Plano Clays

It's been a while!

2009-12-29T19:43:00.014-06:00

Hooty hoo . . . how are you!

We've been very, very B-U-S-Y. Running from Mimi!

And against my better judgement at Halloween, dressing like a monkey!

We got to hang out in Jerry's new deathstar. Hey Mr. Jones, how 'bout . . . buying a few big ole signs that say "L-A-N-D-R-Y!"

Learning to fly helicopters while digesting some turkey.

Playing jack-in-the-box with Unca Wade makes me laugh like crazy!

Hang loose . . . Christmas pics are coming soon!

Random fun!

2009-10-27T22:44:00.007-05:00

Howdy! Where the heck have you been????

The water finally receded in the pool . . . ugh, sandbox! But the soil's a bit too wet to plant more beans.

Baby punkins (but not the baby) . . . only $1.50!!!!

We still love the evening walks. Mush Momma!!!!!

We've been practicing for Halloween. I know it's not fair to just show this shot . . . more pics will come in due time.

Later gator!

Who stole our baby????

2009-08-10T21:10:00.008-05:00

I believe our "baby" days are almost over. Coop's looking . . . and acting . . . more like a little boy every day!

He's definitely running, jabbering, and most recently, learning to drive a boat. Capt Dale . . . Thanks for the cruise on the "Nota-Lota-Yachta".

He's learning to climb to new heights although the fireplace hearth isn't very interesting once he's arrived.

He's ready to go with a moment's notice.

But nothing beats a cold one with Momma right before bed.

See you soon!

Hey hey, it's May . . . . barely.

2009-05-19T20:34:00.006-05:00

Yes, it's been 2 months since our last post. We've been very, very busy.

Picking up sticks in the 'hood.

Eating dessert . . .

And, doing the dishes!

Bangin' on the coffee table.

And, bangin' on pots.

Of course, Ms. Maggie needs fresh water every evening.

No, we won't wait so long until the next post. Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Happy Birthday Coop!

2009-03-15T21:49:00.012-05:00

Over the last few weeks we've experienced some incredible changes in our little man. He's quite the explorer.

He's pulling up and shuffling around the furniture.

He still loves being outside. Of course, his newfound mobility makes it much more fun.

Last Friday, we met Aunt Neva and Granddad for haircuts and lunch in Corsicana. Here's the before.

The during.

And, the after . . . he simply was having too much fun to fuss!!!!

Finally, yesterday we celebrated his first year. The cupcakes were as yummy as they were messy.

And, how about a little fun on his first full day as a one-year-old?

It's spring time . . . hope to see you soon!

Cooper's back!!!

2009-02-09T22:04:00.024-06:00

Thank you all so much for your concerns with our recent health scare.

Starting on Friday, January 23rd, we spent four days in the hospital with Cooper. On his last day with the football helmet, he ended the day in a funk with a mild fever . . . we gave him Tylenol and wrote it off to teething. Then, he starting having seizures at bedtime. In no particular order, a bevy of tests and about 3 dozen needle sticks later - all of which were clear, the doctors at Children's Hospital Dallas deduced that they were caused by a high fever resulting from a viral infection. We're definitely grateful for his clean bill of health . . .

Thank goodness for the hospital's fleet of red wagons and a few awesome nurses . . . especially, Ms. Shelley.

Upon his return home, he quickly caught up on the latest Cabela's advertisements, resumed "the chase of Chigger" and evaluated the soil quality in the potted plants.

Donna and Dale kept Cooper during our transition back to work. Thank you both!

In the weekends since, we've been working the yard. Specifically, we're starting a garden this year. Cooper is still not sure about the sticky grass, but he's proving to be a wonderful supervisor.

This last weekend, we put the finishing touches on the 2nd bed. Note the supervisor's smirk.

All gardens need good worms. We picked up a few dozen of WalMart's finest to keep our soil aerated.

We'll be planting soon!

Until next time!

It just keeps getting better!

2009-01-21T20:38:00.009-06:00

Despite the cold workweeks, we've luckily had some decent weekends lately. Cooper has always loved it outside. He even gets excited when we check the mail in the evenings. This summer is going to be so much fun!

He's now able to sit on his "trucks" and push himself around backwards. Bouncing on them looks painful, but he really has fun.

Have a great week!

Cooper's First Christmas

2008-12-29T23:18:00.021-06:00

Wonderful times with our little man on his first Christmas. I'm sure next year will be a bit more interesting for him . . . but that will happen soon enough.

