A Surprise Southerner

During the planning stages of our trip we knew we wanted to get to Louisiana to see Chris' Grandpa but weren't sure how we would fit the drive in and still have time to visit everyone.
Then Chris' Dad pitched an idea we were excited about but weren't sure Great Grandpa would go for it because it meant a full days drive and sleeping away from home which he hasn't done in about 10 years.

SURPRISE! He agreed to have Grandpa J. fly out pick him up and bring him to Houston for a couple of days and WE ARE SO GLAD HE CAME! Zach was so excited to show Great Grandpa N. the Lego set he'd bought with the birthday money he'd sent. That is one thing about Great Grandpa: he never forgets a birthday and always sends the nicest greetings.

Ethan was also really glad to see Grandpa J. He monopolized all his time insisting on playing guessing games like, "What's in my ear?" and having stories told to him. It looked as though both mutually enjoyed the time together.

For dinner one evening we headed over to Lupe Tortilla. I don't know which is better the amazing FOOD or the DIRT PIT out front. We thought going on a Thurs. night would alleviate a long wait but we were wrong this place was hoppin'.

In actuality the wait was less than an hour and as far as the kids were concerned with a place like this who needs food anyway.

The toughest part was the boys hardly touched their food and wanted to be back outside. We the parents wanted to eat but as you can see above they did need some supervision to keep them from getting run over. It was nice to see many of the children taking turns with the cars. I think I only witnessed one spitting match and for a change Ethan was on the receiving end instead of the giving. Next time we'll try to get prime seating by the pit so we can have the best of both worlds.

Back at Uncle Roger's house we gathered to celebrate an early Surprise 83 birthday for Great Grandpa N. We thought it appropriate to do so since we were all together and we wanted him to know he is loved, especially by his Great Grand Kids.