Twenty Two

We're baaaack.  The Craig family took a splendid 9 day vacation away from real life and traveled all the way to east Texas for a little family fun time and small town life.  Oh life in a small town.  Growing up in Mt. Pleasant, I hated it and vowed to never return.  It's not so bad though.  The really horrible thing about small towns is that everyone knows your business.  But, the really great thing is also that everyone knows your business.  Yes, people gossip (people gossip EVERYWHERE, it's just more noticeable in small towns),  but, the same people are also willing to help out or offer a prayer during your down times.  (I am not going through a down time, this was just an observation while I was visiting my old stomping ground).  Overall, everything is still pleasant in Mt. Pleasant.

We spent July 4th at lovely Lake Cypress Springs eating, popping fireworks, eating, fishing, eating, and doing other very American things, like eating.  Also, since my parents will be in Russia (those stinkin' stinkers) for Mallory's birthday, Johnny O, or "O" as Mallory calls him insisted she open her birthday present. When he brought it out I was pretty perplexed at what could possibly be in the long, skinny package.  My mind quickly began thinking it was something I would need to assemble or some other completely normal gift for a one-year-old girl.

That was a BIG mistake.  I've known my dad for my entire life and heard stories about him before I was born and I honestly don't know why I assumed he would start acting normal now.  So my father, Johnny Oscar Conroy the only, got my baby GIRL a .22. He even had our dear friend engrave it.  I'm not sure that Mallory knows exactly what purpose her gift serves, but her sweet face lit up when she saw it.  She is definitely half Conroy and half Craig.
 I am not even mad, I mean, it's a pretty awesome gift.  I was just really surprised. This is the first time I have ever been surprised by a gift...and it wasn't even mine.  I hope he realizes he has to top this gift every year.  I also hope that he realizes that my birthday is October 26th and that I want an equally awesome present.  Anything on THIS page will work, Johnny O.