We had such a wonderful time with my cousin Lisa “West” Stoner, hubby Jeff, daughter Elizabeth and son Dean. We fell in love with Elizabeth and Dean, they were such well mannered kids with the best behavior. We met them first thing yesterday morning at the Fort Worth Stockyards and planed a nice morning and afternoon over there. We stopped for an early lunch at a famous BBQ place in the Stockyards and had front row seats outside for the cattle drive. We knew the cattle drive would be passing right by the restaurant so we choose to sit out on the porch to enjoy the beautiful weather and view the drive. Pictures Below and a picture of Liz in the Stockyards.

After lunch we had time for a little shopping where the “big kids” found a great candy store for adult’s right next to the kiddy candy store. The adults found some of the best homemade fudge around and the younger kids enjoyed the kiddy candy store. After we entered the kiddy candy store the kids were in awe of just how grandiose the store was and how much taffy, and candy there was to choose from. “I now know the meaning of a kid in a candy store” were the words I heard from Lisa.

Jeff, a lieutenant for the Department of Corrections found a ‘Deputy’ badge while shopping for little Dean. It was so cool and we all named him Deputy Deano the rest of the day. Shortly after Deputy Deano received his badge we happened upon a great place to have the Deputy’s picture taken.

We made our way to the walking tour where they gave the history of Fort Worth in great detail. The kids ‘loved’ it as we felt like we were on a huge farm with animals everywhere. It took me back to wonderful farm memories as we lived on a 100 acre farm years and years ago. There was an area where anyone could feed the goats and everyone enjoyed letting the goats lick the food out of their hands. Deano was a little nervous but warmed up to the goats outside the fence. The goats knew food was around and would jump up on you so Dean opted to stay out of the pen.

Elizabeth had a really nice time horseback riding. Deputy Deano was game to have his picture taken on the horse and that’s it.

After we all had our fill at the Stockyards late afternoon, we made our way to our house to chill, play games and whatnot before dinner. Bobby got out all our Nintendo and Game Cube games and the kids and adults had a ball. The little Deputy keeled over on his mommy and took a nice long nap so Lisa and I had a very nice quiet visit while Bobby and Jeff played some chess and cards. Elizabeth kept herself occupied watching Disney and what a perfect afternoon we all had chilling.

After the Deputy’s nap we headed over to Bobby’s and my favorite fried chicken restaurant Babe’s. Actually, Babe’s is named after the owner’s wife as that was here nickname and became the restaurant name. Bob and I both have commented how the fried chicken served there is the best we’ve ever had in our lives and the kind any great grandma wishes she could make. Mmmmmmm GOOD! The restaurant does not offer a menu, just 7 different choices of meat and then the vegetables (creamed corn, fresh green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy) are all you can eat. The vegetables are fresh from the garden and are the Real McCoy. They serve home-style with each vegetable in a large bowl and you pass around the table like you were at home. Oh yes and then the yummy fresh baked biscuits are all you can eat too.

After dinner we were on our way to Wal-Mart to pick up the pictures we ordered online from our day when Deano perked up and asked if we could have some cones. I had no idea what he was talking about when Lisa told me that cones stood for Ice Cream. With that Bobby wheeled into Brahms Ice Cream to fill his tall order and he & his sister had no trouble packing their cones away.

We came back to the house for some more fun and games and they ended up visiting with us until 11:30 last night. We all had such a great visit and a whole lot of fun was packed into just one day.