Weekend in Hughes Springs

Ryan and I on Joyce's back porch swing

This weekend Ryan and I traveled to east Texas to his hometown of Hughes Springs. Ryan grew up in Hughes Spring until his family moved away when he was 14. I love getting to drive through the beautiful pine woods and see all the places that are special to him. It's true that some of the places we drive by are really nothing impressive, but just seeing them helps me understand him better. Some places we always point out as we drive by are:

* The old house where a lady was murdered by a felon escaped from a train

* Kiddie Campus where Cindy left Greg when he was a kid

* His friend's house

* The many houses the Bradley family lived in over the years

* The house that his gymnastic teacher used to live and teach in

* Hughes Springs ISD school (the elementary, middle school, and high school are all right next to each other)


We left Friday afternoon as soon as I could get home and get packed. While driving we became hungry for home style cooking in a hurry, so of course we stopped at Grandy's in Greenville. I hardly ever eat at Grandy's but it is the one fast food place that I remember my mom actually taking me to frequently when I was a child. The place was packed on a Friday night. We were the 3rd table.


When we go to Hughes Springs Ryan and I always stay with Joyce. Joyce has a long history of friendship with the Bradley family and Ryan thinks of her as another grandmother. She lives in a home out in the country that is in the same exact spot as the log cabin she was born in. How many people can say that? Well we woke up at Joyce's Saturday morning and made a big pancake breakfast all together. Then Ryan and I went to do some shopping in downtown Hughes Springs. I love this store called Teel and Company. They have fun jewelry and things for the home. There was lots I wanted to buy, but didn't because I couldn't figure where I would put the things I wanted. Such discipline.

If you look carefully you can see Joyce's house through the trees.

What a beautiful sunset.

We went back to Joyce's and that afternoon Ryan parents, Bruce and Cindy, stopped by. They happened to be passing through and it was fun to get to see them. We sat around and played games for a few hours. Bruce and I were partners and won at Pegs and Jokers. I secretly think Joyce and the Bradley's made this game up, but I love playing it. We also played Russian Rummy and Monopoly Deal. I think it is absolutely wonderful that we can sit around with the Bradley's and play games for such a long time. So many families are too busy to enjoy time like this. Oh how I love to play games. Even when I lose......

Saturday night, we all went out to eat at Catfish Village. They have the best all you can eat fried catfish. We ate and ate and ate. I think Ryan had 11 in all! We always go eat catfish when we stay with Joyce. After dinner we came home, the Bradleys left, and we watched an old movie called Izzie and Moe about 2 old men who become prohibition agents during the 1920's. It was such a good old fashioned movie. Finally Joyce went to bed and we were left to entertain ourselves.

The guest room where Ryan and I stay has lots of old hats. We decided to play dress up. Why not take advantage of fun hats? Let me mention at this point how much I absolutely adore my husband. He is so funny and will do anything that he thinks will make me laugh.

I love that we can play around and be goofy. This is how I know that he is my soul mate.

On Sunday we headed home after church. Thanks for a wonderful weekend, Joyce! This picture was taken on Spring Break 2 years ago, but we pretty much look the same :)