Texas Trip 2017

As soon as we got home from the Bahamas, I was doing laundry and re-packing for five days in Texas. I also quickly put together some travel boxes for the boys and checked out of the library the first two book in the Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites audio series. It was a favorite for our older kids so I figured the younger ones should have the same Texas traveling experience. They loved it so much that I had to download a YouTube copy of the third book for the remainder of our trip home.

 The trip there was typical of any trip where I am trapped in an enclosed vehicle with the smelly habits of Edwards boys. Nathan and Hyrum were in a comic drawing phase so to get my point across, I used one of their pages and drew my own comic which, ironically, I did not find so comical.

 

After two days of stinky travel we arrived at Lenora's house. The following two days were spent in her pool and hanging out with family.

It was wonderful to see LeRoy's family and to rebuild relationships with those that we so seldom see.

My favorite picture from this trip! Frank doesn't show his true smile often, usually just a lopsided smirk, but I caught him watching the kids playing in the pool and when he looked up I got it, his true smile. He looks so youthful to me in this picture. What a wonderful man we have to lead the Edwards family. We are so blessed by him!

Nathan and Hyrum each played a game of pool with Papa, which stands out as one of their favorite memories from the trip. 

We all secretly signed a big card for Papa for Father's Day. It was wonderful to be together for his big day.

The Edwards men are so much alike! Tom's grandson took to LeRoy quite comfortably which surprised everyone since he doesn't like men. We all saw a little of Uncle Tom in him and were so glad to have him with us.

Our days were spent at Lenora's and our nights were spent with Nanny and Papa.

As much as we loved being together with everyone, it was calming to have just the six of us for late night ice cream, reminiscing, looking at pictures, and catching the Texas Rangers game. Nanny spoiled us with such yummy food and loved on us until we felt quite spoiled.

With a little one on one time it became quite evident that LeRoy is the spitting image of his dad! Right down to the way he chews his food, holds his head, stares at a ballgame, and even in their ornery stubbornness.

On Sunday we went to church with Nanny and Papa and enjoyed a wonderful Father's Day sacrament program.  After church we went to a couple of cemeteries in Mineral Wells and shared stories and some family history as we visited a few graves.

Roberta - LeRoy's mom

Tom - LeRoy's brother, Nathan was born on his birthday

Grandpa James Darden Loope - Nathan's middle name is Darden, after Grandpa

On Monday morning we started our two day journey home. Along the way we stopped at the Monticello Temple where I was able to share a few stories of our Hawkins ancestors and my mom, who grew up in Monticello. 

It was fun to show the boys where my mom grew up, where we went swimming one summer when we visited Grandpa and Grandma and the church where I remembered going as a little girl.

Cynthia Darlene shared such kind memories of Roberta (LeRoy's mom) and coaxed a few stories out of Papa about Viet Nam, meeting Roberta, and some very touching family stories that had never before been shared. She is such a wonderful support to Frank and we are so blessed to have her carry on the matriarchal torch for the last 11 years!