Chigger Kitty has adjusted well to her new home. Cooper thinks she's the coolest thing in the house - she's not too sure about the squealing kid though.

Let the fun begin!

These little shiny things are cool . . . .

Timeout on the red team . . .

Thanks for the bottle Momma. I'm going back in . . .

I'm beginning to get the hang of this!

No, Maggie won't fit!

And then he tells us the next day . . . all he wanted was a box!

Aunt Neva . . . Christmas time makes me tired.

Our best gift came back in March . . . he's grown a little since.

Have a wonderful and safe New Year's weekend! -TPC

It's beginning to look a lot like . . . .

2008-12-17T22:15:00.012-06:00

Christmas! Coop's first Christmas!

Two weekends ago, we had a wonderful outing sans little man for the Processes Unlimited Holiday . . . nope, Christmas Party. We all had a great dinner and saw the ice carvings at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine. Very, very cool . . . figuratively and literally. Thanks ProU!

A gingerbread house made of ice. I've been in quite a few ice houses . . . never one quite like this.

Holly's always wanted a goat. This one seems pretty easy to care for.

We had fun this last weekend meeting Santa (Ken) at the Allen Harley Shop.

Cooper did really well . . . unfortunately, the smiles didn't show up in our pics.

The smiles were certainly plentiful on the other side of the shop. We both thought that a new scooter would make a wonderful present! Oh, what color should we pick?

And look, they have mirrors too! Smiles at the Harley shop, smiles at Bass Pro, digs big ole slobbery dogs . . . I believe Cooper's going to make a great co-conspirator. Heehee!

Bath time (aka, swimming) is the best . . . for us all.

I hope the rest of your week and weekend are wonderful. He's checking his list, checking it twice . . . .

December . . . really?

2008-12-05T04:16:00.012-06:00

Yes, it's true. December is upon us. I really miss the winters in God's Country (that's the Texas Panhandle for you non-believers). Not that I miss them, but a distinct change of seasons better synchronizes my mental calendar. My biological programming believes that falling leaves and a low 30°F overnight temps are more indicative of football season in early October . . . not 20 days until Christmas.

As always, I'm behind on the blog updates. I love making the posts and will continue to do so. But due to the volume of pictures, the blog really doesn't very well facilite viewing and distribution of piles of fun memories and silly moments. I hope to set up an online photo album before the year's end. On to the random fun!

Silliness with Mom and Bro in Plano!

We had an awesome Thanksgiving / early Christmas with the Huntsville gang. Thank you! Pics of Coop's raindeer outfit will come in very, very handy someday.

Hope to see you again sooner . . . rather than later! TGIF!

She's wearing her wings

2008-11-20T17:21:00.012-06:00

When I started this blog thing, our wish was to share our little present, Cooper, with friends and family from a far. Unfortunately, life sometimes throws you lemons.

Cooper's Gigi (aka, Gloria, Gloria Faye, Faye, Momma, Mombee, and my Plano mom) passed away early Tuesday, Nov 18th after an 8+ month battle with pancreatic cancer. Her pain is no longer, and I know that God just received a proud new officer in his "Welcome Home" committee.

Throughout her life, her desire to serve God and others never ceased. And, her compass was always true through fun times and rotten ones. Her life and actions touched the lives of hundreds of friends and acquaintences due to her tireless, selfless, and caring nature. She was the perfect example of "to have a friend, you must be a friend."

She was amazingly strong throughout her awful illness and treatments. Her goal over her last months was to set an example for Holly and her nieces . . . to teach them to be strong through the worst in life. Once again, I really think she humbly underestimated her influence . . . she had been setting an example for us all throughout her life.

After several rounds of treatment in Plano, she went to MD Anderson for further consultation. Unfortunately, complications halted further treatment. After "the talk" - you know, the one that we all fear - she expressed concern for her doctor for having to regularly deliver such bad news to his patients. His response was so fitting. He explained that if it weren't for these tough situations, he would never meet people like her.

We were blessed to have been loved by her. Until we meet again . . .

Almost Halloween!

2008-10-31T13:00:00.008-05:00

Today's the day . . . Coop's first Halloween. He's excited . . . note the enthusiasm.

So far, sweet 'taters, carrots, and peaches are pretty tasty. They're even better when you wear them.

Cooper recently acquired some new hardware . . . see #2 on the way?

Speaking of hardware. We've had many questions about Coop's football helmet. He really doesn't seem too bothered by this thing . . . but he sure likes when it comes off! Only about 11 more weeks pal . . .

