Surprise Jack-It's Papa

Wednesday Papa flew in town for a meeting that "just had to take place asap" in Dallas so...since he was here he surprised Jack. We left the Pathfinder at Watters that morning, rode together, Papa drove the rental car to Watter, got Jack & headed home in the Pathfinder. We picked up the rental on our way home before heading out to the movies since there was a free babysitter at home. Jack was having snack with his friends and as soon as he saw Papa up he ran. When offered to stay and finish snack he rolled up his napkin to go and headed out. You know he is excited and wants to go play when he doesn't stop to say goodbye to EVERYONE at school on the way out.

Papa and Jack spent A LOT of time in his tent in the playroom. But when we arrived they were playing cowboys.
Since Papa isn't used to crawling in and out of a tent I let him use my back roller to loosen up his knots. The face looks painful...but no pain, no gain. It hurts but feels so good at the same time. Well worth the $20 from the PT.

After a trip to Garden Ridge Jack and Papa headed to the Allen Village for some playing, dinner, and shopping. They loved the play area in the shopping center. It was kinda misting but the weather was cool which is a nice change.

A good maze is always fun! Dinner proved to be a bit tricky but they managed to get some food, decorate the yard with the Garden Ridge buys, and were in bed when Nick and I got home from the movie.

Jack LOVES to make us liars. He has been waking up at 5:30 demanding shows/movies, milk, and a snack (breakfast). Well not sure if he didn't want to look bad in front of his Papa or just because Papa wore him out but we had to wake him up at 6:40 and he never once asked for TV....he only wanted to play with Papa in the playroom. Here he is helping Papa make his coffee.

Before we headed off to our schools we snapped a picture of them and their Halloween yard decorations.

What a great surprise! That afternoon on the way he kept telling Nick that he was going home to wake Papa up to play because he was napping on the couch with his Tiger blanket.....there were tears....but well worth the quality time before hand. Come back soon Papa (and bring Bebe next time!).

Random Package

Early this past week there was a package at the door. Mom had mentioned it but didn't say what was in it other than some tasty treats for Jack and a present from The Nolans. I wasn't sure why Papa didn't just bring it on Wednesday but that all made sense when Jack opened the package up.

"Wow-Coloring Books. Thanks Bebe and Papa. No Mama, don't take them...Papa sent them to me."
"Thanks Nolan Family...GEAUX TIGERS!"

"I knew Bebe would stick in something for me to eat. The Moon Pie was my favorite!"

Plano Hot Air Balloon Festival

Saturday I had planned for us to go to the Plano Hot Air Balloon Festival but I overslept and by the time Jack (who had fever AGAIN) and Nick got out and about the balloons had already launched so they got donuts instead. The Tigers were playing Saturday night so I knew that Sunday was our only other option. Big surprise- but we weren't ready to make it to the 7 AM launch so we did our Sunday Gymboree service, napped, and headed to the Festival Sunday evening. In all our years in Texas we've only ever watched the balloons from afar but were glad we chose to get up close and personal this year.

After a long walk from the cheap man's parking lot (on the way there were skydiving falling with flags above us-super cool) we headed straight for the food vendors.

Their sign said, "Caution: Rednecks having fun." and I tell you what.....that Cowboy Cheesesteak Burrito (Potatoes, onions, cheesesteak, and cheese all in a tortilla) was worth the $5 parking, $10 entry fee, and all the walking in the heat to get there.....but the balloons were the best by far.
Jack wouldn't taste the dinner....good thing because Nick and I really didn't want to have to split it in thirds. He stuck with the Gatorade that we brought in. Check out that moustache!
It was so neat for Jack to see the balloons filling up this close and personal. The sound didn't even bother him.

We talked about all that was happening, how, and his most favorite question-WHERE while waiting for the balloons to launch. In between Nick and I taking bites of course.

My boys

My angel

A great Sunday afternoon

Beauty

Jack's favorite

A student's father gave me his old digital camera (to have on tap for classroom pictures since Jack broke our small one). I brought it along because the big camera was low on battery, snapped this video, but realized when we got home that it must not tape sound. Oh well, so glad to have a decent camera to carry around (and for my classroom of course that is really why I asked) because the iPhone takes pictures but they don't always come out so great. Enjoy!

Can't wait to go back next year!

Happy Grandparents Day!

Happy Grandparents Day to Jack's wonderful Grandparents & Great Grandparents!

Here is a card he made at school this week for ya'll.
And he truly does love you each to the fullest.

Since there was only one you'll have to pretend this is him mailing the above card to each of you....but in reality he is mailing Papa's birthday card Saturday in the rain.

LOVE, JACK ANTHONY RELLE!