. I LOVE my bracelet.

Last year Anna Claire asked me if I could put an avocado in her stocking. She loves avocados. So, yes, I put one in her stocking this year also.

Another Christmas tradition we have is we all drink hot buttered rum after we open gifts. It has only been in the last few years that we actually put rum in the drink. Of course, no rum for the kids. In fact, Sutton's mug is empty!

My loves....Jess and Shane. I am so thankful they visit us every Christmas.

My loves also....Brent, Sutton and Jessica. I am so blessed and I know it.

I could not love my grandchildren more.

Another tradition we have is Shane, Jess, Gary and me go to the movies on Christmas Day. Brent and his family go to her parent's on Christmas Eve. The last two years we have watched Star Wars. This year we met Brent, the grandkids, Dustin Bryant and his kids (cousins). We were supposed to go to Little Rock to see Mother (Nana) and Jack but Nana didn't feel like travelling. She has been sick and was very weak.

I am so thankful for my family. Gary and I are so blessed and we don't take anything for granted. Thank you Jesus.

Bennett's First Deer

2017-11-21T18:34:00.000-06:00

November 21, 2017

Bennett, age 9, killed his first deer (and second one the very next day) on the Collins Family Farm. It was an 8-point. He was so excited. He and Gary (Granddad were hunting).

Orr Family Colorado Vacation 2017

2017-07-30T12:04:00.000-05:00

The BEST TIME EVER..... Let's go back in time to how this all started. The summer or maybe fall before Brent said that it was his "dream for all of us to take a family vacation." He went on to talk about how he has wanted to do that for a very long time. I said, "Well, plan it and I'll make it happen."

For the longest I thought it would not work out. Schedules did match. Grandkids were in sports. Jess had started a new job and it was too hard for her to take off. After over a month, it started coming together. Jess's family was already having a Colorado vacation in July 2017 so we decided to piggyback on her family vacation. Her family was vacationing at Grand Lake. I found a great campground in Estes Park, Colorado. I never dreamed we would have so much fun.

On July 26, 2017 Gary and I headed out in the Open Range fifth wheel. We left at 8:03 a.m. We drove to Seibert, Colorado to the Shady Grove Campground to stay the night. It's a good place to stay "just the night." In fact, that is what was happening with everyone there. Our neighbors were from New Orleans. It's just a "passing through" campground. However, we had full hook and wifi!

We arrived at Estes Park on July 27th. It was 65 degrees and rainy. We stayed at the Spruce Creek RV Resort. I would definitely stay there again. Very nice park, swimming pool, walking distance to restaurants. Shuttle comes to take you to downtown. Gary and I were in the RV. Jess and Shane had the bedroom and Gary and I slept on the air mattress. Very comfortable. We also rented a very nice log cabin and Brent and family stayed there. Our activities: Downstream Adventures Whitewater Rafting, ATV rental, Gondola, Trail Ridge Parkway. Elk were a daily occurrence in the campground. Our favorite restaurant was "The Other Side." It was walking distance from the campground.

Anna Claire in the log cabin.

There were so many elk in the campground. This is the first day we saw them. Sutton grabbed the camera and started taking pictures. He kept getting closer and closer.

Picture taken from inside the camper.

Bennett at the fishing pond in the campground.

Ma (Betsy) with the grands at the campground

The second day we had a whitewater rafting trip planned. Shane and Jess were still with her family. Shane had a sprained ankle so we tried to do as much of the adventurous activities we could before Shane arrive.

This was a blast.

Another day of fun....ATV rentals.

Granddad (Gary) and Bennett.

Brent and his family and Shane drove the Trail Ridge Parkway.

Betsy, Jessica and Anna Claire went downtown while the boys were fishing.

Hanging around at the campground. Family time. Jess and Sutton and Bennett.

Jess and Anna Claire.

Ma and Anna Claire.

Ma bought Sutton a leather Dallas Cowboys bracelet.

Shane. Enough said. He had a hard time walking. Probably not the best time for an action-packed vacation. We will have to plan this again.

Believe it or not, Bennett wore this shirt everyday. I had to take it off him one night to wash it.

Painting rocks.

Gondola activity one day. Shane and Jess did not go. It would have been too hard for Shane to get around.

Shane's Birthday and Breeder's Cup

2015-10-30T14:36:00.000-05:00

We left Rogers, AR on Thursday, October 30th after Gary got off work. Hoping to drive to St Louis at least we didn't make it that far. Around 9:00 PM we stopped in Rolla, Missouri and got a room at Drury Inn. Finally made it to Lexington, Kentucky around 6:30 PM.

Normally we spend Shane's birthday with him closer to his actual birthdate but this year we had tickets to the Breeder's Cup so we waited until later in October to visit.

