December 1 – “bow and ah-ree-oles”

Yes, I suppose it is true.  It is officially December of the year 2020.  Almost over …

 

Yesterday was AnnaGrace’s fourth birthday.  That’s quite the milestone, right?  Well, we couldn’t let it pass without some significant connecting event.  So in the morning we joined Josh and the Waco Vaughan Family for a leisurely stroll … through the Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid.  We got there just as it was opening up, so for a long time it seemed we were the only ones roaming the halls.  I personally missed seeing otters, but for AnnaGrace, the penguins and harbor seals that came up to the glass and played with her pretty much made her day.  As far as she was concerned, they were swimming by to wish her a happy birthday, over and over and over again.  Her giggles and squeals certainly made the trip well worth our time. 

 

Lunch actually became an extension of the party.  The girls made some tacos, and after our “healthy food,” it was time for cake and ice cream.   Presents appeared – a baby leopard, Doctor Barbie, Horse and Rider Barbie, Precious Moments (AnnaGrace dancing with her Daddy), and a Princess “bow and ah-ree-oles.”  All in all, quite the haul.  The decorations and cake were all unicorn-y, but truly delicious.  Mix that with the pink, unicorn-filled plastic tablecloth, and you have a most effective recipe for delighting a budding four-year-old female. 

 

The afternoon saw a reprisal of the big Turkey Bowl from the day before.  One big difference, though.  No really old people like Dads and DadDad’s were on the rosters.  Instead Cousin Cailyn made her debut, and she did quite well.  Ands that made it official.  All ten grandkids were on the field at some time during one of the two Turkey Bowl 2020 editions.  Quite the milestone. Oh, and Nani took a nap.  So she is behaving …

 

After some supper a lot of fast talking by the older guys resulted in a second Turkey Shoot as well.  Aunt Christina and Aunt Christi took the guys to the park for another battle in the Airsoft Wars.  Uncle Josh joined them later, releasing the ladies from such a harsh holiday skirmish.  They returned to join the rest of us in watching a Disney Sing Along and then a Country Music Christmas.  Noa was my couch cuddle partner for a time during these classic, not-to-be-missed showcases (The last half of that comment, by the way, may or may not have been a tad sarcastic). 

 

The Galveston Vaughan cousin headed for home soon after the game’s end.  Cailyn had school the next day.  The LaMarque Vaughan’s finally tore themselves away from all the fun and headed for home sometime around 8:30 or 9:00.  The Waco Vaughan’s calmed down soon after and headed for bed themselves.  We did finish up a movie with Zak and Caleb before they hit the sack.  Good day.  We were all pretty tired.

 

Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

 

Father, thank you for another fun cousins’ day.  Help them remember some really good moments from this week together … some treasures.  Amen.