Where the Hopkins Family Shares Stuff
Dean has been very curious about the gifts under our tree. This morning he decided a little practicing was in order before the Big Guy comes down the chimney. Sorry Grandmother…this one was yours. A little DT love on your gift. I’m sure you won’t mind! Merry Christmas y’all!!!
We celebrated Dean’s 1st birthday in Houston with a puppy themed paw-ty. It was so much fun to plan his paw-ty and get together with our family to celebrate. We traveled to Houston on Friday early enough to stop in Huntsville for brunch with Granny and Pop. After enjoying a relaxing afternoon with them we headed the rest of the way home to Humble. Honey and Pops were nice enough to watch DT on Friday night while Matt and I finished up our last minute paw-ty errands. Our night ended with a wonderful steak dinner cooked by chef Ronny.
On Saturday we gathered at the Yeager dog house to celebrated Dean’s first year of life. We enjoyed hot dogs and applesauce (two of Dean’s favorites) as well as dog bone cookies (thanks Aunt Genie) and yummy puppy pops (thanks Martha & Glenda for lending a hand). We also played games, opened gifts, and shared countless stories of Dean’s first 365 days.
Our weekend came to a close with a great AUMC service – Dean managed to fall asleep on Papa and catch a quick nap during the sermon. We filled up on yummy Mexican food and celebrated DT’s birthday one last time before heading back to Ft. Worth.
Matt and I successful checked another task of our parenting to do list. We had a great time planning Dean’s paw-ty and enjoyed the actual paw-ty even more. Although we know Dean won’t remember it we sure had a great time and look forward to enjoying every minute of his next year of life.
We were blessed with the most beautiful weather today. Matt, Dean and I along with Glenda and Bill decided it was perfect pumpkin weather. The Dallas Arboretum has a wonderful fall display with thousands of pumpkins – perfect photo ops for our little Dean. We spent the afternoon enjoying the sun, gazing at beautiful marigolds and chrysanthemums, and playing with pumpkins. We all had a great time, I can’t wait to do it again.
Dean’s 1st Tractor Driving Lesson with Certified Instructor Papa. from Matt Hopkins on Vimeo.
This past weekend Matt, Dean and I have another set of special visitors. My parents came to visit and see Mr. Dean for a few days. They arrived Saturday morning. After a few hours of quiet time we set out for lunch and the State Fair! Matt and I planned lunch with the Cherry family. Granny Glenda and Paw Paw Bill have become a huge part of our Ft. Worth life and we were eager to have our parents spend some time with people so special to us. After lunch we set out for one of the most famous fairs in the nation – the Texas State Fair! Our afternoon was filled with the smells of yummy friend goodness – corn dogs, funnel cakes, fried butter…., the sounds of midway games and happy people and the sights of Big Tex, and new Camaros. After several hours of fair fun we headed home from the cold to enjoy warm bowls of chili.
My parents headed back to Houston on Sunday afternoon after a nice, relaxing morning. Their visit was way too short but such a treat. We look forward to the next time they make the drive north.
For the 1st time in 18 years the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas Aggies faced off in the Southwest Classic game. After the Southwest Conference was dissolved the Razorbacks moved to the new Southeast Conference and the Aggies to the Big 12. This game used to be held a the Cotton Bowl each year. An agreement was signed for the game to be held at the spanking’ news Cowboys Stadium for the next 10 years.
One of our family traditions growing up was to meet Honey and Pops Sr (my father’s parents) at many of the Razorback games each season. Usually all the games that were in Texas, which in the SWC was all the games except for home games and LSU. Honey and Pops Sr traveled in their camper and tailgated along with the Hogs the entire football season.
We thought the renewal of this rivalry would be a neat opportunity to start a new family tradition. Especially since I’m a Hog fan and my dear wife, well, she’s an Aggie. We decided between us and my brother and his wife we would go in on the tickets this year and surprise my dad with an early birthday gift.
What a fantastic weekend it was! Adam and Genie with Gunner in tow joined my parents, the new Honey and Pops, for a trip up here to Bedford. The entire weekend was a blast! I’ll let the photos do the rest of the talking. Cheers!
It was a sea of Red, Black and white with cowbells ringing and mums blowing in the breeze. We celebrated homecoming this past week at CHHS. Dean was able to take advantage of the fun at the ECDC. The director, Molly, coordinated for the panther head tunnel, used at the football games, to be blown up in front of Dean’s school. She took the students outside and let them dress up in a football jersey and pose with a football. They told me that Dean has a great time chasing the “Ba” or ball around and wasn’t the least bit scared of the BIG panther head.
On Friday Matt, Dean and I participated in the faculty tail gate party and homecoming football game. We had a great time dining on the grass next to Mustang-Panther stadium. It was a BEAUTIFUL evening, the hotdogs and hamburgers were excellent, and we enjoyed the fun of football. Dean’s friend Gavin came over to hang out during the picnic and Matt and I were able to enjoy the company of my fellow counselor Leslie and her husband Wayne. Although Dean didn’t make it through the first quarter of the game, and we left early, we still had a great time rooting for the Panthers! We look forward to many more football games in our future! Until Then!
Our last lake weekend of the summer is now over. Goodbye relaxing times on the boat, sunshine filled days, and mounds of delicious food. I’ll visit you again next spring when it’s boating season again.
We enjoyed our last weekend at the lake but wish it would have been a touch bit longer. Matt, Dean and I headed to Livingston on Friday afternoon after I managed to get the afternoon off so we could leave town a little early. After spending the later afternoon visiting with my parents Matt’s parents drove in for dinner. Dean was able to experience his first trip to Florida’s Kitchen. He munched on grilled catfish, chicken tenders and a baked potato. Even though the food was great I think he enjoyed the company of his doting grandmothers more.
Saturday brought fun on the boat with Jana and Derek until the thunderstorms sent us fleeing for shore. By the time we arrived back at the house Layne, Amanda, Morgan and Logan had arrived and a cookout meal of hot dogs and hamburgers were consumed. It was delicious! We also celebrated Matt and Amanda’s birthdays with yummy chocolate cake and pie.
Sadly, we had to return home on Sunday morning so Matt could work. We bid adieu to our summer of fun at the lake and look forward to next springs fun.
We celebrated Matt’s 32nd birthday on August 26th. We had planned to celebrate with dinner over the weekend but Dean, Ronny, Carla and I surprised Matt with presents and dinner on his actual birth date.
We also enjoyed a sushi dinner & movie on Saturday while Dean played at Glenda and Bills house. I think Matt enjoyed his special day.