We took TONZ of pictures (big surprise, eh?) and most of them are, or will eventually be, on our Holmer Shutterfly site.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Our Family
Here's a group shot of our entire family. I think we had close to 60 people! The only Holmers that didn't make it this year were Allison and Eric ... we missed you guys!
Fishing
Everett really enjoyed fishing on our vacation. He's become quite the little fisherman too ... I'm told he caught about 6 fish right away and while nobody else was catching anything!
Golf
David and I enjoyed participating in the annual family golf tournament. Considering we hadn't played in over a year ... we didn't do too awful ... Luckily, it's a scramble so there's not too much pressure. We have some really skilled golfers in our family, but everyone's just out there to have fun and spend time together. It was a beautiful course and the weather was remarkably nice ... nothing like trying to play golf in Texas in July ... I wouldn't even try it!
Pool
The kids enjoyed playing in the pool on a few occasions, although the water was brrrr cold on the day I tried to get in!
Reunion wrap up
I could blog on and on about our 2008 Family Reunion ... but I'm not going to. (you're welcome!) I think it's clear that we had a fabulous time and created memories to last a lifetime. I'm so lucky to have such a great family that truly enjoys spending time together. It's been so fun to see a whole new batch of little Holmers at the reunions and we're thrilled for our boys to have young cousins to play with. They had SO much fun this year and were tuckered out at the end of each day ... just an added bonus!
Long trip home
As we said our goodbyes to the Holmers, they all wished us a good trip home ... some even commenting that "surely it can't be any worse than your trip to get here!" ..... oh my .... how wrong could they be! We left around 10am Sunday morning and made the 3 hour drive to Atlanta. We had to drive through a pretty nasty storm. How could it be that Atlanta has been suffering a drought for the past 2 years, yet the two days we have chosen to fly in and out of there ... it storms like crazy!?!?!?! Well, you can probably guess how the rest of the trip went ... we arrived at the airport, checked our bags, made our way through the VERY busy security lines and arrived at our gate ... just in time to be told our flight had been canceled. Arrrrrrggggggg! So our "vacation" was extended by one night in an Atlanta Holiday Inn (who did not have a crib for us) ... fun times ... and of course, we had no luggage!
We made the best of the situation and enjoyed some pretty good Mexican food (and margaritas) near the hotel that night. The boys actually had a ton of fun playing in the hotel room. Since we didn't have a crib, we put the mattress from one of the beds on the floor for David and P to sleep on and E and I took the other bed. The boys loved the "obstacle course" of mattresses to climb on. It was a bit of a challenge getting the boys to sleep (did I mention Pryce was coming down with a cold and teething?) but we finally did it and actually had a fantastic night's sleep!
We headed back to the airport Monday morning and waited ... and waited ... and waited as our new flight was again delayed. Here we are waiting ....
We made the best of the situation and enjoyed some pretty good Mexican food (and margaritas) near the hotel that night. The boys actually had a ton of fun playing in the hotel room. Since we didn't have a crib, we put the mattress from one of the beds on the floor for David and P to sleep on and E and I took the other bed. The boys loved the "obstacle course" of mattresses to climb on. It was a bit of a challenge getting the boys to sleep (did I mention Pryce was coming down with a cold and teething?) but we finally did it and actually had a fantastic night's sleep!
We headed back to the airport Monday morning and waited ... and waited ... and waited as our new flight was again delayed. Here we are waiting ....
We FINALLY arrived back home around 4pm on Monday ... WHEW! You can imagine how many time we discussed the benefits of driving instead of flying and you can definitely bet on us driving to our next family reunion!!!
Hi fives to my fellow family travelers for surviving our adventure ... how's that saying go ... whatever doesn't kill ya .... just makes you a little crazier than you were before ... or something like that! :)
Monday, July 21, 2008
Our Little Rebel
I remember getting busted for sneaking out of the house when I was growing up ... however, not when I was only TWO YEARS OLD! I guess it's true that paybacks are hell because I had a terrifying experience this morning, compliments of the "little angel" pictured below.
It was a pretty typical morning. David had just left for work and I was going to take a quick shower before Pryce woke up. Everett had been up for at least 30 minutes and was camped out on the couch watching cartoons. I showered, put on some clothes and then walked into the game room.
It was a pretty typical morning. David had just left for work and I was going to take a quick shower before Pryce woke up. Everett had been up for at least 30 minutes and was camped out on the couch watching cartoons. I showered, put on some clothes and then walked into the game room.
The couch was empty and the door to the garage was cracked open. I went in the garage to find Everett's "time out" stool placed below the garage door button and the garage door open. My heart immediately started pounding and panic swept over me. I started screaming "Everett, Everett" at the top of my lungs. He was nowhere to be seen in the alley, so I ran to the front of the house continuing to scream his name over and over.