American Pharoah was the featured horse. Gary insisted I keep the ticket. I did and I will probably have it framed.

Kayaking and Fishing with Grandkids at Norfork October 17 & 18, 2015

2015-10-17T12:46:00.000-05:00

While Jessica was in India speaking at an international conference Gary, Brent, and the grandkids and I rented a cabin in Norfork and had so much fun on the White River.

We loaded both kayaks on top of the car and headed to Mountain View first to a Greenland vs. Mountain View football game.

Anna Claire and Ma took a selfie at the game.

Preparation for the big kayak/fishing expedition.

Bennett thought it was so funny that Gabe had a life jacket. He picked Gabe up from the strap of the

jacket.

Sancy and Gabe.

Ma's kayaking buddy. Anna Claire.

Sutton and Brent. Sutton caught a fish and then immediately "dropped" the rod/reel in the river. Looks like the White River has another rod/reel floating somewhere on the bottom.

Bennett said he was the "fish magnet."

All the guys. Brent and Sutton in one kayak and Gary and Bennett in another kayak.

Anna Claire loved kayaking. She did a very good job with the oars.

Here comes Johnny.

Gary's oar was stolen from the cabin steps. He had to use an old fishing paddle that Johnny had in his fishing boat.

Bennett and Sutton were very successful!

Anna Claire fishing from the bank.

Roasting smores at Sancy and Johnny's place and just relaxing on their deck.

Razorback Bench

2015-09-19T12:49:00.000-05:00

I love this new bench Gary got me. I have it outside my office at work in Peabody Hall, University of Arkansas. Bob Massey, a former state trooper, makes wood furniture. He has several nice pieces displayed off the road on Pleasant Grove Road. He makes beautiful cedar furniture but this piece looks more fun for work!

NEW YORK CITY WITH MY GRANDDAUGHTER August 2015

2015-08-07T13:47:00.000-05:00

This was the most incredible trip of my life. Words will never truthfully express what this trip meant to me.

Anna Claire and I spent 4 glorious days in New York City. We flew out of Oklahoma City on August 4, 2015.

Here we are at the Oklahoma City airport. We were so happy and excited. A dream come true for a grandmother and a little girl.

We did it all. Here we are in the hotel robes.

We saw "The Lion King." What a multi-million show! Amazing and we will remember it the rest of our lives. We had exceptional seats. Row 4, seats 1 and 2. We were so dressed up! We went out to eat beforehand.

On the boat to see the Statute of Liberty! We tried going the 2nd day but the wait was over an hour. We planned a little better the next day.

I can't tell you how many times Anna Claire would stand like this! She put her travel book in her hand.

She took tons of pictures with her phone.

Metropolitan Museum of Art. Anna Claire would cover her eyes every time we walked by "art" of naked statutes or pictures. She told me to also. She said it was creepy.

At the top of the Empire State Building.

The hotel "Sheraton Times Square" where we stayed.

We walked so much. We also took lots of taxis. The last day we took a carriage ride around Central Park. We ate spaghetti and chicken salad. We drank lots of water. I kept making Anna Claire drink and drink to stay hydrated. It was so hot. There were so many people. I held Anna Claire's hand tight the whole time we were out sightseeing. We did it all. There wasn't anything we wanted to do and didn't.

Cousin Camp, July 15, 2015

2015-07-25T13:07:00.000-05:00

As always, Gary and I and Sancy and Johnny had an absolute blast during our 2nd annual Cousin Camp. What memories we made.

The kids couldn't wait to start. Of course, they were all glued to their electronics. Sutton and Bennett had ipods and Anna Claire had her ipod/iphone.

Since Chris and Mandy live so close to Yogi Bear Park in Burleson, Texas Chris came by to see us.

This year we had one big birthday party for all 5 kids. Only problem was when we lit the candles everyone blew out the candles and Sutton didn't stand a chance. He started crying so we relit the candle and let him blow it out.

We are so blessed to have Nana! She is the coolest great-grandmother on this planet. She thinks of everything and I'm always in awe of the things she thinks of. For the birthday party each cousin got an envelope full of money from Nana. Boy, Sancy and I were sure thankful for "their" money also! It saved us quite a bit!

Opening gifts from each other!

Anna Claire and Presley had matching clothes all week.

The kids alternated sleeping arrangements. This night they are in our camper.

One night we had a dance contest.

So sweet of Sutton!

The joys of my life.

Pirates Cove. The water park. Presley, Sancy and Anna Claire.

Bennett was an expert at the obstacle course.

We may have gotten in trouble a few times for letting Bennett drive the golf cart. There was always an adult with him. We rented a golf cart and I'm so glad we did.

Anna Claire and Presley playing monopoly.

Pirates Cove.

That's Anna Claire going down the giant slide.

