Kayaking on the Colorado River

Today we had another adventure in kayaking!  We went up to Columbus and kayaked the Colorado River!  The total trip was about 6.5 miles and the last 1.6 miles (Jeff looked it up) we had to really had to paddle for all I was worth (Jeff could have easily left me behind, but he waited) because a huge storm came upon us and we heard thunder and saw lightening.  Obviously, the river is not the greatest place to be at a time like that, but we made it, got in the suburban, got the kids changed out of wet clothes, and almost got the kayaks on the trailer before it started raining.  The place we went out of rented out canoes and kayaks as their business and there were actually others that came in after us.  Then, we didn't even stop for supper because we were just ahead of the storm.  We were thankful.  The kids did super awesome.  Rachel needed shade bad, so we rigged up her umbrella and by the end we were all envious.  :)  Actually, Zane kept insisting that he didn't want his umbrella, but we'll see next time how that goes.  It sure would be nicer with one!

Interesting sights:  We saw a bunch of cows in the water.  That was neat.  And a humongous spider-humongous-while we were eating, which Jeff killed.  And then shortly after the fire ants showed up to eat the spider and we left that place quickly.  No fireants for us, please.  We found a floating net that had gotten caught on a log-someone had lost it-and a group of people went by us and Jeff asked them if they had lost it and sure enough one had!  He was really glad to get it back!  The kids loves swimming.  We were really careful in the current though because, it would sure be easy to float away.
It was a wonderful wonderful day.

Jeff snacking on Life cereal.

Colorado River

Entering our first little rapids

Looks like dad is taking a break.  Just kidding!  :)

Great swimming spot in the shade

Found out the shovels don't float!  haha

Lunch break!!!

Moooooo

Sleepy girl

I was commenting to her while paddling as fast as I could and I never heard a response.  So thankful to reach our end point and went to get her out...zzzzzz.  She was not concerned at all.  :)

   

Swimming In July

Wednesday Evening

First Dentist Visit!

Zane and Rachel had their first dental visit this week!  It went much better than I expected!  Zane did great!  Rachel-well, let's just say it's possible to scream and cry through a clenched mouth.  Oh well-she was very happy with her prize bag and hopefully in maybe a couple years she will be as smiley as Zane!

In the waiting room with a library book.

She definitely set her mind early!

She thought his teeth were very healthy and no cavities! 

I was trying to think positive!  haha

Fire Station Museum

As some of you know, Zane is fascinated with firemen and firetrucks right now.  And the parade in Junction with all the firetrucks just fueled his enthusiasm.  A while ago I found an old fire station in San Antonio that has been changed into a museum and have been wanting to take Zane and Rachel.  I decided this was the time because Zane is going to be starting Kindergarten in less than two months and then our schedule is going to have a big change!
So we left Grandma D's house with Zane so sad about leaving and went to downtown San Antonio.  I didn't even think about paying for parking, but that's okay, we found it for pretty inexpensive.

This museum was awesome.  Zane just kept saying, "Wow."  There was a retired fireman there who actually used to work at that specific station.  He was very nice and knowledgeable.  He actually had a story to share about Victoria.  When he was working at the station in the 70s, I guess on clear nights, the radio calls from Victoria would reach San Antonio.  One night, they got a call that the church on the 400 block of Main street was on fire.  They drove out, only to discover that the fire was in Victoria, not San Antonio. 

Picture so I could find our car.  I was scared I wouldn't be able to find it!

Junior badges!!!

Everything was huge up close.  Like the hoses and valve attachments.

Zane has been asking about the dogs at fire stations.  The nice fireman told us that they were actually used when the fire trucks were pulled by horses.  They would keep the horses company and in line.  Dalmations, according to Mr. Jim, can run almost as fast as a greyhound, but for longer distances.

He loved everything about this museum.

Jaws of life and other tools used to rescue people.

Hugs.

Funny thing-I was letting them pick out a souvenir.  Zane took off and was heading back to get something from another display.  haha

Picture in the kitchen, but unfortunately I guess I didn't get a picture of the old stoves in it.

Fire pole. 

 Next was the kids part of the museum.  This would be perfect for field trips.  The kids would learn tons about fire safety.  It was really really cool.

We couldn't get this one small enough, Zane didn't think, so we just got a quick picture with the huge fire hat.

The jackets were soooo heavy.  Zane was thrilled!

He also decided he really likes ambulances.  Maybe we can go back sometime because the lady that checked us out said that they have one coming and will set it up so people can actually go through it.

Fire lego set!!!

Can you see Zane's head peeking through a window?  They couldn't get in the cab.

With the girl who never seems to want to get her picture taken!  haha  Big sigh and moan.

Zane helping Rachel figure out her fire truck. It has all the sirens and lights.  :)

 THEN...
I asked a lady where the Alamo was because I heard it was close and she said that the back was right across the street kiddie corner.  Oh man, I wanted to go soooo bad.  My MeMaw took us when I was younger and every time we drive through SA I want to go.  It was noon and it was hot and I decided to go for it.  After all, I'd already paid for parking.  One on the hip, the other by the hand and off we went!  Downtown was really nice and there were a few homeless, but not too many.  Lots of tourists.  I offered to take a picture of a lady with her family and so she returned the favor.

In front of the ALAMO!!!!

Proof that they were there.  hahahahaha

The line started going into the church and it was just solid people going into the Alamo, kids started melting down, started getting hungry, and I still had to find the car again.  So, I decided that I was happy with just seeing the outside and that we would come back when Zane started studying history.  We made it back safe and sound and Rach was asleep in like 30 seconds even though she was so hungry.  I didn't pack a lunch so I got out of SA and we stopped at ...McDonalds and they ate like you wouldn't believe.  :) 

Look at that girl!

What a great stop.  Two great kids and a wonderful time!!!