Finally, it's over!

Jacob is finally done with fifth grade...YES! Here are some pictures from his awards day. Once again, he made A Honor Roll for the whole year. Next up...Oak Run Middle School...yikes!

Jacob, with friends, CJ and Mason

With his "#3" girl, Julie

Thomas and Jacob...goofballs

Homeroom class with Olympic Gold medalist, Josh Davis (far right)

Memorial Day Memories

We took time to remember the sacrifices of others by taking a mini "stay-cation" this past weekend. We traveled an hour and half away to Fredericksburg; a wonderful small German town with lots of little shops, antiques, and eateries to satisfy any tourist. Jim made arrangements for us to stay over Sunday night into Monday, so that we could celebrate Memorial Day with a visit to the National Museum of the Pacific War. Yes, I know what you are thinking...Pacific War?...middle of Texas? That was our reaction the first time we heard about it. Well, it just so happens that Admiral Chester H. Nimitz was born in Fredericksburg and part of the museum is located in a hotel his family once owned. Fredericksburg wanted to honor Nimitz; however, he didn't want a statue of himself on display, he wanted something that would recognize and honor ALL who served in the war of the Pacific.

On Sunday, we were lucky enough to be visiting on one of the days that they hold their battle reenactment. It started off with a talk and demonstration of the various weapons used by the different branches of the military.

Afterwards, they did a reenactment of a beach battle. Of course, blank ammo was used; however, the flame thrower and the flames were very real. We could feel the earth rumble from the tanks, feel the heat from the flames and felt the sand from the explosions.

It was quite an educational experience and it was LOUD! (ear plugs were provided)

The museum and the memorial gardens were wonderful. Jim finally got to see the Japanese midget submarine that washed up on the shores of Oahu after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Who knew it was in Texas all these years!

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Jacob's favorite part of our stay was the battle, but he also enjoyed the hotel swimming pool and as usual, made friends in the process...

Night at the Movies

Our normal Friday night flick at home, turned into Saturday night at the movies this week. Tonight we went to see, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. This movie didn't get good reviews, but we don't care because we loved it (we liked the first one, too.) It started out slow, messed with history and D.C. geography a bit; however, it was silly, crazy and funny!! Hank Azaria's performance as a lisping Egyptian pharaoh and bad guy, Kahmunrah, had us in stitches several times. While this movie certainly won't make cinematic history or win awards, it was good for a fun, family night at the movies. Jacob can't wait until it comes out on DVD.

Not bad for 44...

Jim's 44 th birthday was Monday night. We decided to surprise him by going to one of his favorite restaurants. Of course, surprising Jim is never easy and he has an amazing sense of direction for someone who spent most of his adult life underwater! So, to make things fun and challenging for him, we blindfolded him!!! I then proceeded to take a round about route to the restaurant, taking roads we'd never been on, cutting through parking lots, going over railroad tracks at high speed (just to see him react and listen to Jacob laugh), you name it. It was great! Our plan was working and sure enough, we made it to the restaurant and Jim had no idea where we were, UNTIL...the train whistles...ya see, Huisache Grill is right next to the tracks going through downtown New Braunfels! I no sooner got the car parked and here comes a train...Jim didn't know where he was at first and it was rather funny, because we made him get out of the car still blindfolded (for some reason he was scared...LOL.) However, after a few guided steps, he guessed our location. We had a great meal and he got a couple more surprises (the new iPod shuffle and two books), then we stopped by Landa Park on the way home to enjoy the beautiful evening and put our feet in the Comal.
Of course, no birthday is complete without the cake and ice cream! yes, that is a votive candle in the cake

Pennsylvania or Texas??

It's hard to tell...We took this picture while we were out driving this past weekend (unfortunately, you can't see the cows in the distance.) It's actually a view from LBJ's Ranch. We couldn't believe how much the country side looked like parts of PA! When Jim first visited here, he told me the area reminded him partly of San Diego county (the dry parts) and partly of PA (rolling hills and farmland), I must say I got the same feeling, however, don't be fooled....Texas has a flavor all it's own!

Lawn Boy

It wasn't so very long ago that all he pushed was a bubble mower...

He loved to help Daddy...

Now, at age ten, Jacob is on his own and he has the real thing! He is doing a great job and is able to pull start it on his own. Since he doesn't get an allowance for everyday chores (well, we feed and clothe him), he gets paid for mowing.

**Update**

Nothing like last minute changes. It was announced at 8 o'clock last night that school will resume tomorrow (Thurs., May 7). There are now four confirmed flu cases in the county, however, based on CDC recommendations for schools, the local districts have decided to reopen earlier than previously stated. Good thing we didn't leave town!