Gary and Sutton on the "lazy river."

Movie night in the "bear's den." Legoland was playing.

And, here is Sutton and Bennett at Legoland in Dallas.

Anna Claire and Presley watching a 3d movie at Legoland.

Smores at Yogi Bear Park.

Granddad helping Sutton put together one of the lego things he bought with his own money! (Thanks Nana!)

Bennett at the water balloon fight at Yogi Bear Park.

At the craft room at Yogi Bear Park painting t-shirts.

Sutton said "What's that smell?" The paint had an odor and he didn't like it.

Anna Claire and Bennett at giant water slide.

Sutton went down a giant slide but he was probably too young. A life guard met him at the bottom to catch him as he came out of the tunnel.

Haysley came to see us the last day. I can't wait until she is old enough!

Madrid, Spain July 2015

2015-07-11T13:19:00.000-05:00

In early July Gary and I went to Madrid. I have always wanted to go there. What is the one "take away" I have from Madrid? It's the incredible wine AND it's inexpensive. In fact, this is a great place to visit if you are on a budget. Clothes were reasonably priced also.

Gary isn't one to ask for directions so I did walk a lot. It seems like we were a little lost at some point everyday.

One of the most incredible wines!

This is inside one of our favorite restaurants. I showed the waiter the write up of the restaurant in the "Best 10 Places to Eat in Madrid" brochure I had. We were celebrities after that. When we left the owner gave us ink pens shaped like syringes. The restaurant was a former pharmacy.

The Reina Sofia Museum.

We attended a very formal dinner at the Reina Sofia. We also had a personal tour of the museum.

The palace.

Having my morning coffee.

Wonderful salad. Not sure why I am frowning.

We crashed a wedding!

Gary standing outside a building where the lights changed colors. It was so pretty.

We really had a good time. One of our best vacations!

Thanksgiving 2014

2014-11-24T14:03:00.000-06:00

I love Thanksgiving because it is the one time that everyone makes a strong effort to be together. It may not always happen but in our hearts we really want to be together Thanksgiving. This was the best Thanksgiving because I had everyone with me.

Me with my mother and sister, Sancy.

The girls of my life...Jess, Anna Claire and Jessica.

There are usually a few Christmas gifts for the kids to open.

Sutton telling Nana thank you.

Matt got a selfie stick from Aunt Betsy. I thought that was a very appropriate gift for him!

No one got sick this year, which is unusual. Mother wasn't feeling well and Sancy, Jill and I did all the cooking. I turned 60 this year and Gary surprised me with a birthday party at the trailer. He kept it a surprise and I'm not sure how he did that. I sure have a sweet husband!

Veritas Academy, Grandparents Day

2014-11-13T14:08:00.000-06:00

Pictures from a program at Veritas Academy, November 13, 2014.

Dove Hunting Trip September 5, 2014

2014-09-13T19:36:00.002-05:00

Gary, Bennett and Brent went on a dove hunting trip outside of Lawton, Oklahoma.

Bennett's First Flag Football Game, September 7, 2014

2014-09-13T19:25:00.003-05:00

Bennett has his very first flag football game. Before we left the house he told me he was nervous. I reminded him that he was nervous before his first scrimmage game also but the nerves disappeared once the scrimmage started. He said "Oh yeah."

He lives and breathes football and hunting.
He is #8. His team is called the Cowboys. Brent is the coach so Brent got to choose the name of the team. I think Brent was a tad bit disappointed when the jerseys were green. The coaches don't decide team colors.

Brent is in the black t-shirt.

The first game is over. We have another game to play but not for 30 minutes. I asked Jessica "Where is Anna Claire?" Anna Claire and Granddad were in the dugout having a very serious conversation about something.

This was halftime. Brent had the team to go sit in the dugout to cool off. Anna Claire left but look where Bennett is sitting. Snuggled up to his grandfather.

Bennett kept an eye on me with the camera. I am filming the game!

Guess who won! Go Cowboys! This is one happy boy!

And I'm sure one very happy but tired coach! He had to go straight to the field after church. Gary and I brought Bennett home after early church so that he could rest and have lunch. Brent worked in church so he wasn't able to come home after early church.

Bennett, Brent, Gary

Gary and I left for Arkansas after the game. We got home about 8:00 p.m.

Football (Flag Football - Bennett's First Year) Scrimmage

2014-09-13T18:54:00.001-05:00

I'm sure this is one of many football posts I will have. Bennett had his first scrimmage September 4th. Brent is his coach.

Brent is in the green shirt and Bennett is to the right of him.

Anna Claire, Bennett and Jessica

Brent coaching. Bennett is next to Brent.

