A Trip Home

Tuesday morning, Mallory and I packed up and headed to East Texas for a couple of days. My hometown, Hughes Springs, is about 120 miles East of where we live and I was excited to go and take Mallory to where I grew up. We've been to HS twice since Mallory was born but both were quick trips. I was looking forward to going for a couple of nights and introducing Mallory to friends. I hope you enjoy going down memory lane with me a little too :)

When we were getting ready to go, I ask Mallory if she wanted Minnie and she reached out for her so I handed Minnie to her. Mallory hugged her so tight and didn't want to let her go.

It was a beautiful day for the drive. I love all the trees!

We always stay with our close family friend, Joyce, when we go. Growing up, I stayed at Joyce's house many nights and I hope we will get to go back often with Mallory. I love her house, land and pond. It's so peaceful where she lives. My home away from home.

Mallory and Joyce on her swing.

Mallory loved having all the room to walk/run around

Joyce has a coy pond at her house and they fed the fishies every night

Mallory and I went down to the dock on the pond. Joyce's husband, Earl, built this all by himself and I love these pictures that I got of Mallory walking on the dock. Earl passed away in 2006 and we miss him dearly. I know he would love to see Mallory enjoying walking on the dock he built.

After visiting the dock, it was time to play in the sprinklers

Mallory didn't like it at first so we turned just one on and she played in it for a long time.

And then it was Bath Time :)

Wednesday, we spent the day visiting friends.

This is one of my good high school friends, Ashley, her husband Stephen and their kiddos Addison & Brody.

 Wednesday, I also drove around and went to my old houses I grew up.

This is where I lived from 1982 - 1990

And this is where I lived from 1990 - 2000. I have so many memories in both of these houses. It was nice to drive by and see them again. It makes me think of the song "The House That Built Me" by Miranda Lambert. That's how I feel about these houses.

Hello HSHS - Hughes Springs High School - Class of 2000 :)

I visited some more friends Wednesday night and Thursday on our way home. I love the friendships that even though we haven't seen each other in a while, we pick up right where we left off and have a good time catching up.

And these two pics are two of the things Mallory broke at Joyce's house. Into everything? Yes. Toddler proof house? No. The poor rabbit's ear broke as did the chimes. Thankfully Joyce didn't mind at all. Who wants to have us over next??? ha!

I had so much fun with my little girl visiting my hometown. I know she won't remember the trip but I will. As much fun as it was, it was wonderful to come home and see Daddy!

Swinging with my little girl on the swing I would swing in many nights growing up. Thankful for this time together!