Tuesday in Texas

My bucket list is short now that I've had children, sky-dived, and have seen the Alamo. The two remaining items are to make a successful batch of yogurt (an ongoing failure) and to see Mount Rushmore. I won't mention that my in-laws are currently on their way to Mount Rushmore and if they really loved me they would have let me tag along... so anyway. I had considered adding the lofty goal of climbing Mount Everest, but now that I'm a bit more learned on the subject and am aware of how many body parts can swell at high altitude and how many body parts you can lose while trekking to the summit has put that on the If I Have Six More Months to Live list. Also on that list is to eat an entire chocolate cake by myself. However, while in Texas I finally saw the Alamo, a childhood dream of mine, and gleamed with American-pride because of it.

I might get my presidents mixed-up and I don't know all the state capitals, but I really am an American History buff. If I were to ever to see where the Constitution was signed or visit John Adam's house I would be a balling mess overcome with emotion at the power of it all. Brad scoffed at me the first time I teared up over this plague commemorating William Travis' sacrifice while defending the Alamo.

The kids? Well, they really didn't care. I understand. I grew up in Europe and every time I learned of another road trip through the Alps or down to Italy I would roll my eyes and ask if I could bring my Game Boy. I get it, kids. 

While sympathetic I still forced them along and forced them to pay attention and listen to lectures of the cost of freedom. I felt like a good parent. (heeheehee) It was at the reading of Travis' famous letter to the Americans that Brad finally got choked up himself and I was vindicated!

The Travis Letter

Commandancy of the The Alamo

Bejar, Feby. 24th. 1836

To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World—

Fellow Citizens & compatriots—

     I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna — I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man — The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken — I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls — I shall never surrender or retreat.  Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch — The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days.  If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country — Victory or Death.

William Barrett Travis.

Lt.  Col. comdt.

P. S.  The Lord is on our side — When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn — We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels and got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves.

Travis

Along with Travis' moving quote, "I will never surrender or retreat," came Davy Crockett's inspiring quote, "You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas." I'm kind of a fan.

After our trip to the Alamo we had a delightful lunch with Grandpa at Applebee's. The kids experienced fried cheese sticks possibly for the first time.

Simon was still a big fan of Pa. This made signing the check a little challenging for Pa, but he managed.

Now if ever I do visit Everest I will train in this hotel pool, because that this was cold!

I wish I knew if sarcasm in writing form is ever really successful.

The swimming didn't last long.

Our hotel was a nice one. It wasn't super fancy, but had the typical Texas-friendly customer service and free popcorn in the afternoon. Good hotel.

I don't blame you, Alynna, but just one more trip to go.

There is a museum a few minutes drive from my parents that hosts a free night once a week. (Another reason I want to move to Texas.) I don't say no to free museums, so we squeezed in a short trip. Here my five year old!!! climbs the entire rock wall! I was so surprised and proud I nearly cried!

Well, how can you follow that, right? Poor Kaeley was next. She scaled the first wall pretty quickly and moved on to the more advanced wall where she got stuck half way up. Good try, girl!

Nathan wasn't able to try the rock wall because he was wearing flip-flops. He walked around the nearby exhibit and, of course, met a new friend. She was a museum docent who looked through the river water for critters to look in under the microscope. The relationship between her and my son made all the sense in the world.

After a couple of hours we headed to my parents' house for a family dinner and all slept well that night.