I looked down the street that intersects with ours and saw a man making his way towards our street (and my blood curdling screams). He starts pointing down the street the direction from which he came. I ran that way to see Everett at the end of that street walking with a woman in our direction. I must have been in shock, because I can't remember everything that was said. I do know that the woman told me she saw him about to cross the street towards the creek (about two streets away from our home) and that when she asked him where he lived he pointed in the direction away from our house. (Which happens to be the direction to where Baba & Gigi live and where we used to live). I was crying pretty hysterically and Everett looked a bit dazed and also began crying (probably in reaction to seeing me in such a state!) As we turned to walk towards our home, I realized there were a few neighbors outside trying to find out what was going on. One commented on what an "impressive" scream I had! I told her I was glad my past cheer leading experience paid off!
I'm sorry that I didn't think to ask the lady who had kept Everett from getting any further away what her name was or where she lived. Maybe I'll run into her some other time in the neighborhood. I hope so ... I cringe every time I think of what might have happened to my Everett had she not come along. I'd really like to thank her properly. The man who came to my aid did give me his name and contact information. I sent him an email this afternoon to thank him once again. I found his response comforting and amusing so I'm going to share it below.
It was hours before I stopped shaking from the incident. I was tempted to keep the boys home from school, scared to let Everett out of my sight again. After they were dropped off, it was hard to be very productive ... I kept finding myself googling child GPS devices and ID bracelets and books about "don't talk to strangers", etc. I did make a few purchases and will post about them after they arrive.
You can bet that things will change a bit around here ... additional locks, security devices and shower schedules (before David goes to work or after the boys are at school!) to name a few. I think I'll also start using our burglar alarm as a way to keep little people IN the house rather than burglars OUT!
I hope nobody else has to ever experience what I did this morning. It was the most terrifying minute of my life. (Funny to think it really was probably a matter of seconds but it felt like an eternity not knowing where E was plus running through every awful scenario that crossed my mind!)
And now, the email exchange that took place with my newly befriended neighbor .....
Hi Russ,
I’m the hysterical lady you met when looking for my son this morning. I just wanted to say “thanks” again for your part in helping me find Everett. If I hadn’t seen you standing there, I wouldn’t have known which direction to run. I’m also not sure the lady who had him would have heard me (although it seems all my neighbors inside did so I must have been yelling very loudly!!) This morning was the scariest experience of my life. I am still a bit frazzled from it. I’ve spent some time googling ID bracelets and GPS devices!! LOL.
Thanks again and I hope you have a great week!
Julie
Hi Julie,
My pleasure, no doubt about it. I told my wife about it and she could identify with you IN SPADES! She died a thousand deaths when we lost our son John on the Washington DC subway many years ago. You can see a current picture of our "little boy" on http://www.russhicks.com/christmas.htm. He's a jet fighter pilot in the Marine Corps and just returned from Iraq for the third time.
I'm sorry that I didn't think to ask the lady who had kept Everett from getting any further away what her name was or where she lived. Maybe I'll run into her some other time in the neighborhood. I hope so ... I cringe every time I think of what might have happened to my Everett had she not come along. I'd really like to thank her properly. The man who came to my aid did give me his name and contact information. I sent him an email this afternoon to thank him once again. I found his response comforting and amusing so I'm going to share it below.
It was hours before I stopped shaking from the incident. I was tempted to keep the boys home from school, scared to let Everett out of my sight again. After they were dropped off, it was hard to be very productive ... I kept finding myself googling child GPS devices and ID bracelets and books about "don't talk to strangers", etc. I did make a few purchases and will post about them after they arrive.
You can bet that things will change a bit around here ... additional locks, security devices and shower schedules (before David goes to work or after the boys are at school!) to name a few. I think I'll also start using our burglar alarm as a way to keep little people IN the house rather than burglars OUT!
I hope nobody else has to ever experience what I did this morning. It was the most terrifying minute of my life. (Funny to think it really was probably a matter of seconds but it felt like an eternity not knowing where E was plus running through every awful scenario that crossed my mind!)
And now, the email exchange that took place with my newly befriended neighbor .....
Hi Russ,
I’m the hysterical lady you met when looking for my son this morning. I just wanted to say “thanks” again for your part in helping me find Everett. If I hadn’t seen you standing there, I wouldn’t have known which direction to run. I’m also not sure the lady who had him would have heard me (although it seems all my neighbors inside did so I must have been yelling very loudly!!) This morning was the scariest experience of my life. I am still a bit frazzled from it. I’ve spent some time googling ID bracelets and GPS devices!! LOL.
Thanks again and I hope you have a great week!
Julie
Hi Julie,
My pleasure, no doubt about it. I told my wife about it and she could identify with you IN SPADES! She died a thousand deaths when we lost our son John on the Washington DC subway many years ago. You can see a current picture of our "little boy" on http://www.russhicks.com/christmas.htm. He's a jet fighter pilot in the Marine Corps and just returned from Iraq for the third time.
