WINDING UP SUMMER VACATION

Zoey and I are winding up our summer vacation and getting ready for the new school year. We've been busy this summer and our last venture was our trip to Yogi Bear Jellystone Park in Waller, Texas. We try to frequent this park at least twice a year. It's within 2 hours' drive from home and Zoey loves the water park and slides and riding her bike. They had these cool three-wheel bikes to rent. Of course, now Zoey has put one on her list to Santa. They also have fishing and arts & crafts, and at the end of the day, they have an outdoor theatre where everyone gathers on the ground and watches a movie. There's cute little cabins to rent, RV sites or you can pitch a tent (not). After five days swimming and enjoying the sun, it's time to get back to reality. Zoey will start a brand new private school this year in first grade where she'll get to make lots of new friends and memories.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY

My Darling Delight Zoey turned 7 years old on Friday August 1st. We were out of town for her celebration at the Texas Youth Rodeo Finals in Gonzales, Texas. It was hotter than the Sahara but we managed to stay cool swimming in the local Elk's Lodge pool where we celebrated with yet a third birthday party. One word of advice, don't wait to buy a cake in Gonzales, Texas. The local HEB only had four cakes and they were all chocolate. Zoey was convinced that if she didn't have a white cake with "Happy Birthday, Zoey" inscribed on it, she wouldn't turn 7 and would have to stay 6 yet another year. The closest "white" birthday cake I could find was 45 minutes away. After much debate with my little birthday girl, she agreed we could take 7 cupcakes and form them in the shape of a 7 and put candles on them. After all the hoopla about the cake, it turned out great and she forgot about the much needed birthday cake with all the excitement of her presents. After all, this would be her third cake so far.

My 9 year old niece who we were attending the finals for, took home two first place awards and won the title of TYRA State Champion pole bender for the year and toted home two beautiful handmade Tod Slone saddles, of which she gave one to Zoey. Zoey is all fired up and says to look for her next year at the finals. Since we've been home, I haven't been able to pry her off her horse. She says she's practiting up for next year.