San Antonio, Arches, and Home again

We're a third of the way through 2024, friends!  I think I'm ready to wrap up blogging 2023.  Back to our lovely Thanksgiving in San Antonio, here's what we did when we weren't noshing on turkey.

Run!  The Riverwalk was my favorite part of San Antonio.  I really enjoyed exploring the city by logging miles along this treasure.

Talia and Justin did the same thing, just much more quickly.

Christmas was in the air, even in this sunny location.

Next up, the Alamo!  It would be a pity to travel so far without taking a look.

These Texas rangers looked so....Texan!  In truth their ten gallon hats rather cracked me up, although they didn't look at all amused.

Violet may have gotten a stern look for running on the grass, but she was cute enough that they let her go.

Is it shameful to admit that I didn't know Davy Crockett died at the Alamo?

We honored Davy's frontier spirit with an awesome coon cap.  Thanks to Ruby for sharing with Annie!

Gathering up giant group is no easy task, but Austin did a commendable job.

Our next adventure: a Riverboat Cruise.  I think everyone enjoyed it, except maybe Violet who definitely wanted her Mom's lap instead of mine.

With the sunlight fading, our family hustled to find a place to take a family picture to fill in "Texas" on our photo map.

I'm SO glad Brooklyn could slip away from college to join us!

That evening, it was back to the river to enjoy the Holiday River Parade.  As VP of Corporate sales for Visit San Antonio, Lance hooked us up with some great VIP tix.

These Chicago gents are looking mighty Texan.

Dining on Bavarian pretzels while we wait for the parade to start. The Prost Haus didn't have any dine-in seating, but I found a roomy chair to sit in while waiting for our carry-out order.

This phone booth, on the other hand, was a little more crowded.  Always room for cousins!

Time for the parade to start!   While I didn't see the television broadcast, we were seated right by the camera guy.  Apparently the kids got featured multiple times.

Parading in watery Holiday style.  The canal is fairly shallow, which is probably a good thing since people regularly fall in (particularly when intoxicated.)

Lighting the World with Love

Our time in San Antonio was brief, mostly because of the driving distance.  On Saturday morning we went to the Farmer's Market by Lance's place in the Pearl District, then got back on the road.  It was sad to leave, but the Beignets made for a sweet farewell.  Grandpa Charles, thanks for the tasty treat!

And Lance, thank you so very much for making us all so welcome.  San Antonio is lucky to have you!  I hope we can visit again.  

On our way home, we stopped to see our friend Mary Breinholt who is serving as a missionary in Western Texas.  Brooklyn was particularly excited to glean her perspective before putting her own mission papers.

I know it's been hard for Mary's parents to have her gone, but she looked so happy!

We met up on the steps of a lovely old church.  The music pastor and his wife happened to stop by at the same time and showed us around inside.  I thought it was pretty special because Mary's Dad, Peter Breinholt, could be considered a music pastor in his own way.

On the road again.  The sun has risen and the sun has set, but we still ain't out of Texas yet!

Our road home took us right past Arches National Park.  Even though it meant getting home later, I'm glad that we stopped by to visit the Windows.

I have the hardest time paring down photos, so forgive the indulgence.  Everything was just so pretty!

Last but not least, the moon rise on our way home.  Life may have it's challenges, but I'm sure grateful for the beautiful world God has given us all.  Every day is a gift.

May we all give thanks.