Camping with Ashlee!!!

Our niece, Ashlee, had expressed interest in going camping with Uncle Pop and Aunt Stephanie, so for Christmas, we got her a new camping chair and her very own pink and purple lantern. As bright as it is, I wouldn't mind having one for myself! We had a free weekend last weekend, so Craig called Ashlee and asked her if she would like to camping that Saturday night, and she said yes. So we loaded up the car, and after running a few errands, including buying food for Roscoe so Me-Maw could feed him while we were gone, we finally got out of town and on the road toward Hunstville State Park.

Before we went to our campsite, we stopped to visit Big Sam, where we paid tribute to Craig's alma mater, Sam Houston State University, by singing their school song.

Hail alma mater, hats off to you
Ever you'll find us loyal and true
Firm and undaunted ever we'll be
Here's to the school we love; here's a toast to thee. You can really see what a beautiful day it was. The sky was so blue. Also, notice my mad photography skillz!!!When we got to our campsite, Ashlee helped us set up both tents, and she said that she wanted to sleep in her own tent all by herself. We were impressed by how brave she was, and even more impressed that she actually spent the entire night in the tent all by herself!!! We were so proud of her. She was not scared at all!!! Ashlee even pointed out a racoon by a tree less than 20 feet from us!!! She is one brave 7-year-old!!!
We took a short walk down to the fishing pier, and Ashlee and Uncle Pop fished for a while. They didn't catch anything, but someone else on the pier caught a bass, and another one caught a catfish. Fortunately, we were planning on eating out that night! The next morning, they went fishing again, but this time, Ashlee's fishing rod fell into lake! They decided to call it a day as far as fishing was concerned, and headed back to camp. A few seconds after they got back, a little boy ran up behind them, completely out of breath and told us that they were able to fish out Ashlee's rod! So Craig went back and got it. Still no fish, but at least we can keep trying!
We also played card games, frisbee, roasted marshmallows, and did some art-work. I know that Uncle Pop and I had a blast, and I think Ashlee did, too!! Hopefully, we can go camping again soon...maybe for two nights next time! We are happy that she enjoys doing things like this with us. It makes us a proud Uncle and Aunt!!!!!

Fun Weekend!!

With the threat of bad weather Saturday evening, we planned a low-key night of dinner and games with Craig's parents at our house. Fortunately, they live a couple of neighborhoods over, so the drive back and forth is easy. We played Cranium Pop 5 and Hand & Foot, and we had a blast! Becky does a great impression of Atari's Frogger!!! Had I thought of taking pictures, that would have been a great one! Becky--you got lucky this time!!!

Sunday night, we met Trent and Rachel at Freebirds for dinner, and we hung out with them for a while. Always fun!!!! Here are some shots of us at The Bird.

I am going to try to take more pictures of friends and family. It seems like we only have pictures of our vacations. Do we not live between vacations? Granted, vacation means time away from work, but why not remember the highlights of the days we DO have to work, and take pleasure in those moments?

This will be a busy week for us. Softball starts up again tomorrow night, so we'll be at the ballpark with friends. Tuesday, I have the pleasure of spending the evening with precious Trey. Wednesday, of course, is bible class, and maybe we'll pause to breathe later in the week! Maybe you will see more pictures soon!