Old McAubrey had a Bulldog???

Daddy has wanted a bulldog, well, for as long as Mommy has known him.  After much plotting, planning, and Gigi finding an ad in the paper...Daddy was surprised with our new dog, Lola.  The set up was perfect.  Mommy and Auntie Barbara dropped hints all week.  Daddy was easily conned into driving the rest of his family up to Great Uncle Aubrey's to spend the weekend while Daddy went to a wedding.  He had NO idea he was about to get his very own bulldog!

Meet Lola, the new girl on the block!

Here's a pic of Daddy and Nate loving on the bulldog they thought was Uncle Aubreys

Mommy could hardly contain her excitement so she immediately told Daddy to look at the tag, which of course had our address on it.  I am not sure who was more excited, the kids or Daddy (but Mommy pretty much immediately had buyer's remorse after hearing her snort just trying to breathe and watching her slobber).  She is a very gentle dog and will receive a lot of love in our house!

And here is Daddy after the realization set in that Lola is coming home with us! 

The kids immediately fell in love with her too.  Honestly, I am not sure who was most pleased.  'Rissa definitely had the most giggles about Lola!

 The excitement did not end with Lola.  Uncle Aubrey has some land and some farm animals.  The kids were able to get up close and personal with the animals (under supervision from family, of course).

They got to ride horses (bareback)

 Nathaniel was so thrilled after riding the first time, he proudly proclaimed "Did you see me ride Bullseye, Mommy?" (the horse on Toy Story 2). 

'Rissa and Gigi got in some sweet snuggle time as 'Rissa napped.  Otherwise she was pretty hard to contain!

We got to climb on real hay bales

 Which Nathaniel loved way more than 'Rissa!

Then he got to feed the cows hay.  I have to give Aubrey and Nancy credit for the most hilarious names for their cattle...Hamburger Helper, Brisket, Rib-eye, and Oreo (I know not in the meat family, but fitting for the cow), just to name a few.

Every 10 minutes or so, we had to go back and check on Lola!

 And of course, playing in the sand is always a big hit.

 Lola was never too far away!

 It was perfect weather and a beautiful evening... (not to mention Texas Tech upset OU that evening and U of H won their game - Mommy and Daddy were both happy!).

Day 2 was full of more excitement

Well, 'Rissa did not care much for this:

Nancy and Nate were able to pet the cows and one even gave Nate a kiss!  He was not a fan of the rough tongue.

Then Nate decided he wanted to walk the horse....that lasted about one circle before he decided he would rather ride Buddy and let Molly the Mule walk by them.

The Uncle Aubrey (or Uncle Rob-Rey as Nate calls him) got out the tractor!  I am telling you it was Heaven for Nathaniel!  Nate did not care much for the noise but Marissa did not mind at all.  Nate did love riding in the bucket for a few up and down trips!

 A quick photo op with their Great Uncle-now-legend Aubrey...

 It was such a great weekend.  I did not even mention we got to camp out (well in a luxurious 5th wheel) under the amazing stars that we certainly do not get to see in the city.  Nate was very excited about "camping" and Mommy was excited there was a mattress!

I cannot thank my family enough for helping me surprise Ted with Lola (although I may quickly regret the extra mopping I will be doing now) and Aubrey and Nancy for their hospitality and amazing food.  This is a trip we will not soon forget.  Every bit of it was magical (to city slickers like us).

But when asked what his favorite thing was, he replied wihtout hesitation, "Picking up sticks"!  Go figure!

On the way home we stopped to see Grandma and Grandpa Yancy -where we watched the Texans thump the Titans. 

And Nate got to make cookies with Grandma



Yes, it truly was a PERFECT weekend!