Fourth of July

We headed straight to Snyder from Galveston. We all wanted to be in Snyder for the July 4th celebration in the park.  We got in Wednesday afternoon and headed to the carnival that evening. 

First stop the Dragon Roller Coaster. This is a favorite ride every year. After the big kids went a few times, Wade decided he wanted to ride too. 

He was good the first few times around, but got a little scared near the end. Those are not tears because he was sad the ride was over. I figured we had ruined his riding for the night with this ride.

The big kids on the Hang-Glider Ride.

This is Wade not wanting to hold Daddy's hand. This cracks me up because he looks just like Chris.

Oh look he did ride another ride!!

The Slide

The next morning was the parade in the park. Granddad Bob's blue Studebaker was in the shop, but his friend let him drive one of his Studebakers. Luke and Rachel rode in the car and threw out the candy.

I did not do very good getting pictures of the parade, but I always look for this guy each year. You never know what he will be driving.

Watching the parade and collecting candy....lots of candy!!

Wade enjoying some DOTS.

We had great seats for the fireworks this year. We watched from the park not far from where they light them. Wade was scared to death when the first one went off. He dove to the ground in a hurry. He spent the rest of the show in Memaw's lap.

Another fun Fourth of July in Snyder!! Next stop was Midland. We were all ready to get home after 8 days on the road.

Galveston Island

We went to Galveston to play at the beach, but when we drove into town and got to see the city we got really excited!! There were lots of places to eat and so much to do and see. We knew we would not have enough time to do everything we would like to and immediately started figuring out how we could stay longer. The first day we just checked into our condo and headed to the beach, but the second day we did some sight seeing.  Our first stop was The Strand.

This Pirates Museum caught my eye. I thought the kids would like it and it might even be a little scary. Wade had fallen asleep, so Chris stayed with him in the car. I took Rachel, Kate and Luke and we headed inside. It was a cute little museum with a little scavenger hunt. I think I was more interested in it than kids. The kids were just interested in the scavenger hunt and could care less about reading the information and looking at the exhibits. 

As we wandered around The Strand we found this plaque. It showed how high the flood water got during Hurricane Ike. I can't imagine that much water.

I believe this is the first cruise ship I have seen in person. I can't remember the name, but my cousin Gary had worked on it a few months ago. 

We were really amazed at the size. Look at it up against the buildings.

We stopped for some refreshments. Wade sure does think his big brother is cool....too cool!!

My sweet boys.

One thing we were really excited to see were several blocks of Victorian homes. They were all so pretty! We drove up and down the block owing and awing.

This is the Sacred Heart Catholic Church established in 1884.

Across from the church was the Bishop's Palace. It was originally built between 1887 and 1893 as a private residence but later acquired by the church. The American Institute of Architects has listed the home as one of the 100 most significant buildings in the United States. It was really beautiful. One day when our kids are older and don't feel they have to touch everything, I would like to take the actual tour.

We went to Moody Gardens Aquarium on the third day before we headed out of town. It was smaller than we thought it would be. There are several parts to Moody Gardens. I think if you bought the ticket to do everything it would have been really cool.

Sting Ray

Sea Dragon

Penguins

Petting the Starfish

The sharks were really cool. It was neat because they swam over you. We got a really good look at their teeth. Yikes!

We ate lunch at the Rainforest Cafe before we left town. We had never been to one before, and the kids loved it. The mechanical animals kind or scared Luke and Kate, but it was fun. Wade even wore a hat for the first time in his life. I was shocked he left it on.

We left Galveston sad because we were not ready to leave. We all want to go back, soon. Next time we will plan at least a week and find a much bigger condo/house. If we have any complaints, it was our condo. It was way too small for six people. Everything else was great even the weather!! This post is really making me want to jump in the car and head southeast!!

Katie-bug is Six Today!!

Happy Birthday Katie-bug!!

Our baby girl is six years old today!! She is the sweetest little girl. She always has a hug and a great big smile for everybody!! We are so proud of our little girl!

To me Kate's looks don't really change from year to year her arms and legs just get longer. 

At six years old Kate has many many favorites. She likes ponies, zebras, unicorns, the color purple, slushies, tomatoes, black-eyed peas, candy, fruit snacks, fruit, school, swimming, gymnastics, riding bikes, taco soup, and puppies.

Kate will start First Grade in the Fall. She has said this summer that she wishes school would last longer. I hope she still feels that way in a few years.

This girl loves the summer and everything water related. She waits all year to go swimming and be able to go to the waterparks. It makes me smile to think how happy summertime makes her.

Kate wants an ipod touch or a DSI for her birthday. She is also really into Barbies right now. She has always been hard to buy for, so I am excited she actually wants something.

At six years old Kate is 52 pounds and 49 1/4 inches tall.

We are excited to celebrate your day with you today. I just wish time would slow down so we could keep our little girl little for awhile longer. Kate you are so sweet and loving and such a blessing in our lives. Keep smiling baby girl!! We love you so much!!

Wade and Wayne Finally Meet

While we were in Galveston we had a few visitors. My Aunt Barbara and Uncle Alton and Cousins Gary, Lindsey, and Wayne drove in to see us. We had not seen them since my cousin Dawn's wedding back when Kate was about three months old. We were really excited to get Wade and Wayne together. Wayne turned three in June and Wade will be three in August. Both boys love to play with cars. 

Wayne with his PawPaw (I think that is what he called him). Doesn't he have the prettiest blue eyes?!?

The boys did play a little. I think if they had more time to get acquainted they would be great friends!

Me with my Aunt Barbara.

We are so glad we got to meet up with them on our trip. The kids were sad the visit was short. They wanted to play with their new little cousin. Hopefully, next time there will be more time.