July 4th, 2009: Farmhouse Fun!

Spaz and George resenting being left inside, even being in the presence of A/C. I guess the grass is always greener on the other side. :)

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:10:51 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Spaz and George resenting being left inside, even being in the presence of A/C. I guess the grass is always greener on the other side. :)

After waking up, we meandered down to the Round Top July 4th parade.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:10:53 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
After waking up, we meandered down to the Round Top July 4th parade.

We got prime parking and prime seating - all in the shade!

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:10:54 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
We got prime parking and prime seating - all in the shade!

A local politician and his son. His son walked and stood just like dad!

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:10:55 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
A local politician and his son. His son walked and stood just like dad!

Chris managing to latch onto a weak unsecured wi-fi signal.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:11:06 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Chris managing to latch onto a weak unsecured wi-fi signal.

Kids had plastic bags at the ready to catch candy that parade participants would throw to them.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:11:07 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Kids had plastic bags at the ready to catch candy that parade participants would throw to them.

The start of the parade!

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:11:08 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
The start of the parade!

A Gilligan's Island float. But wait ... what is that in the back?

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:11:09 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
A Gilligan's Island float. But wait ... what is that in the back?

But of course, it's a banana in cowboy boots! Yes, that's me in socks; I'd gotten comfortable in my chair and rushed out so as to not miss this photo opportunity. :)

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:11:10 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
But of course, it's a banana in cowboy boots! Yes, that's me in socks; I'd gotten comfortable in my chair and rushed out so as to not miss this photo opportunity. :)

Confederate pride.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:11:11 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Confederate pride.

Commemorating stubborn Texas pride.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:11:11 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Commemorating stubborn Texas pride.

Riding on the back of this classic tractor was a doggie in ... doggles!

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:11:13 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Riding on the back of this classic tractor was a doggie in ... doggles!

The sign reads: "Original 1949 Farmall (popular brand of tractor): Original parts: dirt & all!"

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:11:14 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
The sign reads: "Original 1949 Farmall (popular brand of tractor): Original parts: dirt & all!"

Captain America made an appearance with his trusty sidekick.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:11:16 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Captain America made an appearance with his trusty sidekick.

A tractor sporting STEEL wheels!

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:11:17 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
A tractor sporting STEEL wheels!

Hehe. These are the hineys of the 6 men who so kindly offered to help a classic car that died right in front of where we were sitting.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:11:18 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Hehe. These are the hineys of the 6 men who so kindly offered to help a classic car that died right in front of where we were sitting.

Original Ford Model T, with wooden spokes!

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:27 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Original Ford Model T, with wooden spokes!

This was the car that broke down. While they were trying to jump start it, I took the opp to take some pics of it.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:28 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
This was the car that broke down. While they were trying to jump start it, I took the opp to take some pics of it.

Sexy back lines on the trunk.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:29 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Sexy back lines on the trunk.

A tractor in the parade tried to help jump start the classic car.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:30 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
A tractor in the parade tried to help jump start the classic car.

Despite their efforts, the car would not start, and the tractor ended up towing the car through the rest of the parade.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:31 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Despite their efforts, the car would not start, and the tractor ended up towing the car through the rest of the parade.

Reppin' fo' my school.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:35 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Reppin' fo' my school.

Where there are horses and cows, there will be crap.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:35 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Where there are horses and cows, there will be crap.

Don't drink 'n ride, kids!

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:36 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Don't drink 'n ride, kids!

Gettin' some old-fashioned fudge after the parade. It was a great way to pass some time and allow most of the leaving traffic to dissipate.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:37 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Gettin' some old-fashioned fudge after the parade. It was a great way to pass some time and allow most of the leaving traffic to dissipate.

In addition to selling other antiques, the fudge shoppe has a Christmas decoration section open all year round. This mix of bluebonnets, Santas, cowboy boots, and the word "y'all" give these ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:38 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
In addition to selling other antiques, the fudge shoppe has a Christmas decoration section open all year round. This mix of bluebonnets, Santas, cowboy boots, and the word "y'all" give these ...

I wanted to go by what I thought was a chocolate shop. It was not yet built, and Chris is laughing at me, as usual.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:39 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
I wanted to go by what I thought was a chocolate shop. It was not yet built, and Chris is laughing at me, as usual.

Sammy the pomeranian with his new "lion cut". He looked especially funny while fertilizing the grass. :)

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:23 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Sammy the pomeranian with his new "lion cut". He looked especially funny while fertilizing the grass. :)

Sammy the pomeranian with his "lion cut", rear view.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:41 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Sammy the pomeranian with his "lion cut", rear view.

Sammy grinning while hiding behind the ice cream churn.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:42 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Sammy grinning while hiding behind the ice cream churn.

Sammy realizing that I'm taking photos and not liking that he's being followed around.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:42 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Sammy realizing that I'm taking photos and not liking that he's being followed around.

Chris talking about something.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:43 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Chris talking about something.