So, have you voted yet?

"One picture is worth 1,000 denials." - R. Reagan

Quick update!

2008-10-06T22:55:00.006-05:00

Coop had his 1st ear infection last week and his 1st tooth is coming in as well . . . he's really suffering. See below!

Catching flak from all directions!!!

2008-09-08T21:55:00.017-05:00

OK, I get the hint . . . . more pictures!

This little guy is the absolute best. Cooper wakes up smiling, goes to sleep smiling, and busts out a few dozen of these every day.

We're not sure if they're sexy, but big 'ole 4-wheel drive diesel tractors definitely make little and big boys smile! Running the loader or mowing a pasture in the comfort of an air-conditioned cab while listening to the radio . . . how stinking cool! It even has windshield wipers and flood lights! Now if we can only sneak our favorite CD in there . . . "Head shoulders knees and toes . . . knees and toes!"

Cooper is one accidental head or leg flop from becoming a master of the roll over. He's also testing the crawling waters . . . either that or the Olympic swimming footage inspired him.

The front "wheels" work well . . .

And the back "wheels" work well . . . they just don't quite work together yet!

We enjoyed another great weekend in Huntsville recently. The group picture taken immediately before a typhoon blew the dock chairs into the lake turned out really well. I didn't realize how patriotic I was that day . . . red, blue, and pale!

Coop and I went shopping at Bass Pro while Mommy helped with Auntie Meagan's wedding planning. We came home with a new camo hat . . . a Cooper-sized camo hat! Mommy approved of the acquisition!

We also got see FC Dallas take on the highly overpaid David Beckham and some other guys from LA (well, a seriously doubt any of them are from LA). Coop sported his other cool hat during the festivities. Thanks for the outing "formerly Dean Oliver"!

We celebrated Gigi's birthday this last weekend. Happy Birthday GFH!

6-month checkup on Friday!

Hop to see you soon!

Fabulous Four!

2008-07-13T13:48:00.012-05:00

Middle of July already?

We've had a fun month since the last post, and Mr. Coop is growing like a weed. He hit four months on Monday and weighed in at 15 lbs 3 oz. And, he been sleeping 7+ hours every night for the last 8-10 weeks. Yippee!

Cooper is really a very happy kid, and he's clearly benefitted from his momma's "smiley" genes. He loves going to "school" during the work week. And honestly . . . there really is nothing better than a big Cooper grin and a little "chat" in the morning or right after work. Coop's quite the charmer . . . note the crooked grin below.

We have had a few great visits with Granddad. Don't worry Coop . . . you will think that all that chaos at Cici's is just good, clean fun in no time.

Fireworks at the lake was a blast. We really thought that Cooper might be scared, but he really seemed to get a kick out of the noise and bright lights. Thanks to the the Paradise Bay gang for another great evening.

Cooper helped me celebrate big number 3-8 (ouch). Candles are truly fascinating! He also got me some bubbles which we all . . . especially Maggie . . . have enjoyed . . . in the house! Hee! Hee!

"Yes Cooper, boys CAN fly . . . but you certainly don't have to enjoy it!"

I'm very much behind on pics and will post another update very soon. Have a wonderful week!

3 Months and Father's Day!

2008-06-16T23:37:00.005-05:00

Cooper hit the big three month mark on Saturday. He's very much transitioning into a little man. He giggles and "talks" to us at times. Here he's practicing his yells . . . "Go Stars!"

Coop adores this little puppy dog that sings and kicks his legs. Witnessing his amusement is the perfect prescription for a long day. For a small phenomenal charge, a performance can be arranged upon request.

Cooper has found his tongue! In a few desperate efforts to calm unmentionable storms, we found a trick that's very amusing to all involved. With repetition, these highly refined developmental techniques will prove very beneficial to Cooper when slinging a hammer, hitting a jump shot, guiding a putt into the cup, or catching a lunker in the not-so-distant future.

On my first Father's Day, we filled up with some $4 gas and took a roadtrip to Cooper Lake and the nearby town of Cooper, TX. The lake is 19,000 acre gem with great campsites and a profound absense of traffic . . . we highly recommend checking it out. And besides, the name kinda has a ring to it!

Have a wonderful week!

Oops! I did it again!

2008-06-16T22:33:00.018-05:00

Yes, we . . . well, I let another few weeks slip by. It will take me a few days to catch up on the festivities. Thank you very much for your patience.

