Tell Me A Story: Bison Ranch

This little girl has been enjoying trips to the bison ranch since she was a wee little tot.

Maybe its the excitement of big animals, rides on the ATV, country air, starry nights, fishing, relaxing by the pond, and/or just enjoying the company of good friends.  Whatever it is...each visit brings with it a new adventure!  

I remember this visit so well.  She realized that "Uncle" Hank didn't talk the same way she did.  In solidarity, she found a piece of blue painters tape, adhered it to her neck and went about her day.  Such a sweet gesture!  

This week's trip was a bit of an anomaly:  Before we arrived, a pregnant bison fell dead.  The next day Ella contracted a high fever. The day after the storms came.  

Sometimes you just have to throw your hands in the air and enjoy the moment.

In the end, Ella was well, the sun was shining, and we made it home safely.  For all of that--and for good friends--we are truly grateful!  Until next time, Jan and Hank...love, light, and a smile;).

Hey Dag, wanna play?

Knee-High Entrepreneur

A impromptu trip to Moody Gardens led to Ella being invited to participate in Lemonade Day Galveston lemonadeday.org:  a young entrepreneur program with 950 participants this year.    A few minutes with the Chamber of Commerce President was all it took to spark this little girl's imagination.  

Before we knew it, we were swept up in a world all her own.  With her golden ticket chocolate lemonade recipe, Ella Oompa and her Chocolate Lemonade Factory was born and officially opened to the public Saturday, May 2, 2015.  This knee-high, orange-skinned, green-haired oompa loompa had the time of her life and raised money to support a great cause that was near and dear to her big heart.  

Mrs. Decker (PK-3 teacher)

Mrs. Tina, teacher (17 months - 2.5 years), Friendswood Montessori.

Her mission was accomplished.  She raised $468 (after all the change was counted) and donated half to a young missionary headed off to Africa this summer to spread the gospel of Christ.  

So proud of both of you!

Special thanks to:

Rebecca Penny, a local professional photographer who donated the lemonade stand.  If you are looking for a photographer that specializes in newborn, maternity, baby and family photography, please check out her website.  http://rebeccapennyphotography.com.  She definitely captures innate beauty "void of earthly distractions," and her photography is stunning.  Thank you Rebecca and sister, Sarah!

Doug Teel, for donating his graphics design expertise on her Golden Ticket flyers.

Michele Lockwood and UTMB Information Services employees for hosting and supporting a pre-sale opportunity.  

Azi of A+ Pack and Ship for providing a great lemonade stand location.

Gina Spagnola, Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce President for directing such an awesome program for kiddos.  

And...to all our neighbors, friends, teachers, and adopted family who supported her venture.  

It definitely takes a village!

"In [our] wildest dreams, [we] can not imagine all the marvelous surprises that await [her]!"

From:  Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

The Wheels On the Coach Go Round and Round

Three weeks.  

Nine states.

Exploring, living...and 

loving life on the road!

First Stop:  Louisiana

Ella Grace times two

Longest Stop:  Tennessee

Stayed six days in Knoxville with an amazing family--family who had a calling and eventually adopted 27 unbelievable children (I think eleven were there during our visit). 

We laughed, cried, listened to stories, explored the grounds--and couldn't stop smiling at how well this family works together. 

What a humbling experience...and truly a majestic place!  God is good.

Creative Play

Some of the children:

Nashville:

Funny thing about Nashville is Troy's rep, Dennis gave his neighbors a head's up that some guests would be parking their motor coach in the driveway for a few days.  Well, he also told them that his guests were Taylor Swift's parents;).  

We arrived after dark.  The next morning the lady next door was out talking with Dennis when I walked out of the coach.  He introduced me at Taylor's mom, and her mouth dropped wide open.  Soon after, she started apologizing for how she looked and not having any makeup on....   It wasn't until Troy (Mr. Swift) walked up and couldn't keep a straight face that the truth surfaced:).  

Anyway, what a great family.   Dennis' wife (Betsy) and I were two peas in a pod.  Travis, Burke and Ella hit the ground playing and never skipped a beat.  

Love it when you meet new people and leave making plans for the next friendly get-together.  

Travis and Ella

Burke

Memphis

No trip to Tennessee is complete without a visit to Graceland.  In first grade, we lived seven miles from Graceland.  Mom and Dad used to take us there on occasion.  I loved standing in the very place Ella and Troy stand in the picture below and watching the King live his life. 

Texarkana

Last overnight stay before Home Sweet Home.  Besides family time, meeting such wonderful people and forming new friendships made the adventure much more exciting.  

Sweet Cajun Boys

Other states this trip:  Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky (Heaven received another angel...R.I.P. my sweet friend, Karen Sexton; I miss you already), Indiana (The Happy Hammers), Arkansas, Oklahoma

Until next time, Happy Trails...