Summer Fun In Texas

**GUEST BLOGGER**

 ~ Eric Hendrickson ~

Day One - Friday

We went to Fort Worth this past weekend (7/28-7/31) to spend some time with my mother, brothers, and sister-in-law, niece, and nephew.

Friday morning, my brothers and I ventured out to Champion's Circle golf course for a 7:20 tee time.

Bret and Marc said I was slouching over when addressing the ball and that I needed to stick out my "chesticles".  This one small change made a huge improvement with my game.

Like normal, Marc was the best player, especially his drives.  I did have the longest drive, 310 yards.

Bret has a good looking swing.

We played from the yellow markers, which was the 3rd longest out of 4 markers.  The longest being the "tips". 

Our goal was to shoot a -2.  Our first 18 was a disappointing +1. 

After 18 holes, Bret went in to ask where to park the cart.  I told him to ask if we could play another 18.  The guy said they weren't busy in the afternoon and to keep playing.  Our second 18 holes were much better.  We shot a -4.

While the Bros were golfing, The girls and Silas went to Cabela's.

On Saturday, the guys went back to Cabela's.  This is an impressive store.

Like my Grandpa used to do, we gave the kids horse rides.

A lot of kids makes for a lot of weight.

On Friday night we went to watch the Royals/Rangers game.  I was impressed with the Dallas Cowboy stadium.

I was also impressed with the Rangers stadium.  Sad that they want to build a new dome stadium.

We sat on the first base side, in the shade, perpendicular to the pitcher.  I really liked the location.

The kids enjoyed lots of ballpark snacks.

We were Royals fans amongst a bunch of Rangers fans.  The Ranger's fans weren't too hard on me for cheering loudly for the Royals. 

Above, looking into the Royals dugout.

We saw three homeruns smacked.  Two from the Rangers and one from Eric Hosmer.

The Royals lost 8-3.  Boo!

After the game, there was an impressive fireworks show set to music.

Day Two - Saturday

Saturday morning we headed over to Bret and Andrea's house to swim.

The uncles/dads had fun throwing the kids around.

Look at the cool rock diving board in the picture above.

We also shot each other with water guns,

and we played basketball.

1-2-3....

JUMP!

Cousins - Phoebe, Silas, Sarah, Kallin, and Ayden

After a fun time of swimming we ate some pizza for lunch.

Bret and Andrea have two big dogs, a Boxer and a Great Dane.

After swimming and pizza, the girls headed off to get pedicures.

Kallin is the newest and youngest employee.  She liked pretending to fix Sarah and Phoebe's toenails while waiting on Mom, Stacee, and Andrea.

That evening, we celebrated Silas' 4th birthday.

He was excited to get a surprise party in Texas.

Ayden showed him how to work his new Batmobile from Uncle Marc.

After the birthday celebration, the some of the kids and Mom played Wii Sports while the Bros installed a new ceiling fan in Mom's bedroom.

I was "the Boss".  Marc took a lot of breaks and Bret got a raise.

No, it does not take 3 guys to install a ceiling fan.

We had a good time and thankfully the project was a success.

Silas was worn out from the day's activities and found an uncomfortable place to fall asleep that night.

Day Three - Sunday

We headed back home around 10:30 on Sunday.  It was a short trip but a good one.  Thanks Mom, Bros, and Andrea.

God bless our family in Texas.