It was afternoon when Craig and family arrived at our house for the first time since landing in the states. We got them situated in their rooms and they rested a bit before calling them to supper in the dining room. I love having everyone together at table in the dining room. Decorations were up throughout the house, Christmas china filled the china cabinet, and the table was surrounded by all the accents and smells of the Christmas season. What a beautiful blessing.
After supper Grandpa announced that it was time to play Parcheesi. When their dad was growing up whoever lost the game had to do the dishes. They were not familiar with this been-around-forever board game but quickly picked up on it as he explained the rules. In fact, Caleb cleaned his clock, blew him out of the water and pulled out an exciting win after being behind most of the game! Beating Grandpa hardly happens :)
Next morning Grandpa was ready and in charge. Time for everyone to get cowboy boots and hats. Can’t have your grandchildren coming to Texas
Brown ones, pink ones, green and tan ones. Boots with bling, boots with intricate designs, boots with holes to pull on and boots with finger loops. Square-toed boots, pointy-toed boots. Round-toed boots. Work boots. Bull-riding boots. Boots with toes that are roundish-square. The selection at Cavenders is amazing – and that was just the boots!!
A seasoned salesman quickly sized up the situation and approached Grandpa. “Boots for everyone!” Paul exclaimed. I’m pretty sure the salesman’s smile could be seen from South Austin all the way to Buda. He was extremely helpful, getting a sense of each one’s preferences and making suggestions about bling and brand and boot style.
Rachel found hers almost immediately. It was love at first sight. She tried them on and from that point on during their Texas
Caleb was sporting a pair of very trendy square toed medium brown boots – the perfect choice for a handsome teenager. Grandpa and the salesman were discussing the various brands and the merits of each, while Craig searched for his size in his favorite style. Man, this was FUN!
Next, the Hats. The boot boxes had been taken up to the register and we began the task of trying on hats. A cowboy hat has to fit exactly right. Then there’s the decision between a straw or a felt, a decision not to be taken lightly, and what color. Again, Rachel spotted her heart’s desire right away – a gorgeous youth-sized pink hat. On it went, and she wandered off to check out the selection of western shirts. Hannah found a lovely straw with a beautiful hatband decorated in turquoise. Caleb’s white straw really made him look the part of a cowboy – I warned him that the young ladies would definitely take notice. Hats for Craig and Kerry, and we were done. Almost.
Rachie had fallen in love with a pretty pink & purple western snap shirt, and I knew at once I wanted her to wear that to the rodeo. I suggested Hannah see if she could find one, and she ended up with a blue one just a few shades darker than her eyes. As Rachel said, “We ARE half-Texan!” True. Now they looked it :)
Grandpa met our man at the register to settle up and we wandered around in accessories, marveling at the gorgeous purses, wallets and bags. And a few secret Christmas purchases were made. One of mine sort of backfired on me though. I went to a gal at a different register, paid for my item and stuck it in my purse with the receipt so no one would see and spoil the surprise. But as we began to exit the store, the alarms went off – you know the kind, those annoying sounds that alert staff someone is trying to steal. In full view of the family I went over, showed my receipt, and spent some time with the lady behind the counter trying to find the tag that was obviously the culprit. Finally we found it, tucked away in a zipper pocket.
Once more we began to exit the store, everyone giving me plenty of space in case I sounded the alarm again. This time I made a clean get away and we headed out to the car. Possibly one of the most fun mornings I’ve spent in a long time – picking out western wear for our grandchildren, and knowing it was just the start of a month-long visit.
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