P52 - Week 44 - Second Showing

Fun fact: I'm addicted to radio call-in games!

Over the years, by playing these games, I've managed to win a wide range of fun treats! I picked up some cash one year ON MY BIRTHDAY. It's not unusual to be awarded restaurant gift certificates. And once, Wonder Dad and I ended up with tickets to see the American Gladiators in a live show!

This fall, I lucked out and picked up tickets to the Texas Renaissance Festival! We try to make it there each year, but it is always more fun when you get to go for FREE!


This fire-wielding fellow's name is Arsene. We had the pleasure of catching his act at the Colorado Renaissance Festival when we were visiting Colorado Springs in August and we enjoyed him every bit as much this second time around. In fact, I think I may have enjoyed this performance even more because I had a scare that I had lost my cell phone back in Colorado. And since that was not weighing on me this time, I was able to fully enjoy the show!

It's been a tough month, but it sure has been nice to have this little escape back in time to take our minds off of things!

P52 - Week 43 - Dapper Dan Man

It's orchestra concert night at Wonder Boy's high school, so it's a chance to see our favorite guy get dressed to the 9s in his tux!

He's in need of a hair cut, so he had to use a generous amount of pomade (actually, hair gel) to get this dapper look down, so we dubbed him our "Dapper Dan Man!"


Two points if you know the movie reference!

Now ... off to the concert!

P52 - Week 42 - the Grands

It's been a long couple of weeks, planning Papi's funeral. The headaches have been constant along with the ache in my heart.

But this bunch right here (& a few more not in the frame) has kept me going in large part.


I am glad that most of them really don't understand why everyone is so blue. They have cookies and punch and all of the cousins are together - a set of circumstances that is usually reserved for holidays - so to them, it feels a lot like a party.

And really, THAT is what Papi would have wanted. Like my sweet mom that went earlier this year, Papi really didn't do depressing. He did big laughs, family, and he NEVER turned down a cookie and a Coke-a-cola. So raise your bright red can of carbonated sugar water, take a bite of your favorite cookie, and wish our favorite guy a peaceful passing!

P52 - Week 41 - Papi

I really don't know where to start. I really don't want to start at all.

My Papi passed away last week and my heart is too heavy for comment. So I will just leave this here. It is probably my favorite photo of the two of us - at least my favorite with me as an adult, taken a few Christmases ago.


I love you Papi. And I will miss you forever and a day.

P52 - Week 40 - Super Sweet 16

Sixteen is a serious milestone! Wonder Boy is not one for big celebrations but we can't let a bid day like this go by without some kind of shin dig to mark the occasion.


The Boy requested his all time favorite dinner - carnitas served in bacon taco shells - and a nice big pizookie for dessert.

We've had a tough week, so ordering up a favorite dinner and dessert was the very least we could do! And in the end, I think he had a good day.

As for me, I really can't gush enough with how proud we are of this young man. He is the light in our lives! I love his wacky sense of humor and his insatiable curiosity. I admire his self confidence and his gentle heart.

I am so proud of this amazing SIXTEEN year old! He is my favorite 16 year old in the history of 16 year olds.