Cooper has been making the rounds prepping for Holly's return to work. We enjoyed a pool party at the Land homestead on Memorial Day.

Kids everywhere . . . from 3 months to several hundred months in age!

He's informed the Marriott family that Momma's really responsive when you cry. Just beware . . . you may be forced to burp or get a pacifier stuck in your mouth if you use that card.

He, Holly, and Gigi had a great lunch in Corsicana with the Paradise Bay gang.

He had a great weekend with the G-Moms, Aunt Neva, and Uncle Wade.

"I don't care who you are, that's funny" - LTCG. I believe he was a bit amused to smile through a pacifier.

Coop may not have inherited his mother's stinky feet . . . this didn't wake the usually grumpy sleeping giant.

C-O-M-F-O-R-T.

OK, we're smiling . . . and you're still in front of the TV!

Richland's own Dr. B stopped in for a visit with the ladies.

No matter what . . . toys rock!

More later!

A fine Week Nine!

2008-05-20T21:36:00.014-05:00

They say that time flies when you're having fun. Coop is now 9 weeks old and weighs almost 12 lbs. He's becoming much more active, but he's still such an awesome cuddle buddy.

We had an incredible weekend with our Huntsville family. A wonderful Saturday in the country, a Jeep tour of the ranch, fish feeding / marshmallow roasts in the evening, a round of Sunday morning pasture pool, and a Sunday afternoon cookout made for a great break from the Dallas grind. Donna, Dale, Fenley, Louise, Taylor, and Lesa . . . thank you!

The survey is in . . . Cooper and Holly approve of porch swings.

And, Cooper loves recliner time with Donna.

Well, Cooper approves of almost anything if it involves a nap or stretching.

And, we all approve of a marshmallow roasts.

Cooper also received buckets of love from Louise, Taylor, and Lesa.

Cooper also met a very special friend in Corsicana. We call her "Say". We think she approves.

Taylor and Grey say "See y'all next time!"

Woohoo! We hope you all have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend!

Our main man Cooper . . .

2008-05-14T00:10:00.009-05:00

I'm awestruck and humbled. Cooper's changes are so subtle, but yet, so frequent.

During the first few weeks, he found lights and was startled by loud noises. Then, he started following us across the room or looking our direction when he heard our voices. Ceiling fans, skylights, and mobiles later became interesting distractions. And last week, he decided that there's a lot of stuff going on in the front yard . . . birds and bushes and cars and breezes. Today, Holly caught one of his first smiles.

For those of you that told me so . . . ok, you told me so.

"Aunt Neva, like I told Momma, "Power to the people!"

Two month checkup tomorrow!

Yes, we're still here . . . and having a ball!

2008-05-13T22:51:00.014-05:00

OK, I know that I've been a bit lax with recent postings. Guilty as charged!

We've had a blast over the past few weeks though. Cooper has met a bunch more new friends . . . from the top: Tim and Amber; Brianne; Becky B; and Jana, Brett, and "Turtle".

We had a wonderful evening with family in McKinney. Jana, Leo, Tina, Mike, and Peggy . . . thank you!

And, we've confirmed that reaction kinetics, mass balances, and physical chemistry are not likely Carlo's favorite hobbies. Again and again, Chef Carlo and his favorite sous chef (and wife) Bethany have proven their merit in the kitchen.

"God, this little baby is really cute. And, uh . . . I love holding him, but . . . well, umm . . . you know where I'm going . . . don't you?"

"Power to the people, Momma!"

More coming soon . . . very soon!

Road Trip!!!

2008-04-28T23:01:00.029-05:00

Last weekend, Cooper, Hotrod, and I took our first family road trip to Amarillo. Coop slept like a rock in the car . . . what a champ! Poor little guy missed Estelline and Chillicothe though.

He finally got to meet his proud grandmother Mimi. I think she approves, don't you?

And, he decided that hanging out with Uncle Wade is awesome.

We're sure Coop and Cuz Christian will have a ball together soon . . . just not during this weekend's pictures.

We popped in on Cooper's great grandfather, Chauncie Clay. He's always loved the babies, and he's loved on a whole bunch of them.

We had a wonderful evening with Uncle Billy, Aunt Jennifer, Megan, Hannah, and Sophie on Friday. We're related through the Aggie side of the family.

On Saturday, we had a great evening in Canyon with our aunts, uncles, and a bunch of cousins from the Clay tribe. A handful of pictures - from the top: a "dry" Aunt Cindy; Cuz Joseph - aka, "New Wheels"; Cuz Victoria, Coop, & Cuz Taylor ; and Cuz Mandy, Aunt Joan, Coop, et moi.

