East Texas in Fall

This past week was a busy one. Ryan got to attend a pastor's conference in California while Eva and I stayed home. When he returned we headed to Hughes Springs, Texas where he grew up. We always stay with his family friend, Joyce. We spent lots of time visiting, playing games, and eating way too much food. While it was a really good time away, I'll be honest and say that traveling with a toddler is hard. They don't quite grasp the meaning of "let's just relax." She did sleep the most of the way there and back - which was unusual and awesome - but oh man, did she have a lot of energy and opinions about what she wanted to do.

Eva's favorite part was Joyce's cat, Little Bit. Eva LOVES Little Bit. Little Bit does not feel the same way about Eva. But when she would be tolerant, Eva go to pet her. Too bad I'm allergic to cats so Eva will never have one.

When we got to Joyce's the first thing we did was to show Eva the fish pond. We took her there a year ago but she didn't remember anything.

She also spent lots of time on the swing with Miss Joyce. I do love a good porch swing. 

Every  time we go to Joyce's the weather is either hot or freezing or raining. Thankfully the weekend we picked to go was perfect. It was cool and absolutely gorgeous weather for walking around outside. Every little kid should have a place like this where they can run and learn about nature. I wish Eva could do this every month day.

While we were there we planned on taking a family Christmas card photo using a tripod with our own camera. This was one of my practice shots. It cracks me up that it looks so much like the stern photos people used to take. Can you imagine using a shot like this on our card???? We won't.

And we won't be using this outtake either! I'm sure most family photo sessions have a moment like this. Those cute little diva's just can't last too long. I've figured out there is a reason why professional photographers get paid good money to snap some family pictures - it's not easy working with a toddler and setting up a great picture. One day I might need to hand the camera over to a professional.

Look at those trees! They are so tall and beautiful! Joyce's family has owned this land for forever and her parent's once had a log cabin in the same location where the modern house now sits. Can you imagine the adventures a kid could have out here?

Loving my little girl! This wasn't a planned shot, she just got tired so I picked her up right as Ryan had the camera out. Good timing. 

There is also a private pond and pier that we walked down to. One afternoon I sat and had my quiet time down there and it was so peaceful. While I'm dreaming of having land like this I think I'll add a pond and pier to my dream.

Better pump that water if you want a bath! Haha, well not quite. The water in the house is well water but we didn't have to pump it ourselves. Can you imagine life like that? Also at this point it started to drizzle and you can see the rain drops splashing into the water behind Eva. Be still my heart. 

Thankful for nature. Thankful for time with God. Thankful for time with my family.