Bennett is so funny. Before the season started he told me "Ma, I asked Daddy when our games would be on tv. He said they wouldn't be. Could you film our games so we could watch them on tv? And Ma....could you add music like they do on tv sometimes?" Here is what Ma said: "Of course, I will." Bennett thinks I can do anything. I better get started.

I did film a lot of the scrimmage and he watched the film on my laptop. However, he wants to watch it on the big screen tv so I will make that happen!

I love this picture. It speaks a thousand words. A grandfather with his grandson.

This is what Anna Claire does during Bennett's football scrimmages and games.

Buddies!

Brent's Birthday Weekend

2014-09-13T18:39:00.002-05:00

36 years! I told Brent that when he reached 40 I didn't want to celebrate anymore. I will feel like I am soooo old then! I'm just kidding but my boys are getting older.

Gary and I went to Oklahoma. We had a busy weekend. Brent's birthday, dove hunting and football.

Brent opening gifts from Gary and me. It's all hunting stuff naturally.

He did receive some nice polo shirts from us.

The birthday hat! We can't have a birthday without a birthday hat. I will have to go back through all my pictures but I think I started the birthday hat when Brent turned 21. Everyone has worn it since.

Anna Claire made and wrote the sweetest card for her Daddy.

He blew the candle out too early. Then, everyone was playing with his new "toys" and Jessica and I were the ONLY ones singing Happy Birthday. After Bennett was through looking at the hunting stuff he said "Aren't we going to sing Happy Birthday?" Jessica said "We did!"

Bennett and Sutton were the ones opening their Daddy's gifts!

Anna Claire and Sutton love to play school. Sutton went up to Anna Claire and asked her if she wanted to play school. What impressed me was the lesson Anna Claire was teaching. She was teaching shapes. She pointed to a shape and Sutton had to point to a picture that had the shape in it. Very advanced for a 3 year old. They have a little chair and table in the school office. Sutton sits so straight in the chair and he is so serious. It really was impressive but Anna Claire did not want me watching.

Ma (that's me) watching Anna Claire on another day playing school with Sutton.

Sunday morning. My two girls! I love them so much!

Arkansas vs. Auburn (i.e. THE HEAT BOWL) August 31, 2014

2014-09-01T12:27:00.000-05:00

Gary and I and Tim and Bonnie Endacott left on Friday, August 29th to head to Alabama to watch the Arkansas Razorback Hogs play Auburn on Saturday. We spent Friday and Saturday night in Opelika, only about 10 miles or less from Auburn. It was a good 10 hour drive but took us longer because we did stop to eat.

Friday night we found a nice Mexican restaurant close to the hotel. Saturday night we ate at Longhorn Steakhouse. On Sunday at lunch we stopped at Memphis at Corky's Barbeque and while there the assistant manager came to visit with us. His son plays for the Razorbacks and he was at the game also. Then, the manager also came by our table. There were several Hog fans in the restaurant.

We left the hotel at 10:00 am Saturday morning. We found a nice place to park (parking deck close to stadium $30). After parking we walked a couple of blocks to Price's Barbeque House on recommendation from John. It was wonderful! Of course, lots of Auburn people but we did run into a few Razorback fans that we knew.

Tim, Bonnie, Betsy and Gary outside stadium

William is the one looking down. He has a white sun visor on. Beth is in a red top and looking at her phone. This game could easily have been called "The Heat Bowl." I have never been so hot. In fact, I had to spend most of my time down in the shaded corridor drinking water. Gosh, it was hot!

The Razorbacks take the field.

Gary

William and Beth

The Eagle has landed!

Betsy and Bonnie

We left at 6:00 am Sunday for home and we were in Springdale around 5:30 pm. Not bad considering we stopped in Memphis. We had a wonderful time with Tim and Bonnie! Hope to do it again!

COUSIN CAMP 2014 YOGI BEAR JELLYSTONE PARK, BURLESON, TEXAS

2014-08-14T17:58:00.001-05:00

We just had the most amazing Cousin Camp ever. It was our first one and Presley picked the place. Thank you Princess Presley.

Sancy (Grammy) and Johnny (Gramps) traveled in their camper with Presley (age 4 1/2 but turning 5 two days after Cousin Camp). Betsy (Ma) and Gary (Granddad) traveled in their camper with Anna Claire (age 8), Bennett (age 6) and Sutton (age 3). We went to Yogi Bear Jellystone Park in Burleson, Texas. It was about a 7 1/2 to 8 hour drive for both of us.

Upon arriving around 1:00 p.m. on August 10th all kids had a tote bag full of gifts. There were arts and crafts, dinosaur t shirts, hats, bug boxes and tons of stuff in the bags. Grammy put together the tote bags.

The first group picture is below. Ma made a Cousin Camp shirt for each day we were at Cousin Camp. That really made picking out clothes easy.