After threatening several unruly bed jumpers with his belt, Uncle Larry acquired a new nickname from two-year old Cuz Ryan J. We now call him "Uncle Ho Ho"!

Monkey see, monkey do!

This is the good stuff!

One Month . . . already?

2008-04-14T21:38:00.017-05:00

Holly took Cooper to his 1 month checkup today. He's up to 8 lbs 4 oz and doing very well. And, Mommy got to drive a car again. Yea Mommy!

Cooper had a few firsts this last week. On Saturday, we went to his first picnic at White Rock. Thanks to the Dean Oliver clan for a wonderful day.

He also decided that the floor isn't such a bad place to nap after a cool 6 oz "slurpee" . . . well, as long as he can bring his monkey, lion, tiger and elephant buddies.

Several Paradise Bay ladies made a trip north from the 'burbs of Corsicana to meet Coop and visit with his Gigi. Linda, Nita, Joy and Judy . . . thank you so much!

Cooper also met a whole mess of new friends. From the top, Kerri (and Sean P); Celena Adcock; CK and Kenny; Raider Forden, Michelle Lopez, & Raider Crunk; and the blonde Land "twins".

Cooper's not too sure about the camera flash though. This one might make for a great Sr yearbook picture in 2026! I'm sure we'll have boxes to choose from.

Have I mentioned how good Cooper looks in maroon?

Finally, here's a great one to leave on. Have a wonderful week . . . we'll be back soon!

Week Three!

2008-04-06T21:57:00.008-05:00

Cooper had a great checkup with Dr. Berry this week. He's now 7 lbs 4 ozs (up about a pound from when he came home) and has grown 3/4". He's been much more alert this week and his eyes work well at close range.He loves hanging out with with Mommy and Gigi.

But napping is still his favorite-ist activity of all.

Waking the Coop is a bit of a crash landing though! Trust me pal - don't fuss at Mommy too much.

A good one to end on . . . getting sleeeeepy!

See you next week!

Segunda semana de la Coop!

2008-03-30T21:01:00.011-05:00

Second week of the Coop! And what a week it was! Cooper had his first bath, slept longer at night, and has found that 3 oz of formula makes a much better meal.

Speaking of the bath, he's not too sure why they're necessary. His spirits were much better prior to the introduction of water.

He's beginning to enjoy just hanging out with us! I believe that everyone needs a skinny, huggie monkey!

Cooper loves his Momma! Anyone see a "slight" resemblance?

"Hey Dad, we both have multiple chins!"

Cooper met - well, slept on - Ms. Ashley for the first time on Sunday. Ashley, we promise that he'll open his eyes next time.

Maggie the Dog says, "Come see me . . . ugggh, us!"

More foolishness will come!

First Easter!

2008-03-23T21:27:00.014-05:00

What a wonderful day for a first Easter! Easter won't occur on March 23 for another 152 years!
Cooper met his proud Corsicana grandfather, SF Herod. That "hook 'em", devil-horn thing makes all the good babies cry! Gig 'em Coop!

Bossman Mike Rand and his bride, Gwen, stopped by to say "Howdy Cooper".

Aunt Louise and Uncle Fenley made the trip from outside Huntsville. Thanks for the visit and the yummy Easter dinner!

This picture makes my eyes "sweat".

The Coop's First Week!

2008-03-23T20:31:00.019-05:00

Has it really been a week? Changes are already evident. Here, he's practicing his monkey impersonation. We'll start working on the old clockwise / counterclockwise trick next week.

Upon arriving home from the hospital, Cooper got to spend some quality time with our awesome Aunt Neva. She and Cooper are quite the duo.

Cooper has met a few new friends this week. Ms. Meagan and Mr. Doug stopped by for a visit on Friday.

Cooper is already beginning to be a positive influence on others. Congratulations Mr. Doug for shredding your "youngest baby held" personal record by two whole weeks. How low can you go?

Cooper says, "Vibrating recliners with brightly-colored toys rock and make me sleepy!" And, you ladies don't understand the grown boys' fascination with recliners and remote controls???

Sometimes, silly captions are unnecessary.

Yes, we took pictures!

2008-03-16T19:06:00.018-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, we're pleased to introduce Cooper Paul Clay!!!! He's toasting under the french fry warmer in the OR about 3 minutes after his first breath, scream, and thrown punch. He's not too happy, but I wouldn't be either.

