Shannon Ranch

Callahan Michael Shannon

Thursday, May 18 –

Early on the morning of May 12, Andrea and Laredo, had a sweet little boy. He weighed 7 lb., 14 oz. and was 21 1/4″ long. He was born in Midland, Texas at a natural birthing center.

This was the picture Laredo texted me a few minutes after Callahan was born with this message “Just had a boy Callahan Michael”

After a long night of labor…

Just look at the love in Andrea’s eyes on her first Mother’s Day on May 14

Sadly, some of our group were sick when Callahan first made his appearance and it took a few days before we felt that we should be around a newborn. But, finally, on Thursday the 18th, we got to see Cal in person.

Great Granny welcomes great grandchild #14

Isn’t he just a doll?

Elsie Meets Granddad

Saturday, May 6 –

We just returned from spending a few days in Tennessee. Nathan was anxious to meet Elsie, Atlanta’s new baby, who is already 5 months old. The visit wasn’t long enough, but at least we were able to spend some quality time with Jordan and Atlanta and re-connect with Marian and Alan, as well.

When we first arrived, two little monkeys were peeking out the window. Then Jordan brought little Elsie out to meet granddad.

It didn’t take long for him to fall in love with her.

Later in the day we took the kids to a park nearby at Mouse Tail Landing state park on the Tennessee River.

In a couple of days, all the kids had warmed up to Granddad nicely.

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Stockton’s Quick Turkey Hunt

Thursday, April 20 –

As we were leaving our lease farm at Roaring Springs this afternoon, Stockton spotted three turkeys under a nearby tree. He had his little 410 with him, so he loaded it and jumped out. He bagged this nice tom.

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Dinosaur Valley State Park and Creation Museum

Saturday, April 15 –

We took a little side trip on our way home from Dallas. We spent some time in the Glen Rose area. We went through the Creation Museum, ate lunch at a great BBQ place and then spent a few hours at nearby Dinosaur Valley State Park.

The museum was great. They had some nice exhibits including a small scale Noah’s ark. We also had fun at an antique shop before stopping for lunch.

Then we headed back out of town past the museum and on to Dinosaur Valley State Park. The only draw back was the fact that since it was Easter weekend and perfect weather, we weren’t the only people there. But it was fun and we definitely want to go back and explore further sometime. (when there are no crowds)

Stockton and Carolina were able to cross the river and see the dinosaur tracks near the other bank in a place or two. They enjoyed getting to swim and cool off.

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Bible Bowl

Friday, April 14 –

A group of several adults and teenagers traveled to Dallas today for the annual North Texas Leadership Training for Christ convention. The kids were competing in the Bible Bowl competition which took place on Friday evening. This year’s study material encompassed the entire book of Acts. The competition consisted of four rounds of 25 multiple choice questions per round.

The kids had been practicing on Sunday afternoons for a while as well as lots of personal study on their own. The kids were divided into two teams of four. A boy’s team and a girl’s team. The competition between the two teams was pretty fierce.

We left early and stopped along the way for lunch.

Once we arrived, everyone split up to check out the other competitions and the vendor booths.

As the start time drew near, our two teams were eager to begin. The girl’s team consisted of Carolina, Sarah Robertson, Anica Carolan and Kimber Robertson. The boys team was made up of Randall Robertson, Brance Boger, Luke Carolan and Stockton. The teams lined up in vertical rows.

They all did very good. The girl’s team got a gold medal and Carolina a personal silver medal. Stockton got a personal gold medal and his team a silver. They made some new friends, too.

First Anniversary

Sunday, March 12 –
Laredo and Andrea are celebrating their first anniversary today. This picture was taken yesterday when they were out and about.

Andrea has been such a wonderful addition to the Shannon’s. She and Laredo make the sweetest couple. We can’t wait for the baby that is due in May and I know they’re getting so excited. If you missed my post on their wedding, well, it’s not your fault…I just did get it posted. See it here.

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Wildfires

Saturday, March 11 –

Today has been cool and misty, but this has been a devastatingly hot, dry and windy week. Abnormally high temperatures, low humidity and 35 mph winds fanned the flames of several wildfires in the Texas panhandle. Choking smoke was an issue as far south as Houston. Everyone has been affected by the news of lives and livestock lost and ranches and homes burned. Here’s a video featuring some pictures and footage from this week found on the internet.

Video

Marian Cooking Supper

Saturday, February 25 –

If you saw Marian cooking cupcakes on her 2nd birthday, you won’t want to miss her cooking supper a few days after her 3rd birthday!

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Laredo Enters Preaching School

Monday, January 9 –

Laredo began a two-year program at the Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock today. Since he’s starting in January, he’s having to jump in with the second semester students that started in August of 2016. We’re so proud of him and know he’ll do well.

September 2017 Update –

Laredo completed his first semester and spent the summer doing an internship at Midland, Texas with the Fairmont Park church of Christ, working with Mike Crowley, Jr., his father-in-law. He’s back at Sunset now and seems to be really enjoying the work but reports that a lot of study time is required. He’s done quite a bit of public speaking among other things since he first started. He’s now preaching on every first Sunday at the Matador church of Christ and doing a great job. Please join us anytime you are in the area and hear him for yourself. If you can’t come in person, you can watch him online by going to the church website and clicking on “watch a sermon online”. www.matadorchurchofchrist.org

The Power of the Cross on Vimeo.

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Christmas at Granny’s

Monday, December 26 –

Everybody met at Granny’s in Lubbock for an evening gathering. I guess we hadn’t consumed enough snacks, food and dessert over the holidays already…

Sunny brought sugar cookies for the kids to decorate.

As usual, the babies are a big hit. Kade and Bella stole the show.

Macy, Carolina, Hannah and Carly…everyone is growing up fast.

James and Nathan got to spend some quality time together.

Laredo gets in some “daddy” practice with niece, Bella.

Lora and Aaric are looking good.

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Wonderful Christmas Day

Sunday, December 25 –

The day started out with presents from Santa and then we went to church. After which, the married kids joined us for lunch at the house and more “Christmas-ing”.

Rogue One + Babysitting

Monday, December 19 –

The kids joined up with Cim, Courtney, Laredo and Andrea and some of the Phipps and drove to Plainview to see the new Star Wars movie, Rogue One. Aspen, Stockton and Carolina even dressed up in costume for the event.

Stockton spent hours making this cardboard shore trooper suit and finished it just in time to wear. (the glue was literally drying as we took these pictures)