Hangin' in East Texas...

The time was right for a trip up to the family mansion (translated "Little Yellow House" on a "Little bit of acreage") in East Texas.  When the temperature is just right and being outside is a pleasant experience, it's time to go.  And this time we had the great privilege of including our dear friends Christian (heretofore known as Ish) and Todd Parsons, both accomplished outdoorsman and lovely to be with.

We made the trek on Friday afternoon arriving just in time for Ish/Todd to throw together a really nice Spaghetti & Meatball dinner, complete with appetizers and ice cream dessert with about 20 toppings to choose from.

A rare picture of children without electronics!

Saturday of course meant it was time to assist the anxious angler to the pond for some fishing.  Unfortunately, with the drought of the past year, it seems that about 1 fish survived...which we caught several times.  In fact, we named him Jimmy and chastised him for being dumb enough to latch on to yellow stink bait over and over again.  After some time, we actually began to assume that he was making a suicide attempt and would rather we not throw him back each time.  Sorry Jimmy!

Yours Truly with Daniel & Jimmy

Lunchtime arrived and we set out once again for the famous (since I blogged about this place last time) Sissy's Country Cafe for Chicken Fried Steaks, Hot Rolls and a wonderful assortment of other country cooked fatty foods.  After a nice hike through the woods and some John Deere tractor time for me and Heavy D, the afternoon found us relaxing and enjoying the cool air...with adult refreshments of course.  Saturday evening included a great steak dinner followed by a really groovy campfire complete with s'mores.

The afternoon hike...

Ish, Jen, Riley & Dobby

Yes, I sell custom clothing and drive a John Deere!

A little afternoon refreshment break.

Ish, Todd & Daniel preparing the evening's bonfire.

Heavy D freezing his butt off by the fire.  Bring on the s'mores!

Sunday morning found us on a small river type offshoot of Palestine Lake in the Parson's Canoe.  That's right...on occasion...the Sudduth's do canoe.  Unfortunately, one outing found Ish, MyKala and her friend Hannah in the drink.  Oddly, all parties seem to blame the other for the misfortune.  Nevertheless, it was a good time and a great water based experience.

How do you transport a canoe you ask?

Seaman 1st Class Daniel prepares to take to the water...

The first journey out...Jen was a little nervous!

At first, everything seemed just fine!

Then the unwanted canoe tumping practice occurred!

We took our leave on Sunday afternoon and headed back to H-Town.  Another wonderfully exciting experience in E. Texas complete.  A huge thanks to our fabulous friends Ish & Todd for joining us and adding to the memories.

Where is Jimmy?