Anna Claire and Presley never stopped hugging and holding hands the ENTIRE time.

Uncle Matt lives in Austin. He came to visit and the kids loved having him around. They kept calling him "Stinky Uncle Matt" because he wouldn't give Presley her birthday present immediately.

Pool time. Once Presley went over to Grammy crying because "He dunked me." Ma called Bennett over to her to have a talk and Bennett was saying "Why does everyone accuse ME???" About that time I heard Presley say "Sutton did it." I called Sutton over to me and he immediately knew he was in trouble. He kept his head down. I asked him if he dunked Presley and he wouldn't answer. I told him to go tell her he was sorry and he said "I don't want to." So...I told him he would have to get out of the pool because Presley doesn't want to be dunked. In the most softest voice he said to Presley "I sorry."

Granddad and Sutton. Presley is in the background floating.

Bennett loved having the pool right across from the camp site. He was always going in to cool off.

Granddad, Sutton, Anna Claire and Presley.

Bennett and Sutton. I had this feeling Sutton was swallowing water. I reminded him not to drink the water. He replied "But, I'm killing germs in my mouth. The water has chlorine and chlorine kills germs."

Cindy Bear with Presley and Anna Claire.

Riding the fire truck....Presley, Grammy, Anna Claire, Bennett, Ma and Sutton.

Presley with her beautiful picture.

Sutton painting.

Guess who lost a tooth? Frantically, not knowing the procedure I had to call Jessica to see what they do. The tooth fairy wrote Anna Claire a letter. In the letter the tooth fairy said "I have watched you wiggle and wiggle your tooth all week. Thank you for letting me add it to my special collection." Then, with the letter was some money. Anna Claire read the letter and counted the money and then looked at Ma and with a wink said "thank you." Ma just looked back and said "I have no idea what you mean!"

Uncle Matt got the bubble machine working!

This boy LOVED the bubble machine!

Bed time. Sutton told the bedtime story. He told a story about Jesus and markers. What is amazing is not one of these children mentioned their parents. I was dreading bed time. I slept on the couch the first night right next to them expecting someone to wake up wanting mommy and daddy. Their names were not even mentioned. Sorry parents but I was so relieved!

Anna Claire and Presley with their pretty masks they painted.

Our first morning I had my morning coffee. The kids would go back and forth from our camper to Grammy and Gramp's camper. We were right next door and that was so wonderful. I opened the camper door because Anna Claire had just said she was going to Presley's camper. Even though we were next door I still kept an eye on them going from our camper to Grammy and Gramp's camper. This is what I saw! Amazing and priceless...all in one! That made Granddad's week and year!

In preparation of the Hey, Hey, Hey ride. All we knew at this time of the Hey, Hey, Hey ride was to bring your water guns and wear your swim suits.

Back to the bubble machine for Sutton.

Playing with the beach ball in the pool.

The Pirate's Cove Water Park was so much fun. I could not take my eyes off Sutton. He doesn't know he is three years old. Every single time at the end of this slide he would go under. I tried telling him to hold his nose because I know water was going up his nose. It did mine. He replied "But Ma, I LIKE water up my nose."

These girls did their own thing. Grammy watched them.

Sutton and Bennett.

Sutton laying on his back going down the slide. He saw the big boys do that.

Bennett going on his stomach. And he saw the big boys do that.

Sneaking up on this bird.

This was Bennett's favorite. The obstacle course.

Uncle Matt took the kids shopping next door. Bennett came back with a "Granddad hat" and Anna Claire came back with this light up hair thing.

Sutton got a little truck.

The train ride.

Waiting for the Hey, Hey, Hey ride. All we knew was that it would be wet, wear swim suits, and bring a water gun. Sutton didn't go. He didn't want anyone squirting water on him.

They see Uncle Matt and the water starts!

They don't know but behind Granddad's back is a water hose hooked up to the water in the trailer. It is powerful! Gramps is next door hiding behind his camper and they don't know that either.

You can see a red and white sun visor. That is Presley. To her left is Grammy and to the right is Anna Claire and Bennett. Everyone on the ride is squirting Matt!

Gramps squirting everyone on the ride.

Granddad and Gramps squirting everyone with water. Matt is taking it for the team.

The first ride is over but it will happen two more times. We know what to do now. Presley is getting ready to squirt the next people on the next ride. Anna Claire will help her.

Bennett was serious. He hid behind the camper and when the Hey, Hey, Hey ride got even with the camper he ran out with his water hose. I heard people saying "Hey, look, it's a little boy." I don't think they were prepared for this little boy to bombard them with water.

Bennett showing us how much he got wet!

Tuesday was American Girl Day. We had 11:30 a.m. reservations in Dallas. Everyone had on their Sunday best. Hats, pearls, matching dresses.Our campground was 50 minutes from Dallas. Not a bad drive at all.

