Carthage vs Cold Springs at Cowboy Stadium

Last night, (Dec 17) my hometown of Carthage played at Cowboy Stadium for the Class 3A, Div II championship game. Sam drove up from Spring and we met relatives and friends at the game. Had a great time watching a great game!!! Things have changed so much since we were in high school.



Some fans having fun---they hoped to be on the big screen but were glad to pose for me. (Notice the red underwear peeking out!)


Such a wonderful experience for the kids to play and perform in such an important venue!!! (Team, band, and cheerleaders all did a great job---we were so proud!!!)


those red uniforms looked so good out on the field.

Carthage Won State Championship for 3rd year in a row

All the hard work paid off--Carthage won 47-22. This makes them Class 3A, Divison II champions for the 3rd year in a row.


Celebrating on the field and being congratulated by the other team.


The coaches hold up a special edition of the Longview News.
3_Time State Champs---It's Easy as 1-2-3


Team members receive their UIL medals---even Butch the Bulldog


Sam, Sonny, Jo, and the Robinsons.

Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Show

This week, John and I went to see the Oak Ridge Boys in concert. John used to love them when he was young---Elvira was his favorite song and I took him to see them in Marshall when he was about 6. That was his first concert.


I think he enjoyed them just as much this time. The first half they did all their old hits and the rest of the show was Christmas hits. They had beautiful sets and snow falling for the Christmas show.


Santa even arrived on the stage. Just a wonderful evening and great music to get us in the Christmas spirit.

Ornament Exchange Party

The neighborhood ladies--back row, Jan, Earlene, Deb, Nancy, Maryetta, Connie, Debbie, Deana, Kathy, Carol, Caryn front: Janice, Louann, Delores, Sherry, Kelley, Marilyn, Jan, and Norma.


Fun food, fun games, and a great time exchanging and stealing ornaments. Looking at Reindeer poop!!! (one of the games)

Exchanging ornaments


Looking for the pickle in the tree--this year Carol found it first. According to legend, she will have good luck this year and she got a pickle to take home and put on her own tree.

Thanksgiving in Mexico

Family and friends traveled to Riu Palace Riviera Maya for the week. Enjoyed lots of sun and sand and food and drink!!!


The buffets were beautiful!!! Here is the sushi chef on Asian night.





Fred and Lowell enjoy their Thanksgiving turkey.




The chef making seafood paella. What a pot!!!




Aztec Indians on the beach

Lazy Days on the Beach

Whoops!!! Fred forgot about his money when he went for a swim.



Out view everyday!!!





More of the view.




Beach party in the sand.

More of the beach

What a tough decision? The pool or the ocean? (Sam, Robbie, and Vance)






This bar was so popular! ( Lowell, Sam, and Robbie at the second table)





Janice naps while Sam people watches.

Sam's Birthday

Sam gets to be on vacation for his birthday every year since it is the same week as Thanksgiving. November 26





Had dinner at Chili's Steak House----had surf and turf with seafood appetizers and Caesar Salad

( Robbie, Lowell, Sam, Janice, and Fred--Vance is taking the picture)




The waiters surprised Sam with a serenade, triple chocolate cake, and a flaming Baked Alaska.


This must be some Mexican custom as they made hats out of napkins and held them up several times during the week.


Happy hour at the Lobby Bar (Sam, Robbie, and Vance)

Dinners

The Plaza fountain--the gathering spot for drinks after dinner and before the show. They had a band playing in the gazebo and vendors selling Mexican handicrafts.




Janice, Lowell, and Sam





Sam, Lowell, Fred, and Janice



The Sports Bar---what are those ??? Green shots??? (Sam, Vance, Robbie, and Lowell)





The whole gang on the last night---Sam, Vance, Robbie, Janice, Fred, and Lowell

Weddings

There are always several weddings on the beach while we are here.

Wedding 1 was in the gazebo up on the lawn.

This was wedding 2---on the beach done in hot pink with about 12 guests



The ceremony was performed in Spanish and English. This one had a mariachi band to play before and after the ceremony.









Wedding 3 had more guests and changed the color to orange.


They then had a dinner on the beach lite by tikis that night.