Tuesday brought with it a visit from Nana and Grandpa and a trip to Fiesta Texas (San Antonio's Six Flags). Temperature wise it was two degrees cooler than yesterday, but it felt cooler because the humidity was lower. It was fun to visit the Six Flags that Donald grew up going to instead of the one I grew up going to (Atlanta, GA). The kids enjoyed the rides before indulging in the water park. And Donald and I were able to get away while they swam to ride one of the grown up roller coasters. It was the first time in years since I've ridden a roller coaster and will probably be the last for a while. It sure does feel different at 36 than it used to at 16. :)

The cute story from today involves Ethan. He took possession of the map and studied it. Then he told me that it was a project for me and him. He walked around looking at that map all day. He took pride in having a project with me. He's such a sweet boy. Even now, he's in bed (not going to sleep) studying our project.

We're going to cut our time in San Antonio short. I miss my sister so we're going to head back to her house and spend some time with them. That's fun that money just can't buy!

WOW is it H O T in Texas. The car read 109, so I'm guessing it's about 100. Last night we walked along the river front and finally got that BBQ brisket that I've been craving. Ethan begged to ride one of the boats so we did. The tour the guides give is really interesting and it's cool to see the city from a different angle. The tour itself lasts about 35 minutes. As our tour guide was giving us the rich history of a building along the river walk, Ethan decides he wants to ask a question. He begins by asking me if he can raise his hand. So I look at him and ask him why he wants to raise his hand. He whispers, rather loudly, that he wants to ask a question. I pause and think to myself, "this ought to be good". So I answer him with an affirmative nod and he raises his little hand. He waits patiently until the girl is through giving her speech about the current building and acknowledges him. She looked down at him and said, "Do you have a question, Little Buddy". He so sweetly asks, "What time is it?". Everyone got a good chuckle out of that. You never know what you're going to get when Ethan speaks.

Today was our day at Sea World. Without question the all around favorite was feeding and petting the dolphins. The kids enjoyed a few kiddie rides and we were able to see two shows. It was kind of crowded for the first week in June and it was definitely hot. We are back at our cool hotel room and plan on doing a little swimming before tomorrow.

We finally made it! We are finally in Texas. Our vacation got off to a rocky start with a 3 hour delay, but once we got on the road we made pretty good time. And as anticipated, there was much laughter with my family at my sister's house. I enjoyed watching the children do Dance Central and even gave it a try myself. Of course I was told I was in the way and that I needed to move. You gotta love 10 year old nephews! (I really do love you Logan!!) But the best part of spending time with my sister is the ability to let go of it all and just laugh.

Today was mostly spent in the car. We left around 10am and we arrived in Texas at 6pm. Texas is crazy big. I feel for my little ones. We have been talking about Sea World and the fun things we are going to do but neglecting to drive home the point that Daddy has an interview/get to know you weekend before we do those other activities. As we were driving into the hotel parking lot Donald said, "We're here". Ethan excitedly responded, "At Sea World?". His disappointment quickly faded when we reached our room and DJ took the suitcases off of the Bellman's cart. Ethan seized the opportunity to jump on and make it his personal playground. It wasn't long before his sister got in on the fun too. I watched with pleasure as they took a simple, functional object and turned it into one of the greatest toys ever. At some point during their play Sarah looked over at me and said, "This day is the best day of vacation yet!". The best day indeed Sarah. The best day indeed.