"Honor the Texas flag..."

I am a proud Texan.

I even say the pledge of allegiance to Texas every day at work. I even validate the reasoning for saying the Texas pledge to students who whine, "Because we just do, okay!?"

I took Texas history in 7th grade and twice in college (don't ask).

Texas IS bigger and better. The people ARE friendlier. The girls ARE definitely prettier.

That being said, I have one complaint, Texas. We don't have seasons; we especially always skip Fall. And, I hear it's wonderful.

I hear that in some states girls get to wear their amazing new boots before January. I hear that the leaves change colors and September means a shift in the air.

I wish we had Fall. I wish that I could wear my fun, new boots tomorrow and not feel like I was out of place. I mean, it is going to be late September by tomorrow.

My boots are actually being shipped to me, and I don't even have them, yet. So, I wish I did have them already AND that they were "in season" by something other than the date on the calendar.

What do you think, fellow Texas ladies? Should I go by the date on the calendar or the weather in the air? When can we wear our new boots!?

The new boots:

Clinton, OK

Over Labor Day weekend we went to visit Miles' family in Oklahoma. Clinton is in western Oklahoma, and both of his parents grew up there. His grandmother, aunt and uncle, and cousins are always excited and welcoming, when we get to go visit!

Here is the family tree, so to speak, so you can keep up with this post:

Grandmommy, Phil and Karen's mother
Uncle Harold and Aunt Karen, who have three grown sons with families of their own:
Jeff and Kim, parents of Lynlea and Mitchell
Chris and Amanda, parents of Reagan, Maelea, and Kit
Aaron and Amy, parents of Patrick, Blair, and Craig

Sorry in advance, Patrick and Mitchell, but you ran off after calves and girls, so I didn't get your picture.

When we arrived, we went to eat at the White Dog. It is a really amazing restaurant, dug out of natural rock, and it was gggooooooooddd.



Grandmommy and Aunt Karen at White Dog


The lovely ladies with Uncle Harold


Miles and Lynlea

On a wonderfully cool morning, we went to the Littke farm. This is Miles' mom's family's land. Miles' grandad grew up on this land! He and Matt have a lot of fond memories from visiting here as they grew up.















Sunday night we went to dinner at Chris and Amanda's house. We thought it was funny that Aaron and Miles wore matching shirts.



Matt, Miles, Aaron, and Chris

Then we were off to the rodeo in Elk City!


Amanda, Maelea, and Reagan
Craig, Kit, and Aaron


Kit, Craig, Amy, and Aaron


Kim and Jeff


Sarina and Maelea



Blair and Reagan


Amanda and me

My favorite part of the rodeo was the calf scramble. There were seriously about two hundred kids who chose to participate.


The calves had no chance!


Late entries were allowed, and I believe this young boy has the makings of a real cowboy.


We finished off the trip with breakfast at the Branding Iron with Grandmommy and a visit to Aunt Karen and Uncle Harold's house. It was a great trip, and we look forward to seeing everyone again soon!!


O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A, Oklahoma, OK!!