In the restaurant. First, each person picked out an appetizer. Anna Claire and Presley thought it was their lunch and they ate every bit. I kept telling them it wasn't their main meal. Each person got a different appetizer. We got fruit, muffins, pretzel rolls, and a tortilla for the appetizer. The napkin rings were bands with a pink bow. They got to keep the bows to put in their hair. Each girl eventually wore the bow as a bracelet. They both put their cloth napkins in their laps.

Each American Girl got their own seat that fit to the table and a tea set. They got to keep the tea set.

Lemonade and apple juice to drink.

Anna Claire is the sweetest girl in the world. She would keep coming up to me and whispering in my ear "Thank you Ma." The whole experience was more than she imagined.

Making bookmarks.

Starting to get really tired. We were here 3 1/2 hours.

As we walked out the door all four of us stood in front of the pink American Girl building and put our hands on top of each other and made a pact that we will come back every year.

Very tired girls.

When we got back we went to the Water Park and the girls didn't want to stay long at all at the water park. Bennett and Sutton wanted to stay so I stayed with them. Grammy told me later "You know why they wanted to leave the water park, don't you?" I didn't know. She said "As soon as they got back to the camper they got out all the American Girl stuff they bought and started playing with it." Aww, so that's why they didn't want to stay at the water park. Of course.

Hey, Hey, Hey ride again. Bennett did miss a single one.

Tuesday was Gramp's birthday. Presley painted him a picture frame for his birthday. Poor Gramps. Grammy had to call Gramps on the way home from the American Girl store to tell him to go to town to buy HIS birthday cake. You can't have all these kids here knowing it is Gramp's birthday and not have a birthday cake. So, Gramps bought his own birthday cake. We had cake after supper.

Another Hey, Hey, Hey ride and Bennett and Anna Claire are ready!

The last night was Fashion Show night.

Presley is standing on a towel. The towel is their stage. She is wearing Grammy's shoes. Presley won the penguin at the Arcade. She won 1,000 tickets! Her Daddy will be so proud! ha!

The audience. Sutton wasn't "into" it.

Oh no. Cousin Camp is over. EVERYONE is sad and mad, all rolled into one. Sutton told me he wasn't going home because "I haven't done everything." I told him we had to leave and he said "Well, I'm not going home." I asked "Where are you going then?" He said "Your house."

Anna Claire went up to Grammy and said "Aunt Sancy, do you think Presley and I can be pen pals. I can write her letters and you can read them to her."

Good bye Yogi. It was fun!

The....best.....vacation.....ever.

Anna Claire, Baptized July 25, 2014

2014-07-25T14:49:00.000-05:00

Gary and I will always remember this day. What a day it was. July 25, 2014 around 7:00 PM. Anna Claire had accepted the Lord in her heart a month earlier and tonight she was baptized by her father. The baptism was at the house of a church member.

Brent is talking about how Anna Claire came to make her decision.

Anna Claire is introducing herself and talking about her beliefs.

A celebration was at the house afterwards. All of Jessica's family was here as well as several friends.

Anna Claire has always been a role model for other children. She is so concerned about the happiness and well being of everyone around her. Even people she does not know. She loves her family and friends and wants everyone to live a God like life. I am so proud of her and words can not describe how much I love this girl.

Tampere and Helsinki, Finland June 2014

2014-06-20T14:32:00.000-05:00

Gary and I left XNA in Arkansas on June 20, 2014. We had a stop in New York and then left New York for Helsinki. Our final destination was Tampere, Finland but because we wanted to see the countryside we decided to fly to Helsinki and then take the train to Tampere.

This is a picture looking out the window of the train.

Leaving the train station in Tampere to walk to our motel, the Scandic.

The Scandic is right across the street from the train station. That was handy!

As soon as we checked in we took a nap and then headed out. This is a picture of a porty potty. Notice the hanging flowers.

And this is a very typical picture of how a lot of the youth dress here.

Street view in Tampere, Finland.

Gary checking out the local map.

We quickly learned Ravintola was restaurant.

Beautiful view.

I thought the residential apartment balconies were interesting. They were all enclosed. It was very cold while we were here.

City Hall. City Hall hosts the City's official functions.

Tampere Cathedral. The Church of St. John was built in the quarter of Kyttala between 1902 and 1907. The church is built out of natural stone.

Children and adults living in Tampere posed for the church paintings.

The altarpiece Resurrection depicts the central theme of Christianity.

Black sausage. Yes, Gary had some for breakfast. Only once, though. Mustamakkara (literally black sausage) is a type if Finnish blood sausage traditionally eaten with lingonberry jam. It is considered a delicacy and our hotel had this on the buffet line every morning. Mustamakkara is made by mixing pork, pig blood, crushed rye and flour, after which it is stuffed into the intestines of an animal like most sausages.