Chris' cousins try to follow what he is saying. Must have been something really exciting ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:44 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Chris' cousins try to follow what he is saying. Must have been something really exciting ...

Aunt Sandy and Uncle Charlie hanging out.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:45 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Aunt Sandy and Uncle Charlie hanging out.

Post-lunch coma sets in.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:46 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Post-lunch coma sets in.

Shelley and baby Wyatt, who was sporting an adorable "little firecracker" onesie that day.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:47 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Shelley and baby Wyatt, who was sporting an adorable "little firecracker" onesie that day.

Mrs. Williams starts the ice cream-making process.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:48 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Mrs. Williams starts the ice cream-making process.

She pours the ice cream custard mixture into the can.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:48 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
She pours the ice cream custard mixture into the can.

She inserts the churn into the can.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:49 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
She inserts the churn into the can.

Laura assisting Aunt Sandy with Baby Wyatt's feeding.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:50 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Laura assisting Aunt Sandy with Baby Wyatt's feeding.

Sammy looking a little dejected over the general ridicule he's received because of his new haircut. :)

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:52 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Sammy looking a little dejected over the general ridicule he's received because of his new haircut. :)

The ice cream mixture goes into the fridge.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:53 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
The ice cream mixture goes into the fridge.

Sheri (Longhorn) with baby Wyatt (Aggie). :)

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:54 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Sheri (Longhorn) with baby Wyatt (Aggie). :)

The can of ice cream custard mix goes into the churn.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:57 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
The can of ice cream custard mix goes into the churn.

The handle is affixed to the churn.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:59 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
The handle is affixed to the churn.

Mr. Williams, Brian, and Uncle Charlie start the process off.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:00 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Mr. Williams, Brian, and Uncle Charlie start the process off.

I get a turn to crank the crank!

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:01 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
I get a turn to crank the crank!

Nowal and Jason take over.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:02 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Nowal and Jason take over.

People hanging out, either watching or cranking or holding.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:05 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
People hanging out, either watching or cranking or holding.

Jacob multitasks while holding down the churn.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:06 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Jacob multitasks while holding down the churn.

Jacob beans Sammy in the head with some ice. Poor, poor Sammy.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:07 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Jacob beans Sammy in the head with some ice. Poor, poor Sammy.

Baby Wyatt figuring out how to drive the 4-wheeler.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:08 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Baby Wyatt figuring out how to drive the 4-wheeler.

I take over holding duty for Jerry.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:09 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
I take over holding duty for Jerry.

We take a peek (over an hour later ... whew!) ... and it's ready!

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:10 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
We take a peek (over an hour later ... whew!) ... and it's ready!

Man if looking at that ice cream doesn't make you salivate I don't know what will!

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:11 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Man if looking at that ice cream doesn't make you salivate I don't know what will!

It was SOOOOOOOOO DELICIOUS!

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:12 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
It was SOOOOOOOOO DELICIOUS!

Hanging out outside while the sun went down.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:13 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Hanging out outside while the sun went down.

Trying to light some sparklers.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:14 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Trying to light some sparklers.

Chris got a few going.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:16 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Chris got a few going.

Yeah, that's me making a face again.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:16 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Yeah, that's me making a face again.

Mr. Williams and Laura doing some Kung Fu Panda moves. But it looks like they're dancing. Hahaha so cute.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:18 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Mr. Williams and Laura doing some Kung Fu Panda moves. But it looks like they're dancing. Hahaha so cute.

Exhausted after a long day.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:22 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Exhausted after a long day.

The dogs were tired too. Do you see the two dachsunds in this photo? :)

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:24 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
The dogs were tired too. Do you see the two dachsunds in this photo? :)

House rules. Pretty good to go by if you ask me.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:25 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
House rules. Pretty good to go by if you ask me.

Brian tries his hand at making funnel cakes for everyone for breakfast.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:29 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Brian tries his hand at making funnel cakes for everyone for breakfast.

And they turned out great! Mmmmm!!

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:30 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
And they turned out great! Mmmmm!!

Grandma Mary told Chris that his hair was reminiscent of what was in style in the 40s. In actuality it was just his hat hair. :)

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:31 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Grandma Mary told Chris that his hair was reminiscent of what was in style in the 40s. In actuality it was just his hat hair. :)

Visiting the great grandparents' grave and decorating with flowers.

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:32 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Visiting the great grandparents' grave and decorating with flowers.

We visited the home of Aunt Esther. She had a checker set that sported a set of udders underneath!

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:33 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
We visited the home of Aunt Esther. She had a checker set that sported a set of udders underneath!

Stop 'n go traffic on I-10 driving back into Houston. Sigh ... bye bye vacation!

nobody@smugmug.com (Caroline Chen (ihatepink)) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:13:36 -0700

Caroline Chen (ihatepink)
Stop 'n go traffic on I-10 driving back into Houston. Sigh ... bye bye vacation!