Godson

My godson celebrated his 13th birthday with us with a surprise trip here from Texas.  His mom added to that surprise by giving him a basketball weekend memory he'd never forget:  watching Zion play for Spartanburg, attending a USC Gamecocks game in Columbia, and going to the Duke vs. Clemson game.

There was no way I could top that, but I tried to at least introduce him to something different...

It was really windy, but he was a trooper anyway to give it a shot.

Taking off!

Once we got above the jet stream, the wind calmed down and he flew really well.  So proud of my sister for her sweet smile and positive attitude through it all!

47

It's so much fun to celebrate a birthday at our house because the little one loves to decorate for them!  She and Eric really went all out.  They gave me my favorite cake (chocolate Godiva from Cheesecake Factory), I got to kiss all my kids, received a date voucher with my husband, and so much more!

At work, the team surprised me with a taco bar luncheon, complimented by a saxophone serenade!

Our family outing was a puzzle room.  We finally broke out of one with over 7 minutes to spare!!  Super fun.

Blue Bell

On the trip back from the funeral, we stopped to tour the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham, TX.  So many flavors!

 Cute photo ops...

And of course,samples!

TC

Eric's mom passed away on her 90th birthday.  Our children called her "TC" for Texas City Grandma.  She was a precious, sweet lady and we will miss her so much.

She loved kissing her grand babies and playing patty cake!

She took the grandchildren to Rainforest Cafe almost every visit.

She loved the Texas bluebonnets at her farm in Shiner.

Georgia loved to cruise, and we took her on this one to Alaska after Papa passed away.

She was always so hospitable, instilling a strong faith in her family and never slowed down.

OBITUARY

Georgia Erina McConnell, 90, of Texas City, TX, went to be with her Lord in celebration of her final birthday on Thursday, February 1, 2018. She passed peacefully with family leading her way in prayer at Autumn Leaves in San Antonio.

Visitation will be 5-7 pm, rosary beginning at 7pm Tuesday, February 6th at Emken-Linton Funeral Home in Texas City. Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Wednesday, February 7th, at St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church in Texas City. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dickinson, TX.

Georgia was born on February 1, 1928 in East Bernard, TX. She was a beloved wife, mother and friend. She helped her husband, JD, in his dental practice for many years while raising 5 children. She was involved in several organizations; Altar society, rosary guild, Prolife ministry, prison ministry, she volunteered as a hospice sitter, was on the board of Our Lady of Fatima school, and a board member of the Chamber of Commerce. Georgia had many friends and participated in a bowling league, bridge club, garden club and sewing club. She loved to travel, especially cruising. She was very active as a beloved child of Christ and attended many retreats and prayer services. 

Georgia is preceded in death by her husband of 57 Years, Dr. Julius Daniel McConnell, a stillborn daughter Ellen Marie, a son Victor Paul, grandson Daniel Paul, her parents, 2 sisters, and 3 brothers. 

Survivors include one daughter Lynn McConnell of Austin, three sons Marc and wife Karen of Woodville, TX, Bruce and wife Angela of Yoakum, TX, and Eric and wife Dana of Greenville, SC, 5 grandsons, 2 granddaughters, 5 great-grandchildren, 1 great great - grandson and 1 great granddaughter on the way. 

Pallbearers are Noah McConnell, Arnold Normand, Hunter McConnell, Luke McConnell, Daniel Disbrow, and Matthew Disbrow

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School, Texas City, TX.