THIS IS 45: July 2011

Joe's 25th Mathis High School Reunion (7.30.11)

On Saturday, we got up and drove to DuPont Park in Ingleside, Texas for Joe's 25th high school reunion. Joe has been told he is the 5th generation to graduate from Mathis High School. Joe grew up just a few houses down the street from the high school and would walk home in the afternoons. At the reunion, some people didn't recognize him because he no longer wears glasses, he has less hair and ... he was one of the only people who has lost weight since high school. He looks so great! He had a good time visiting with friends many of whom he hadn't seen since graduation.

We took the "scenic" route on the way home passing through Aransas Pass, Port Aransas, Rockport and Bay City. Not really that scenic except that Rockport looks like it might be somewhere to visit for a weekend. I was struck by massive amounts of wind turbines just right there in the middle of one of the nowheresville towns. It almost looked like a sci-fi movie!

The scenic drive home

Middle of nowhere Texas

Beautiful cotton fields along the highway

Galveston beach with Andrew, Debbie, Charlie and Gracie {7.24.11}

On Sunday, Joe and I went to East Beach in Galveston with Andrew, Debbie, Charlie and Gracie. It was a gorgeous day and we had a wonderful time in the sand and surf!

At first, Charlie was reluctant to go into the water

so he stayed on the beach and played in the sand.

Andrew and Debbie took him to the water's edge several times but he just wasn't

warmed up to the idea of getting into the water . . . yet.

Then ... Charlie discovered he LOVED being in the water!

Joe hanging on the beach

Uncle duties kicked in and Joe had fun splashing around in the water with Charlie

Meanwhile, back at the beach - Gracie slumbered peacefully and posed for a few photo ops

Andrew and Debbie

Joe and I

Andrew and I

Family get together {July 23, 2011}

This past weekend, we had a family get together. Doug's daughter, Liz, came to visit with the spectacular Miss M. Doug's son, Mark, drove in to town with his wife, Lynn. Alex, Joe and I were there and Andrew, Debbie, Charlie and Gracie came from Austin. Great grandma Polly came over and a cousin of Liz and Mark's came from San Antonio. Mom and Doug had dinner catered by Niko Niko's (Greek food) and it was delicious!! It was fun to hang out with the family and get a chance to talk and play with the kids.

My mom with Miss M and me