Summer Trip to Tyler

We packed up the family, kids, dogs, tons of bags and medical supplies, and headed down to Tyler for the July 4th week. Despite the 16 hours in the car each way, we had a relaxing and fun-filled vacation. Daniel was finally introduced to many of his cousins on the Hickerson side and spent quality time with "Great." The highlight for the kiddos was probably the afternoons spent at Willowbrook pool. Mom and Dad enjoyed their evening at Julian's with Andy, Courtney, Kim, Peyton, Matt and Martha; and the pups.... let's just say they were happy to be included in the trip and even happier to come home to Denver where it was 20 degrees cooler!

A funny tidbit.. We waited till we were in Tyler to tell everyone about the gender of the new baby. We coached Charlie in the car all of the way to Texas. It was his job to spill the beans when prompted. When we arrived in Tyler Saturday evening, we sat down in the living room with Grandmommy, Granddaddy, and Great. Grandmommy started asking Charlie,
"So are you going to have a little brother or a little sister?"

Charlie completely clammed up. He was NOT going to talk about it! So Grandmommy changed her tactics,
"Is the new baby's name.. David?"

"Noooo!" replied Charlie.
"Is the new baby's name.. Henry?" She tried again.
"Noooo!" replied Charlie.
"Is the new baby's name.. Ann?" Said Grandmommy.
"No---YES!" Charlie replied as he smiled!

Mom and Dad confirmed that the new baby was indeed a girl and we intend on naming her Ana (or Sunshine Daydream, depending on the mood). It was a hysterically funny interchange between Charlie and Grandmommy. One I'm sure we will remember forever!

Click on the photo above to see how much fun we had!