Beautiful view of Tampere.

For dinner I had my usual chicken salad and their chicken salads were very good.

Betsy and Gary atop the Pyynikki Observation Tower in Tampere

Betsy standing at the entrance to the local high (grades 7 - 12) school.

Gary in one of the typical classrooms.

Getting ready to board the Tammerkoski for a Finnish evening on Viikinsaari Island.

At the restaurant on the island.

Betsy at the train station in Tampere. We are taking the train to Helsinki.

The Church in the Rock, Helsinki. The church opened in 1969. The interior was built directly out of solid rock and used natural light which enters through the top skylights surrounding the center copper dome. The church is located in the heart of Helsinki.

The altar.

The hallway.

Downtown Helsinki in the shopping area.

Natural History Museum.

Olympic Stadium.

Senate Square. Senate Square is part of the oldest part of Helsinki. It was completed in 1822. It now houses the offices of the Prime Minister of Finland and the cabinet.

Streets of Helsinki.

The Harbour. Every morning one boat heads to Sweden and one boat heads to Russia. Both come back at the end of the day daily.

First police car I saw in Finland.

Street dancing at the train station.

Helsinki was very interesting. In Helsinki was stayed at the Hotelli Helka. We were able to walk everywhere we wanted to go. On June 27th we departed Helsinki and had a connecting flight in Chicago. From there we went to XNA in Arkansas.

Bennett's TBall Game and Football Camp - June 2014

2014-06-10T19:22:00.000-05:00

We were able to attend Bennett's t ball game AND his last day of football camp.

Sutton, Bennett and Ma go to the baseball field.

Bennett in warm up and Sutton thinks he is too.

Sutton wanted a team shirt so Ma made him one.

Where are my pictures? I haven't been able to find the game pictures.

Aww. During the game waving at Ma. Such a sweet boy.

Game over. Brent is in green shirt in background.

Sutton wanted a team picture made. So sweet.

And so did Bennett.

Two things are making me bittersweet sad. First, I have a grandson old enough for football camp. Second, it's the Sooner football camp. Bennett is not a Razorback and I just have to accept that! :(

Bennett is in the blue shirt, black pants with a white stripe.

Yes, Ma is watching you. So is Granddad. Love you to pieces.

Bennett and Anna Claire.

Look at those muscles! Six years old!

T Ball, May 2014

2014-05-19T18:08:00.000-05:00

The middle of May we went to Norman to watch Bennett in a t ball game. Anna Claire is the Bat Girl and she wanted a bat girl shirt. So...Ma made her one. She was so proud of it.

Bennett and Brent are warming up. Pre game drills.

Game time!

Hi Ma!

Anna Claire busy as bat girl. Her friend came to the game and she is helping Anna Claire.

A little coaching from his Daddy.

Jessica and Sutton telling Bennett "good job!"

Run, Bennett, run!

Wonder what his Daddy is telling him?

This boy is a mess!

Game over!

Picking up.

Got to run the bases before we go home!

Sweet little boy and his Daddy.

We have really enjoyed watching Bennett in t-ball this summer. For this trip we brought our camper and stayed at Lake Thunderbird. He is an all around athlete. He loves all sports. His team was called the Fire Knights.

Dublin, Ireland April 2014

2014-04-25T10:37:00.000-05:00

Gary and I left on April 25, 2014 for Dublin, Ireland. We first flew to Chicago, then London, then Dublin. It was a very uneventful flight, thank goodness. Our reservations were at Bewleys Hotel, Ballsbridge.

After we settled in and took a long nap we found a restaurant to have a meal.

Every street post had political signs. All the political signs were very similar but they were everywhere.

The first Irish Pub we visited was Bellamy's.

The American Embassy. Not far from Bewley's Hotel. We walked by it daily.

Another embassy.

Dublin is famous for the residential doors. Each one is painted a bright color.

Entrance to the Hill of Tara. This is where Ireland's kings claimed their power, where St. Patrick preached his deal-clinching sermon, and where, in the 1800s, Daniel O'Connell rallied Irish patriots to demand their independence from Britain. This is a statute of St. Patrick.

A church, called Saint Patrick's, is on the eastern side of the hilltop.

The Hill of Tara is documented in the 11th century text The Book of Invasions as the seat of the high kings of Ireland from the times of the mythological Fir Bolg and Tuatha De Danann to the text's composition.

Beautiful view of the rolling hillside of Ireland.

Stone of Destiny atop the Hill of Tara. It is believed this is where the High Kings were crowned. According to legend, the stone would scream if a series of challenges were met by the would-be king. At his touch the stone would let out a screech that could be heard all over Ireland.

