Well a couple of days without internet was kind of hard on the girls.  But spent time at the Kemah Boardwalk and the girls rode all the rides, at least Brianna did.  Taylor found one ride she rode it at least 20 times.  She would get back on as soon as she got off.  No waits for the rides, got busier in the evening when it cooled off.  Then off to New Orleans.  Had a great room on the 32nd floor with a great view of the Mississippi River.  Taylor hates heights, but even she looked out the window and enjoyed the view.  Didn't think much of New Orleans, it is more of a party town and not for families or kids.  We did take a ride on the Natchez the only real "steamboat" on the Mighty Mississippi River. It was very nice but never been anywhere as hot as New Orleans.  My hair was soaking wet, had to hang our clothes up in the bathroom when we got to the hotel, everything was wet.  The Mississippi River is as much as 60 to 200 feet deep.  Saw many barges and a cruise ship from our hotel room.  Also went to the French Market, which is a large flea market, Brianna got a Timbalaya, she thinks is what it is called, it is a hollowed out coconut instrument.  It doesn't sound bad now, but after a few more days in the car it may get lost in the trunk.

 

 

 

Left Louisiana, drove through Mississippi, Alabama and are now in Florida. 

We are in Kemah, Texas.  Got to visit Beth and Derrick and they took us for a ride in their boat and dinner at the Aquarium on the Boardwalk. Thanks so much Beth and Derrick it was a beautiful night great visit and a wonderful ride on the water.  The girls enjoyed dangling their feet off the side of the boat, and dinner surrounded by an aquarium full of exotic fish. 

 

Tour of San Antonio in the Texas heat!!  Went to the Alamo, and road the river boat through the San Antonio Riverwalk, ended with a swim in the pool at the hotel.  Another great day.

Arrived in San Antonio yesterday.  Must say driving through Texas is much more enjoyable than driving through the desert.  Had a very enjoyable visit with Jim and Amanda and got to meet Cole. He is soooo cute.  He really liked Taylor, she got to carry him around and he held her hand walking around along the Riverwalk.  We went to a bar to get a snack when we arrived and just walking around saw a place that looked interesting.  It was stuffed animals all over the walls had a very eclectic menu, Ben had taco stuffed with mashed potatos, and chili.  I had Texas onion dip and chips, the girls had chocolate mousse (they were thrilled and they got dessert for lunch).  Ben tried a couple of Texas beers and liked them all (no surprise there).

Don't know what this building is but it is visible from our hotel and thought it was pretty.

We are off to explore today, going to the Alamo and saw San Fernando Cathedral yesterday, but Mass was going on, guess because it was Sunday, duh!  It was beautiful inside hope to go back today for a tour. 

Visited the UFO Museum in Roswell, New Mexico.  Ben tried some alien beer last night, was pretty good,.  Was interesting, but a lot of newspaper articles and pictures, too much to read.  We made it to Texas.  San Antonio tomorrow.

In Roswell New Mexico and full moon  aliens may beams up.    Swam this morning to burn off energy before another long drive..  Ben on a mission to try the alien beer. Hope to be able to bring some home

An awesome day, starting with a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon.  The view was breathtaking.  I could not believe how gorgeous it was.  Taylor was terrified but was glad she went after the flight. 

 

After the helicopter flight, we left the Grand Canyon and headed for Four Corners where Colorado, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico meet.  Took a couple of pictures and actually stood in four states at the same time.

 

 

The next day or so should be quiet, driving through New Mexico, we will stop in Roswell to see the Aliens...... It is interesting how the geography and everything changes between the states.  So far each state has its unique characteristics.

 

 

 

 

The girls went swimming before dinner, said the water was cold.

After swimming we were heading to dinner and crossing the parking lot see a large crowd.
A large Elk was grazing in the parking lot.

Dinner was at a steak house with vaudeville type entertainment.  Bri got to help the magician. You could tell these people wouldn't make American Idol or America's got talent but it was entertaining.

At the Grand Canyon.  Beautiful!!!  Dinner at a steak house, with vaudeville type entertainment.  pretty interesting.  Was fun, after swimming, now to the arcade with the girls. 

Finally on our way, day one down.  Uneventful, driving all day, yuk.  Ben and I saw a shooting star on the drive, the girls didn't look up in time,

Can't believe everything fit in the trunk.  We're off, goodbye Alex and Amanda.
Day 2 we are heading to the Grand Canyon. 

June 9, 2013

We were in Alameda over the weekend, to start our cross country trip.  Ben and I stepped in the Pacific Ocean (the Bay in Alameda) and will eventually step in the Atlantic Ocean.

We then went with Benj and Elisa to the USS Hornet our first sight seeing stop. 
We will be USS Hornet was very interesting, one of the tour guides had served on the ship and was quite informative.  Don't know how Sailors could find their way around, up and down all the ladders, etc.  If we hadn't had a tour guide, I might not have found my way out.