Mountains and a few tall tales

I managed to climb this

This is the easy part. Getting to this "nice" little creek took all of my 58 years of accumulated mountain climbing skills. The Ozarks are no tiny itsy bity little piece of cake and my granddaughters had a blast scrambling over mossy boulders and cliffs and expecting Grandma to follow The next day I tricked Grandpa into going on a walk with the Grandkids and he had to call a car to pick him up! Grandma's rule!!!!

We had a great trip to Joplin. I have more pictures coming soon but for now, here's a few.......

Teri's famous cake making skills and Selena's birthday

Mommie dear....what big teeth you have!
This is Selena, with the flowered head band....now 8! As you can see- everyone loves Lolli. She is always such a dear friend and the kids flip when she comes around. We have known her for 14 years now. She is a treasured friend. She gave all the girls birthday French braids and me- as always a haircut. For those of you who don't know Lolli, she's a hairdresser. Come to Houston for a free hairstyle! You just need our recommendation so be nice....

Selena wanted a Mermaid cake.....Teri rose to the challenge!

Getting out of Dodge

This is my big day for packing. Oh, I took a break and Teri helped me corner a mouse that has been sneaking around my room ALL day. But basically, I am packing for an early morning exit. There is so much to do and am I the only one that gets befuddled? It is so hard to pack. I go places so seldom that it is a major shake up up brain power to get me out the door. I do crazy things. Last night I woke up at 3:30am and put our 25lb. turkey in the oven to bake. Everyone awoke to the smells of Thanksgiving and a bit confused. Bacon and eggs would have been appreciated.
Anyway, along with my 3 gallons of Chili, that should keep everyone dining well in my absence. However,
I have a sneaking suspicion that as soon as I am out the door, the team here will get on the phone and invite hungry folks over to eat up all the food, then call out for pizza and Sam's chicken the rest of the week and tell me when I return, that they had nothing to eat!
Stay tuned for pictures of my great vacation!

Dear sweet Arwen

I got these pictures today. She sure is cute....runs in the family I'd say. She is a Kiona look-a-like.
Look at that cake! What a cake! As I write, Teresa is in the kitchen here- baking an elaborate Mermaid cake for Selena's birthday. Birthdays are for kids! We can get so creative- trying to make each birthday special.
Here is her family there in Romania. I think God for them all. Does anyone have any extra ABEKA 2nd grade books? Arwen needs them! I can send them if you do.