A small Neolithic passage tomb known as the Mound of the Hostages, which was constructed around 3,400 BC.

Newgrange. This grassy mound atop a hill is 250 feet across and 40 feet high. dating from 3200 B.C., it's 500years old than the pyramids at Giza.

The base of the mound is ringed by dozens of "kerbstones," each about nine feet long and weighing five tons.

The entrance is a mosaic of white quartz and dark granite. Above the doorway is a square window called a roofbox. In front of the doorway lies the most famous of the kerbstones, the 10-by 4-foot entrance stone. It's left half is carved with three mysterious spirals, which have become a kind of poster child for prehistoric art.

You could not take pictures inside. When entering purses and coats need to be placed in front of your body because there is not enough room side by side. You have to enter in single file. You must walk down a 60-foot passage lined with big boulders. The passage opens up into a central small room that looks like a igloo-type style dome. Bones and ashes were placed here in a ceremonial stone basin, under 200,000 tons of stone and dirt. It is a sacred spot for the deal.

This is something I will absolutely never do again. Right before we entered the guide said that if anyone was claustrophobic they need to enter last of all so that they can turn around and exit. Once you enter you are entering, no turning back if people are behind you. I thought I would be fine. I never heard a thing the guide said. I prayed the entire time that I would not have a panic attack. I came so close to having one. We were only inside about 20 minutes but 1 minute would have been too long. I have no desire to ever visit this again!

The tomb is aligned precisely east-west. As the sun rises on the shortest day of the year, December 21, a ray of light enters through the roofbox and creeps slowly down the passageway. For 17 minutes, it lights the center of the sacred chamber. Perhaps this was the moment when the souls of the dead were transported to the afterlife, via that ray of life-giving and life-taking light. Then the light passes on, and, for the next 364 days, the tomb sits again in total darkness.

The National Museum of Ireland.

Collars were associated with Celtic kings and gods.

The Ardagh Chalice is part of a hoard of objects found in the 19th century by a young man digging for potatoes near Ardagh, Co. Limerick. It was used for dispensing Eucharistic wine during the celebration of the Mass.

The Cross of Cong. It represents the conclusion of a long tradition of distinctively Irish church metalwork. The cross was designed for processional use.

Dublin Castle. Until 1922 Dublin Castle was the seat of British rule in Ireland, and is now a major irish government complex. Most of it dates from the 18th century, though a castle has stood on the site since the days of King John, the first Lord of Ireland.

Dublin Castle yards.

The Drawing Room. This room today is used for the reception of foreign dignitaries. Built in 1830s.

The Throne Room built in 1740s. It contains a throne built for the visit of King George IV to Ireland in 1821.

St. Patrick's Hall. This is the grandest room. Today the room is used for presidential inaugurations. It is one of the oldest rooms in the castle, dating from the 1740s.

Composed of three panels, the ceiling depicts the coronation of King George III, Saint Patrick introducing Christianity to Ireland, and King Henry II receiving the submission of the Irish Chieftains.

The Gothic Room.

The Chapel Royal in Dublin Castle was the official Church of Ireland chapel of the Household of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland from 1814 until the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922.

Betsy outside the Chester Beatty Library. St.

Christ Church Cathedral. Dublin's oldest cathedral. People have been coming to this place to worship God for nearly 1000 years.

Guinness Storehouse. Arthur Guinness began brewing stout here in 1759 and by 1868, it was the biggest brewery in the world.

Residential area.

Street view.

Phoenix Park is an urban park composed of 1,750 acres. It is one of the largest walled city parks in Europe.

Entering Phoenix Park.

Temple Bar is in the heart of the city. It is lined with cobbled streets between Dame Street and the River Liffey. It is the hot spot for beer drinking.

One of the beautiful parks we walked by daily.

Betsy posing with some real people "posing."

There was a big controversy going on with the government and the people while we were here. The citizens have never been charged for water. There is a proposal to now charge citizens for water and down every street was someone with a petition. Everyone was talking about this.

I made a mistake taking this guys picture. I had to leave him some money.

Another pub we visited. It was right in the middle of town and we were tired of walking. Break time. In my honest opinion, I would say that Ireland is not known for their wine. I never had a decent glass of wine. I don't drink beer.

Jonathan Swift (author of Gulliver's Travels) was dean of the Cathedral for 32 years in the 18th century. His grave is located near the front door where his cutting, self-penned epitaph reads: "He lies where furious indignation can no longer rend his heart."

The Ha' Penny Bridge. It is a pedestrian only bridge named for the halfpence tool people used to pay to cross it.

One of the very best in Dublin. The Lobster Pot catered to the theater crowd.

We had a wonderful time. Coming home we flew from Dublin to Charlotte and then to XNA. We loved the history of Ireland and love the country.