Does this really look like a young lady that's just experienced 8 hours of labor and is currently being stitched back together? We don't call her Smiley Girl for nothing.

Coop taking his lungs for a test drive. Man, they're built for speed.

We are about 1 hour post op back in the L&D room. He's a keeper! What a ride!

Sure to be quite the ladies' man, he started picking up chicks on the way to the hospital room. We think it might have been his wildman locks!

The first is one very proud grandmother, Gloria Faye Herod. After her promotion, we call her "Gigi" now. The second is our wonderful Cuz Donna from Huntsville.

Rockin out with the I-pod in the plastic bassinet. Actually, it's a hearing test, but you know how quickly they grow up these days.

Are you sure you were the pumpkin in Momma's belly? We're absolutely awestruck by Mr. Cooper! Speaking for us both, we love our new job!

More to come!

Welcome Cooper Paul Clay

2008-03-15T16:10:00.008-05:00

I apologize in advance for the lack of pictures.

At 20 inches, and 6 lbs - 14 oz, Mr. Cooper entered the world kicking and screaming at 4:21 PM Friday afternoon. For those of you that bet on a "girl" (and yes, I'm included), we were W-R-O-N-G.

We had to go the C-section route after 8 hours of labor. It proved to be a good call as Coop was facing the wrong direction. On his way out, he promptly threw a fist at the OB for pushing on his head throughout the afternoon. Atta boy! As always, Hotrod Holly was the biggest trooper during the whole ordeal. I'm so proud of her!

They're both doing very, very well. And, I really can't begin describe the emotional high that we're riding. As we Aggies have always struggled with explaining our Aggieland, "From the outside, it's hard to understand, and from the inside, it's hard to explain." Experiencing the birth of your offspring is so very similar. Our list of blessings is very, very long.

Pictures coming!

The night before . . . Walnut's arrival!

2008-03-13T22:14:00.008-05:00

Holly and Walnut have been sandbagging for the last week. But tomorrow morning, we'll trek to the hospital for the birthday party. Walnut's arrival will be induced. Holly packed this evening, and I fixed a toilet. What memories to cherish!

Here's a "night before" shot of the preggo! Even with her most impressive protuberance, the tape measure just ticks me off. I guess that I'll always be taller too!

We're taking bets on Walnut's gender. I'm with "girl", Holly's with "boy". Vote early, vote often.

Be back with you shortly . . . .

Hello March!!

2008-02-28T21:53:00.012-06:00

Yes, January and February were very busy.

We've spent some great times with family and friends, pretty much closed the short-term home project punchlist, and learned everything about labor, breastfeeding and Presby Plano. Two weeks and counting, the nursery is prepped and ready to for Walnut to join us.

Speaking of prepped . . . Wow! Hotrod waited until the last two months to look preggo. She does it well. What a champ!

And of course, Maggie is now very much accustomed to her evenings in the house, and she's fully convinced that people - at least the male variety - are total idiots. She knows that something's up with the baby room and all, but she'll figure it all out soon enough. She's really shown her true colors over the last few months, and she'll be great with the munchkin. This is probably the best picture she's ever taken . . .

We'll keep you posted on the progress . . . soon.

Walnut's First Yell Practice

2007-12-05T21:54:00.002-06:00

As many of you know, Holly and I are expecting our 1st prodigy, Walnut, in March. As all the child development experts recommend speaking, reading, and singing to "the belly", we certainly want to provide as many development opportunities as possible.

So, after a great Thanksgiving day with the Huntsville family, we made the trek to B/CS to attend Walnut's first . . . and Coach Fran's last . . . yell practice. A good in-situ dose of the Aggie War Hymn, the Spirit of Aggieland, and a few vintage yells should certainly foster decency, honesty, good taste, and an appreciation for domestic adult beverages. The Moms and Bro Wade went along to witness the foolishness.

I always chuckled at my Dad's abilities to find a friend in a crowd of strangers. As luck may have it, a retired gentleman, his son, and two grandsons stood next to us that evening. After a few "what are they doing" comments from his grandsons, quiet grins, and our inability to explain it ourselves, we struck up a conversation. He was mechanical engineer from the Class of '54 who spent his career as a process engineer for multiple big oil companies. He'd recently retired to B/CS and grew up in Amarillo . . . "well, a little town outside of Amarillo called Groom" . . . his godfather happened to be one of my roommate's grandfather.

Gig 'em, Walnut Clay '30. We're taking you back next year!