Mid-Summer Moments

Before the sun set and the fireworks did their magic, the little man was watching over his town.

The Eighth Wonder of the World...a mid-summer Texas sunset. It just doesn't get much bigger or more beautiful than this.

Two Men And A Yard

He actually enjoys working in the yard like his daddy. Stick him inside with momma to do cleaning, you'll get a bucket full of tears and a side of tantrum. Put him outside where men can be men, you get a pocket full of smiles and a dirty boy.

But even the great ones must rest.

Parading Around On The 4th

Celebrating yet another Fourth of July at the largest 4th of July parade, conveniently located in downtown Arlington, TX.

Mimi doing some type of celebration dance, we may need to work on that for next year.

Anticipating the start.

A few of the brave that make this day possible.

A parade isn't a parade, if you don't have Elvis on a mini-bike.

Please Feed the Animals

Hands-on learning, true hands-on.

Oxymoron

When I think "Wild Animals," I don't think pets.

One With The Animals

A Wild Reunion

We're on a streak. Batting 3 for 3.

Members of my immediate family, and a few of my uncles and their families, have managed to have three consecutive years of family reunions. Something we use to do annually growing up, with the other side of the family, but had never managed to pull another one off - until we started back in '06.

Fittingly, we were at an exotic zoo/resort outside of Johnson City, Texas.

It was an absolute gem of a spot, perfect for families with kids. Fences keep the animals out and the kids in. Plenty of room to let the little ones burn off all the toddler energy they can muster, and relaxing enough to allow the parents to sit around the pool/hot tub and enjoy the days summer sun. Grills for sunset grilling and trees for daytime lounging, not a bad spot.

Tours of the animals get you up close and personal with animals you never thought you would pet, much less feed, in the heart of the Texas hill country. With 'Sue' the bison and 'Omar' the camel, a hand full of feed will make you the hero of the trailer ride.

Crinkled Toes

Summer Evening Happenings

When the sun loosens it's death grip on us here in Texas, usually around 7pm or so, being outside is almost bearable. (it helps to have some 'nectar' to beat the heat)

As the 'heat demon' began to hide behind the house, Bambino was able to take his artistic gifts to the sidewalk. FYI - drawings are not by Jax. He's good, but he ain't that good.

Next on the agenda was to do a little space planning on the patio with his Alvar Aalto style bent plywood stools. Could it be possible we are seeing the makings of the next great designer of our times...?

Impressing the ladies with his wisdom.

Trouble following trouble...

Escape Artist Series

Yo,Cat. What's Up.

Ratatouille was lucky this time, the kitty cat was fed some fresh bread. Next time mousy boy -it will be you.

Just Like The French Do It, But In Texas

Although la Madeleine is a chain restaurant, and we avoid those as much as possible, they do have great food for a Sunday morning brunch while waiting for the barber shop to open. $1.99 for a mini-parfait and some quality time with the kiddo in a surprisingly uncrowded joint, can't beat it.

I'll Take Two Of Those Shiny Red Boxes

What do two boys do when momma has to work on a Sunday afternoon? Hardware store. No doubt.

Shopping for some grass seeds and yard bags, we just couldn't help ourselves but to wander up and down every aisle, grazing like two cows in a field. Like a women in a shoe store, men just can't help themselves in a good mom and pop tool shop, and always end buying more than you anticipated going in. Got help the local economy in these tough times...

Happy as a kid in a candy store. I feel the same way kid.

Count-Chocola

The Girl Next Door

Every boy dreams of the hometown girl next door. Maybe our boy has found his.

The Ties That Bind

The better half of my parents child rendering years was able to spend the weekend with us, and he brought the little tykes along to have some good 'ol times.


Since the water guns broke out, and we are in Texas. I figured all the kids needed criminal names to go by, just like in the old west days. You know, just in case they need to hide from the law.


This one, well, they call him Pistol Packing Pete:


This little guy goes by Wrong Way Willie:
And this little lady, well, she is known around these parts as Fast Draw Frannie.

$100 reward for any anonymous calls that lead to their arrest and conviction.

Random Kid With Great Last Name

Dreamin' Big League Style

The Cat's Meow

Beyond the cowboy hats, oil wells, and miles and miles of ranches; Fort Worth also happens to house one of the top minor league baseball teams in the country.

League champions for the past three seasons, the Fort Worth Cats have a long legacy in Fort Worth. Historic LeGrave Field has been in these parts for generations, and the resurgence of the Cats over the last few years has added yet another bonus to our city.

Beckett, Momma Beckett and Daddy Beckett helped kick start Father's Day the right way, with an evening of tailgate sitting and baseball watching. Just like any dad would want.

A welcome sight upon our arrival - The San Diego Chicken.

The boys lead the way to the park.

Power struggle for the all-mighty stroller.

A proud dad.

Published Manliness.

With Dad's Day around the corner it is natural to start touching on the subject of fatherhood and what it means to us dads and our dads.

One of the many blogs that I follow, The Art of Manliness, is a great site for men. It is basically a blended version of fashion, what being a man means, and various lessons learned and tid-bits of information. A variable plethora of information for us dudes. Anyways, a few days ago they asked for comments as to what your dad taught you growing up and then they would publish the for all to read. I got two post in. Following are a few blurbs from what I wrote that my dad taught my brother and I growing up.

On Manning Up:

“Never start a fight, but if someone starts one with you, kick their ass and deal with the consequences later. It will teach them a lesson and show everyone that you are not one to push - because you will push back harder.”

Balancing Work and Family:
"My father owned his own pharmacy for about 6 years, between my ages of 11 to 17. Many weeks he worked a minimum of 60 hours, leaving before the sun came up and always coming home late. However; in all of that, he would always make it to any sporting event or extra-curricular activity that was possible. Never complaining of how tired he was, just showing how proud he was of me and my brother. That to me, showed not only how you can balance a career and a family, while remaining successful, but also showed me that hard work and a pure work ethic will take you where you want to be in life."

Thanks Pops for these life lessons, they will definitely be passed on to the next generations.