Camp Pa and Gee Gee - Year 2

While Ted and I were enjoying the Rangers' game, Madigan was kicking off her week at Camp Pa and Gee Gee with her cool cousins. Last year (the first year my parents had them all), I was only able to leave her 24 hours. This time, she went for four whole days! I barely survived - she did just fine. Since I wasn't actually there for most of the week, I won't give lengthy commentary, but be warned - there are a LOT of pictures!

This year, the cousins had matching "camp" T-shirts.

The Front

The Back

After church on Sunday, the girls were able to accompany Gee Gee to a gathering for the kiddos at their congregation. They went to one of the elder's houses who had animals, swings, toys, and lots of food. They also got to go on a hayride. This is a pic of Madigan getting ready to ride. Gee Gee said of all of the activities they had for the kids, the girls favorite thing to do was dig in a large pile of dirt. Imagine that. :)Other camp activites...

Primping - aka: toe nail painting

Going to church

Playing in the tent (yes, the tent was INSIDE the house again)

Swinging on the hammock

One of the major activies was swimming. This year the girls had the option of several pools to play in.

The Big Pool

The Small Pool

And the Alligator pool that sprayed water out of it's headThe Sandbox

Throwing rocks in the creek

Riding in the Yard Bug

I was assured that Gee Gee didn't REALLY let the girls drive the Yard Bug. It was for photo purposes only. (I hope)

Arts/Crafts

These are some flower vases that the girls decorated for their parents. We've still got the flowers on our counter. They're a bit dead, but it's the thought that counts, right?

Cousin Bonding

Eating

Eating AgainDid I mention that they ate a lot?Watching tadpoles in the water

Gee Gee also took them to the park for picnics and to play. Yes, they are eating again.

"Umm Avery, what are you doing?"

Photo session at the park museumIn front of a spinning wheelMore cousin photosHollywood!

I finally finished work and was able to drive down to stay for a few days on Wednesday. Mema and Papa were also coming to see the girls that day. So, Gee Gee told them that if they helped clean the house, they would get $2 each. If they did a REALLY good job, she would pay them $5 each. I'll take this moment to mention that I don't ever remember my mother offering to pay me money for cleaning up a mess that I made. But whatever...
Still cleaning - make sure you note which child is NOT holding a broom/mop in this picture. We're going to have lots of fun when it comes to chores. :)

But, they did it and each earned their $5. And, the house WAS very clean when I got there. :)

Mema, Papa, and the 3 great granddaughters

On Thursday, Mom and I took the girls to the zoo in Tyler. Yes, they did have matching camp shirts for this event also.

"Let's Go, Gee Gee!"

Madigan spent most of her time walking around like this and saying "Stinky!!!"
Gee Gee even let the girls visit the gift shop before we left and spend their cleaning money. Here's the girls with their purchases.

Gee Gee and the girls

Smile!

The girls had a WONDERFUL time and were completely worn out by the time we left on Friday. In fact, they didn't say more than 10 words combined for the first hour of our trip home. (I wasn't complaining - just noticing.) Thanks to Gee Gee and Pa for such a great trip and special tradition. The girls loved every bit of it and the parents enjoyed a little break. :) Here's to many more years of camping!

Breaking the Silence

Whew. I thought the last two weeks of school were crazy. Turns out, the first few weeks of summer are even busier! I'm going to make a valiant effort these next few days to catch up on some posts that have been stacking up. I'll start by breaking the silence with... A Ballgame!!!

Weekend before last, Madigan went to my parent's house for the 2nd Annual "Camp Pa and Gee Gee" (more on that in the next post). So, Ted and I took the opportunity to splurge and get good seats at a Ranger's game. It was fantastic, as expected. Before the game, Casting Crowns performed as part of the "I Am Second" concert series (www.iamsecond.com). It was really cool. Make sure you note the massive picture of Josh Hamilton to the side. Love it...
I also want to note (because I may not ever get the chance again) that the Rangers are leading the American League West by 4 1/2 games. Here's the proof...I was actually a little sad Madigan wasn't with us when we found out it was mascot night. So, we took some good pictures for her. Here's the Ranger's mascot, Captain.
FredBird, the Cardinal's mascot. Yes, Ted did hiss at it.Screech from the Washington NationalsJumpin Jack Rabbit from the Houston AstrosAnd a combo pic - The Mariner Moose in the front with RONALD MCDONALD throwing out the first pitch. Who wouldn't want to be present for a night filled with all of these stars?!Anyway, enough about that. On to the game! Here's a pic of Ted and I on the FRONT ROW, right past the visitor's dugout. Hey, we only get to splurge once a year :)
We were so close, I wore my glove the entire game. Unfortunately, I STILL did not get a foul ball. Pickett - this picture was for you. We got to see all of the Ranger's players up close and personal.

Michael Young

Josh Hamilton

Ian Kinsler

And just for Madigan - Marlon Byrd on his home run trot! (I'll post a video soon of Madigan "Doin the Bird" and you'll understand why she's such a big fan!)We even got to see the great Nolan Ryan from across the field. He looks super excited, doesn't he?The end result - the Rangers WON 14-1!!! There were lots of home runs, fireworks, and even several rounds of the wave! Woo hoo! It was a great game and a good night out without child (although I did miss her quite a bit!) Go Rangers!