South Trip 2010, Days 1-7

Writing from South of Houston Texas....Day 8 of our 12 day "Clean Up" trex. Michael has dubbed the trip the "Clean Up' since we are hitting the states we have missed so far (kids will have been in 45 states after this trip).

So far the trip has been blessed with great health, weather and good fortune.

The 1st 3 days were driving heavy with little sight seeing. This was done so we could get to Dallas for some 4th of July festivities with my Cousins..The Dirla side of the family.

Days 1-3:

Enjoyed driving through Kentucky, and even got to stop at Jim Beans and enjoyed the beautiful country side. There is a great deal to do in this state and we will add this to the must come back to state.

The one event we all want to forget was on day 3 driving through Arkansas we saw literally in front of our eyes a horrific motorcycle accident, in which a car broad sided a motorcyclist on a "crotch rocket". Very scary and disturbing. Michael will never say he wants a bike again after witnessing this crash. We know the crash was not fatal as we checked the local paper and state police records the next day, THANK GOD, but we also know it was bad. Patty thank goodness called 911 literally as it was happening in front of us...scary time.

Day 4....TEXAS, Dallas to be exact!

All I can say is they do EVERYTHING big in Texas....

We arrived Saturday afternoon and we barely got settled in at June and Davids house before we were off to a ad-hoc tailgating party in the rain on a side street..very funny but very cool. After the party was set and the grill was started we ate and watched a very large fireworks display in the town of Capella (I will always get this wrong)...LOL..

Day 5 July 4th, we were graciously invited to a Pig Roast at June and Davids dear friends Kevin and Debbie. The party was incredible...around 60 people and a TON of food! Nicholas and Michael had a blast as did Patty and I re-connecting with our family and meeting new friends. However, we needed to cut the visit short since we only have a short time....Could have stayed for a long time with the Dirla's, they made us all feel at home!!!!! Thank you...

Day 6 and 7:

We stayed near the Alamo in San Antonio. What a fantastic and majestic area. The Alamo is simply beautiful and surreal with the history. The river walk...WOW.. a must see.

We were very fortunate...we arrived jumped on a water taxi, and for some reason no one else got on (very few actually) and the driver gave us a private tour through the 5 1/2 mile river. Went through the lock system, it was awesome...then we had a great dinner at a steak house and simply soaked up the River Walk.

Day 7 evening:

We drove to Houston to meet with Patty's Uncles..George and Steve..OMG, what hoots. 81 and 80, with Georges wife Madeline. What an UNBELIEVABLE and blessed visit. TOO SHORT!!!!! George and Steve are absolutely HYSTERICAL. True Men in every sense of the word...and VERY Texan!

Michael and Nicholas simply loved them, and laughed for the 4 hours we were with them...

So far with the family visits, the boys have been having a blast, as are Patty and I.

We realize just how short life is, and how important family is when you spend time with loved ones you don't often see.

I will post some photos tomorrow am., since we need to get on the road...Space Center this am., then 380 mile drive to New Orleans...

Have a blessed day, and will speak to you all tomorrow.