Day Trip to El Paso 12/30/10.

We left the house at 6 a.m., to head to El Paso. Tanner, was taking a test for a job with the TSA in IL, and this was the closest facility that had an opening. We, didn't want him driving 5 hours, to take a 3 hour test and then drive back 5 hours by himself. The 80 MPH speed limit helps the trip go a little faster. So, everyone but Kyle and Hunter went. Hunter, took Jess back to the airport that day, to go home to PA.
We, enjoyed a beautiful sunrise as we headed west. The roads were very straightand flat for awhile, then the surroundings started to change. We saw some beautiful  mountains along the way. Plus, we saw quite a few border patrol trucks and cars, and then were questioned at a check point as to whether we were all US citizens and what was a purpose for travel.
We arrived in El Paso, eraly and did a little shopping before dropping Tanner off to take the test. While he was taking the test, we went and had lunch at Logan's Steakhouse and then Tim was going to try and show us Mexico, but Tanner called and we had to turn around, the test only took him a little over an hour to take. And, on the way home, he found out he passed.Now, he has more paperwork to fill out and wait. If, we looked really hard, we could see the Rio Grande River, and right across was Mexico. But, the winds and dust were really bad and never di get a good look. On the way home, the winds picked up and were 30-4- mph the whole way home. the next morning we woke up, to see ice and snow on the ground in El Paso. Sure glad we left when we did.
I tried to get together, with another blogging friend while there, but didn't give her enough notice to get off work and meet us for lunch. Will have to make another trip back and see her.

2010 Christmas Day

We enjoyed our second Christmas here in TX. Would have loved to have a white Christmas, but don't see that happening here. Hunter's girlfriend was here to celebrate with us. Everyone was happy with the gifts and Rieley was really excited to see what santa had left her. She ogt her pink princess bike she had asked for, along with so much more. The child, still has things all over the living room floor, that we need to find homes for. Her Aunt Kitty and Uncle rich, spoiled her as usual. It was a Princess Christmas from them and rieley was in Heaven. She loves the new Belle dress up outfit and all of the accessories, plus all of the other goodies. Jess, gave us some gifts and we liked them all. I only missed my calender. haha
I bought Tim a surround sound system for the family room television, think he likes it. He, couldn't figure out what I could have bought him that was so big. actually surprised him this year.
Rieley was able to go out in the afternoon and take her new bike for a ride. Kyle's girlfriend, Victoria was able to join us after dinner for the evening and open her gifts. She also, brought goodies for us.
Enjoy the pictures. Not sure why a few of them were doubled, but enjoy.

Jackalopes Hockey Game/ 12- 17- 10.

Tim, Tanner, Kyle, Bailey, Rieley and I, went to the Jackalopes Hickey game and had a nice evening. The team was ahead when we left but we never found out the outcome. When they were introducing the team, everyone of the starting 6 was from Canada, which we found ironic being we are in TX. We sat up in the stands and felt a little safer then when we went last year and had to be on the watch all of the time for a flying puck. When the team scores, the fans go down and through plastic carrots out onto the ice and these little kids learning to skate go out and pick them up. Really cute. Also, during the break between quarters one and two, 4-8 yr old boys were on the ice playing a quick game of hockey.
Rieley even got to see Santa on the ice and up personal and say HI.

Golden Birthday.

Tanner celebrated his GOLDEN birthday yesterday. He turned 22. He was to be named Jacob, but when he was born weighing 10 pounds 2 ounces, I decided he did not look like a Jacob and changed his name to Tanner. Tim, was out to sea and deep under the ocean and wouldn't find out until Christmas Eve, that he had a second son and that I had changed his name.
Happy Birthday son. We went out to eat Tuesday night at Osaka's in Midland, a Japanese Steak House for his birthday, then came home and had an ice cream cake.

Jessica is here.

Hunter's girlfriend, Jessica arrived safely but a little late Tuesday night. This is her 4th trip here to TX, and has yet to have a trouble free flight. This time, she was held up at the beginning of her journey, in Harrisburg, PA, due to weather in Chicago. We passed the time by playing cards, which mom always has handy in her purse.
Rieley was very excited to see her and has been a shadow to Jess and Hunter since her arrival here. They have played board games, cards, read books, watched movies and much more.