Oh Farrell's...

As soon as I landed in California, I was informed that I would be taken to Farrell's and my life would forever be changed.  My life would henceforth be marked not by childhood, adulthood, graduation, marriage, the birth of my child, etc but by everything that happened before and after my trip to Farrell's...it would be that epic.

Of course I speak in hyperbole, but honestly from the way everyone was talking about this place (of which I had never heard), I was convinced it would either be the above mentioned life changing experience or somewhat of a let down.

It was a little of both.

So, you ask, what is Farrell's?  For anyone who was hanging out in California in the 60s and 70s, this will be old news, but Farrell's is a chain of old fashioned ice cream parlors that were THE place back in the day, and then seemingly overnight vanished.  Due to mismanagement, acquisitions, etc, Farrell's pretty much closed up shop for 30 or so years until it was resurrected this year to much anticipation and hullabaloo.

There are only a few locations, and so we visited the one in Downtown Brea.

It was something...

To bring back the nostalgia of the old timey Farrell's experience, please enjoy all of my photos a la 1960s! 

This of course would not exist in the 1960s Farrell's!

Note to readers...if you are so inclined to visit a Farrell's, please do so with caution.  This is one LOUD place where the staff is singing, banging drums, and blowing whistles (not kidding) every few minutes.  Go there to celebrate loudly and eat large yummy ice cream creations, not for a quiet, romantic evening of conversation and silent reflection!

Bonds of Steel, Family, and Golf

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA TOM!

We call my dad's father Papa Tom...it's the reason why my dad goes by Papa as well.  It's a family thing.  Well, my Papa Tom turned 88 on February 4th and we had a celebration in his honor, complete with a family golf tournament and golf themed party.  

What my family didn't know was that Colin and I would be in attendance.  Heck, I didn't know I would be in attendance.  But as things go, Kevin came home from a week long business trip to Moscow and said he had two things he had to tell me.  First, was that he loved me and second, that he would be returning back to Moscow for a much longer trip two days later.

As any good husband would do (and I know this because I have the best!), he told me that I should go home to make it easier.  Have you ever priced a flight leaving the next day?  Hello expensive!  Thankfully we were saved by frequent flier miles :)

Not only was my family going to save me from the insanity of being home alone for another trip (I'd already done two that month already!) but I got to be there just in time for our big family get together.  I am so glad I could make it :) 

If you know anything about the Chapman Clan, you know that the golf obsession runs deep and it started with Papa Tom and my Grandma Ruth.  Papa Tom started golfing young and encouraged his wife to learn so that they could go together and enjoy the sport for the rest of their lives.  They enjoyed the sport until Grandma Ruth passed and even at the age of 88, Papa Tom is still a formidable golf opponent.  He is still getting out there several times a week!  He says it keeps him going and keeps him young.  And who could say otherwise? He is still in good health and I don't doubt that all that California sunshine and being active has had a lot to do with it! 

So, happy birthday, Papa Tom!  Thank you for the legacy you have started of working hard but playing hard too!

This is my Aunt Renee and her granddaughter Clarissa

My brother Steve and sister Stacie 

My Uncle BooBoo (Bruce) and his grandbaby Clarissa 

Steve and my Dad

Winners of the golf tournament!!

My nephew Cody and Ben (Clarissa's big brother!)

They were so cute all evening!

My brother Mark, Shana, Colin, and my cousin's daughter Kendyl

Papa and Colin 

Papa Tom

Four Generations of Perrys...

Cody Perry, Steven Perry, Perry Kevin, and Perry Thomas

Do you think we look alike?  I definitely have the Chapman "look!"

My sweet Papa Tom 

Cousin Mikey and Jennifer...expecting baby Mia any day now!

Playing upstairs... 

Cheesy grin!

Missing daddy!

(An explanation to the post title - our family owns a steel fabrication company, Allied Steel Company, where my dad, uncles, cousins, etc all work.  Papa Tom bought the company in 1973 after having worked there almost 20 years and now my dad and uncles run it.  I am so proud of how hard my dad works to provide for all of us!  Next to Kevin, he is the hardest working person I know!  Love you, Daddy!)  

A Baby and His Nana

To say that Colin loves his Nana is an understatement...

Let's just say that he treats her like he treats his daddy.

Meaning that when she comes in the room, she's the only person he wants!

He literally leaps out of my arms to get to her, diving over furniture, the dog, other people, toys, and any other obstacles that may prevent him from reaching Nana.  

I think it has to be the matching red hair!

Dallas Zoo

Yesterday our playgroup went to the Dallas Zoo and we had so much fun!  the kids got to see all the cool animals and I got to play with my new camera :)

Behold the wonder that is my photography skills  (HA!)!

Cayden is one serious kid!  He was born just a few weeks before Colin and so they are little buddies at church.

...and his sister Brynn

Colin was so excited looking at the flamingos!

Bethany and Brynn loved the penguins 

Stroller buddies!

Seriously, look at that scowl!

Caleb actually liked being in the stroller - Colin was not having it!

Riding an elephant

Colin is still a little young to get the point of the zoo!

  Michelle and her little guy

Petting the giraffes...Colin wasn't scared at all! 

A good trip to the zoo!