I was very excited to visit some good friends who live just outside of KC. It was a good week of nothing. I just hung out and learned about their life and schedule. That’s one thing I enjoyed about being home…I now have a picture of what everyday looks like for my family and friends at this moment in time. For some, it’s about the same. But for others, their lives have changes in significant ways.
These friends had a new addition shortly before I left. It was great to get to meet this little guy. I was surprised that his older sister still remembered me. She was still so young when I left. I have to give her parents credit on keeping me in their conversations and skype calls and pictures for that.
One of the highlights for me was getting to eat KC BBQ. I’m from TX. I’m a Texas snob about a lot of things, but when it comes to BBQ I like it all. I really loved KC BBQ. The sauce and slaw mix was very tasty. I still need to go to the Carolinas and Memphis and try their versions out before I make a final decision. But I must admit, KC BBQ is leading at the moment=)
I also just got some girl time with my friend. I know that was good for both if us. I cooked some Indian food for them which didn’t turn out too bad. I made aloo gobi (potato cauliflower) which is becoming a specialty of mine. I also made bhindi masala (okra with spicy tomato sauce). This time I used frozen okra and well…it was very slimy. I know now to stick to the fresh veggies. I also had a fun evening with the kids while the parents had date night. All in all it was a good vacation.
Before moving on, I almost forgot...4th of July!
Papa and Nani smooching @ the fireworks
Just wanted to sneak in a pic of one of our dogs...Dakota...love this dog!
This is what we eat for Independence Day...ribs baby!
Let’s see…after KC….my mind is blank of the order but here’s a summary:
Nani's b-day (yes, that's what we call her...never knew it was a Hindi word)
I made my mom her favorite dessert....coconut cream pie (we made a double pie in a cake pan)
flowers we 3 girls gave her (church altar flowers)
I made (I think) 2 more trips to Waco. One for a beautiful wedding which I was thankful to be in attendance (love ya Mrs. Kemper). I also went to see my grandma one more time. They had shifted her to another room fit for a single person. It was so odd. Still working through the loss of my grandpa. I got to see another good friend and meet her son who is now one. I made a trip to Aggieland and had lunch with a friend and met her new boyfriend (shawn, you have my approval=). After lunch I went to see some long time friends and catch up after not seeing each other for several years. Other than that, I think the rest of the time was spent working on getting a visa and having lunch/dinner/coffee with various friends.
Mrs. Kemper=)
This is my family when I stay in Waco.
These are the boys I want my nieces to marry=)
These are the pets I wanted to smuggled in my suitcases and bring back with me.
Oh, yes! How could I forget. My sister and I took the girls to the Downtown Aquarium. It was soooooo much fun. We rode the Ferris Wheel, carousel, and the train which took you into a tunnel with sharks! We rode the rides and then walked through the aquarium and then rode the rides again before we left.
The shark train...cue Jaws theme music...
Petting sting rays...no animal was injured in this act nor was any child forced into touching the sea creature=)
I also had an interesting day at the mall with my sister and her girls and Chris (family friend) and his 4 girls. That’s 6 girls ranging in age from 5 to 13! That was a trip. The best part was watching Chris on his first ever trip to the mall with his girls.
@ the mall...she's wants a puppy so badly...
My sister and I also took the girls to see Ramona and Beezus. I loved these books as a kid and as a teacher they are part of my collection. Now the girls are hooked and we read them each night before bed. We will continue once a week over skype. So, yes, basically for the rest of the time I was spoiling my nieces. I also spent some good time with my godchildren. My friend and I called me holding my new godsons my baby therapy. Just before I returned, I got to go meet my nieces’ new teachers and see their new school.
More spoiling @ Build-A-Bear...or in this case Build-A-Jaguar and Build-A-Dog
SPA DAY for my nieces and the girls next door....
pedi-mani
Even hair and make-up!
THE NEW GODSONS!!!!
Time with friends...
Here's a pic of my little sis with her boat down at school before she left....I was very sad I didn't get to see her before I left again.
Thus, is the end of my trip back to Texas...until next time.
Disclaimer: If I forgot to mention something it is because I was able to do so much that I haven't been able to keep track of everything. I was pleasantly overwhelmed by the wonderful opportunities I had to meet up with people and their wonderful hospitality. Thank you!