I can just see Everett following in his footsteps - NO FEAR! No doubt it gives mothers gray hairs, but dads think it's really kinda cool to raise a son who's that independent. When we finally (!) caught up with John at the Smithsonian, he was rather put out with us for not simply following him on the train! He actually made friends with some people from Houston on his train. We were separated for maybe half an hour - the longest half hour in my wife's life!
Lessons learned: 1. There are LOTS of nice people in the world - a lot more than there are creeps. 2. Everett may be a LOT more independent that you think he is. And that's a good trait! So dye your gray hair and be proud of him. He's gonna be okay. And so are YOU!
All that being said, I agree with your ID bracelet idea. With technology being what it is today, it makes sense to use it. If they can track pets and stolen cars, they can track missing kids. Just be prepared for a change of personal policy when Everett becomes a teenager. Then you've got a whole NEW set of problems. Been there, done that...!
Good luck! And see you in the neighborhood!
Russ Hicks
Lessons learned: 1. There are LOTS of nice people in the world - a lot more than there are creeps. 2. Everett may be a LOT more independent that you think he is. And that's a good trait! So dye your gray hair and be proud of him. He's gonna be okay. And so are YOU!
All that being said, I agree with your ID bracelet idea. With technology being what it is today, it makes sense to use it. If they can track pets and stolen cars, they can track missing kids. Just be prepared for a change of personal policy when Everett becomes a teenager. Then you've got a whole NEW set of problems. Been there, done that...!
Good luck! And see you in the neighborhood!
Russ Hicks
P.S. According to neighborhood rumors, an ear piercing scream shattered three windows in the Schimelpfenig Library this morning... Ya done good! :) :)
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Pryce walking!
Pryce has made quite a bit of progress in the walking department. He took 5 or 6 steps on his own this morning before we could get the video camera going. He was pretty wound up by the time we started taping and kept falling down because of the excitement. Here's a sample of his new moves ...
Friday, July 04, 2008
Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary, David. Thanks for the best four years of my life so far!
David and I enjoyed a wonderful anniversary celebration. Thanks to Mom & Dad for watching the kids so we could escape for some much needed R&R. We stayed at The Grand Hotel in historic downtown McKinney. We enjoyed a wonderful meal at Rick's Chophouse. Shortly after we were seated, Rick himself stopped by to wish us a happy anniversary and let us know that dessert was his treat. The food, atmosphere, and service were all amazing. After dinner we relaxed in their very classy lounge and listened to live music. The picture above is us enjoying our cocktails in a big, comfy leather chair.
Although we looked forward to sleeping in this morning, we found ourselves awake at 6am. This was partly due to the skylight in the room and partly due to habit and expecting a child to wake up at any moment! We did manage to go back to sleep for a little while and then took our time getting ready and checked out. We walked around the square for a bit, but then opted to go somewhere air conditioned - whew, it was hot!!
We headed towards home and on the way stopped in Allen at the new shopping center we had heard about. We ate at Brio which was quite good. For dessert, the waitress surprised us with a couple of scoops of the most amazing gelato. (It helps to mention you're celebrating your anniversary ... free dessert twice this weekend!)
What a nice little "getaway" and chance to focus on "us" and reflect on the past 4 years. They sure have been busy ... and wonderful!
David and I enjoyed a wonderful anniversary celebration. Thanks to Mom & Dad for watching the kids so we could escape for some much needed R&R. We stayed at The Grand Hotel in historic downtown McKinney. We enjoyed a wonderful meal at Rick's Chophouse. Shortly after we were seated, Rick himself stopped by to wish us a happy anniversary and let us know that dessert was his treat. The food, atmosphere, and service were all amazing. After dinner we relaxed in their very classy lounge and listened to live music. The picture above is us enjoying our cocktails in a big, comfy leather chair.
Although we looked forward to sleeping in this morning, we found ourselves awake at 6am. This was partly due to the skylight in the room and partly due to habit and expecting a child to wake up at any moment! We did manage to go back to sleep for a little while and then took our time getting ready and checked out. We walked around the square for a bit, but then opted to go somewhere air conditioned - whew, it was hot!!
We headed towards home and on the way stopped in Allen at the new shopping center we had heard about. We ate at Brio which was quite good. For dessert, the waitress surprised us with a couple of scoops of the most amazing gelato. (It helps to mention you're celebrating your anniversary ... free dessert twice this weekend!)
What a nice little "getaway" and chance to focus on "us" and reflect on the past 4 years. They sure have been busy ... and wonderful!
4th of July Parade
Everett & Pryce's school had a 4th of July parade yesterday. David and I dropped by to watch the fun. Everett had a blast!
Everett with his teacher, Miss Kristen.
Parade Cont.
Pryce looked very tired riding along in the bye-bye buggy being pushed by his teacher, Miss Meagan.
The boys dressed up in their patriotic best before leaving for school.
The boys dressed up in their patriotic best before leaving for school.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
