Yamboree

There are so many memories from the Yamboree. You get anywhere near the square and the lights, the squeals, the music, the smells... Any of them will trigger the nostalgia of times past. We have rarely missed a trip back for it. It's tradition! But more than that... It's tradition for everyone that grew up here. We always get to visit with someone, friends or family, that we have not seen in years.



We must go to the pageant on Thursday. Right now it is because Bri loves to see all the beautiful princesses and little kids. But also to check out the dresses. Mom usually has at least one that she made if not the queen's and the court and dancers too! We can always tell which one is hers because it is the one that fits, the one that doesn't drag the floor when they walk, and they don't have to lift it up to walk up the stairs... But at the same time it doesn't ride up so high that it shows off her shoes. And they are beautiful and tasteful, not gaudy and flashy. Mom has


been making dresses for the pageant for around 40 years!


Another yamboree tradition is Mema! We always say that Mema opens and closes the yamboree... It doesn't start without her there and she is always at the bandstand dancing untill it closes. She is our base. If you need to communicate with someone, sooner or later they will stop by to see her. And before Mema it was Granny.



There are so many memories there. Parades, sweet potato pie, turkey legs, working in the church or school booths selling hamburgers, dancing, band contests, fiddling contests, crafts, sweet potato people, rides... Just a part of who you are when you grow up in Gilmer!





-- Posted from my iPhone

Fun with Kailee

A little late, but I wanted to rewind and post up some pictures of our week with Kailee. It was such a busy summer that I did not post near as much as I wanted to and Kailee's stay here was one of the best parts so I have to share these photos!

She stayed with us for the week before the Lindsey Reunion. Unfortunately I had a severe ear infection that cut into the fun we could have had, but we did so much. The kids took her to their favorite FHE special treet... Dairy Queen on Monday.

On Tuesday, we went to Inner Space Caverns. It was really neat. The kids had fun and weren't near as scared as I thought they would be. We have lived here for 12 years and it took having Kailee here to get me there. Such a beautiful place so near by.

Later we went to the Texas History Museum. Kailee and I wished we had more time to ourselves to explore as it was a little much for the kids. But it was fun and educational.

I wish I had not waited so long to post these. My scattered brain has lost so many of the details (I had created this blog to avoid that right!)... But I do know it was a special time, the kids still talk about when Kailee was here and are already thinking of things to do for her next visit next year. We love you Kailee and wish we lived closer to you!

Words of Wisdom

I can't do a somersault on this day.... But maybe when I am 70!
-Ethan



-- Posted from my iPhone