During the walk to the Alamo we passed the Morton’s steak house. We checked out the menu and discovered that two people could eat steak there for only $85 (plus drinks, tax, and tips). We decided no steak could be that good.
We walked over to the Alamo on Thursday. There was a lot more to see than we thought there would be! It is a beautiful place. You were prohibited from taking any pictures inside, so I don’t have very many pictures to share. There were a lot of people everywhere. It was fun to spot the families that were likely there for the Vision Forum event (the long dresses were the easiest clue).
The view as you walk up to it.
Walking outside.
Different perspectives.
From the back where you come out.
Waiting in the shade.
Little boys riding a cannon.
Doesn’t Grammy look lovely in that hat?
Walking over to see the long barracks.
In front of the Alamo. Daddy took this shot.
A lady offered to take our picture, which we were grateful for, but she zoomed in so much you can’t even tell what we are standing in front of. I guess this is the life of a photographer. Wishing you could be two places at once!
We stopped for a quick picture of Grandpa Gene in front of a building that was a barracks during his stay there.
In the courtyard of the Quadrangle building there were different animals who wandered around in there. We went in and the little boys had a hay day chasing them! Nehemiah especially loved trying to catch them. He has no fear – he just walked up and touched a deer on the back! We didn’t stay out there long because it was sweltering!
Walking in.
Grace showing Nehemiah.
Nehemiah making friends.
Noah watching.
Hey, come back here!
Talking in the shade.
Mamma and the little boys exploring.
Two hot and handsome brothers!
Around noon on Wednesday our family and Grammy and Grandpa Gene set out to go visit Fort Sam Houston where Grandpa Gene was stationed 60 years ago. We drove around for about an hour trying to find a gate to get on base. We kept circling the perimeter finding lots of gates, but all were locked. Finally we found a gate that was for visitors. When we drove up the guard asks for everyone over 18 to please show their photo I.D.. Well, momma hadn’t thought she would need hers because daddy was driving. So the guy wouldn’t let us go in at first because momma didn’t have her drivers license! Well finally the guy let us in on the conditions we could only visit one of the two museums we wanted to see and he wouldn’t give us a parking pass. Daddy decided the best thing to do was to drop us older kids off with Grammy and Grandpa Gene to start looking around in one museum and the rest of them would go back and get momma’s drivers license. Even after all that, the rest of the day went very well! It was amazing listening to Grandpa Gene remember different things he did! Then Daddy treated us to supper at Cracker Barrel! I don’t have any pictures, but that evening after returning to the hotel and putting some of the little ones to bed, Daddy, Momma, Noah, Ethan, Gabriel, Grandpa Gene and I walked down to the river walk. The rest were too tired and stayed at the hotel. We had a wonderful walk! The sun was just setting and it was cooling off some! We saw Mr. Fritz Roberts and his boys who were there for the conference too. Mr. Hicks and his son were also with them. Daddy stopped and visited with them some before we headed back to our hotel.
Grandpa Gene found his infantry division badge.
He was in the 80th infantry division. They were called the “Blue Ridge” boys.
In the medical museum.
Noah and Rebekah standing beside an ambulance.
Figuring out where to go next.
Looking at an x-ray machine.
That is the type of uniform Grandpa Gene wore. He was the man who carried the bazooka.
We arrived in San Antonio Tuesday morning (8/8) after driving through the night. We were able to check into our hotel early which was a blessing! We were all ready to get out of the cramped car! We all got some rest before heading over to a museum. Momma had researched and found the Witte Museum which is free on Tuesday afternoons. It was an interesting museum. Grammy and Grandpa Gene flew in that afternoon and joined us there! It was a delight to have them with us!
Noah standing at the entrance.
I thought this was a neat display.
Eman balancing a load on a donkey’s back.
Cutie Pie!
A chuck wagon show for the kids.
Miss Gracie ridin’ sidesaddle.
Being all boy!
Some cowboy chaps and spurs.
A different part of the museum had some hands on stuff. Here Ethan is trying to pull up his own weight with only one pulley.
Eman trying the easier one with three pulleys.
A treehouse.
Up in the treehouse looking out at the San Antonio river.
The whole gang.
On Saturday morning (7/22) we left Michigan and started home. We stopped at Uncle Jon’s house (near Kokomo, IN). They had a wonderful supper for us and let us take showers before we left! Our Aunt Toody also drove over from Anderson to see us. We enjoyed our time with them.
In front of their house.
Aunt Barbara, Aunt Toody (Daddy’s sister), and Momma.
Benny trying the Mentos experiment. He also tried a variation – he put Mentos in his mouth and added some Diet Coke. The result was spewing Coke from his mouth and a burned tongue.
Rebekah and Noah looking out over the corn fields.
Caleb, Noah, and Benny.
Audrey Ann and Abbi.
Noah and Caleb arm wrestling. (Caleb won.)
Uncle Jon and Audrey Ann in the kitchen.
Aunt Anita was gracious to let us stay in her cabin instead of camping this week. Since we were going to Virginia before Michigan it was a big relief not to have to pull our popup camper for two weeks.
Grammy and Daddy
Gibbie’s bed was a nest under the table.
Noah and Uncle Marvin.
Grace got to sew on Aunt Anita’s pedal sewing machine.
The girls in the cabin.
Grammy and Grandpa Gene relaxing on the sofa.
Our gracious host, Aunt Anita.
Our evenings were full of visiting and games (and s’mores from marshmallows roasted over the fire).
A family that purposes to serve the Lord with all our hearts with gratitude for what Christ has done for us. Gratefulness and faithfulness can lead to fruitfulness.
Looks like ya’ll had fun! Miss you!!!
