Adventure through Lousiana

On Saturday, March 30, we left the Battleship Texas and began a long journey towards Mississippi.  Unfortunately, we discovered that we had misplaced a bottle of insulin.  Due to the holiday weekend with Easter fast approaching, we sensed the urgency to find a pharmacy somewhere in Louisiana.  Because we were very unfamiliar with the area and relying solely on GPS and faith, we were very unprepared for the effort it would take to find the critical medicine.  We traveled towards Lafayette, LA and stopped at various Walgreens for directions.  The locals really didn't know their city as well as we would have hoped so after several directions to Walgreens and Rite Aid, the hours were passing quickly by.  It was now 10:00 pm and kids were starving and Colton's blood sugar was rising rapidly without the much needed insulin.  Finally we found a local pharmacy and they helped us to get the insulin which cost us $300.  Yes, the insurance wouldn't pay for it because we had recently filled within their window of time.  To add to our adventure, we determined to find a place to eat.  We stopped at a local chinese place and they acted as if we were ghosts.  We then found a fast food restaurant called Raisin' Cane's Chicken.  Although the sauce was spicy, the chicken and fries were delicious.  I think at this point in our journey, we could have eaten cardboard and been satisfied.

After filling up with gas and food, we continued to travel towards Mississippi on Highway 55.  We knew with the dark of night, fear of the swamps, car trouble, alligators or whatever our imagination might drum up, that we had to drive north quickly.  We were also so tired from the normal travels of this particular day.  We drove quickly north and drove into the small town of Crystal Springs, Mississippi.  Arriving at 3:00 am, waking relatives to pick up a key to the small cabin where we were staying.  We so thankful to Aunt Linda and Uncle Larry in allowing us to wake them to greet us and help us find our way.  We felt into beds exhausted but grateful for the safety and protection on this adventurous journey.

Visiting Houston Texas

On March 29th we went to Houston, Texas.  After a long day of driving, we stayed in a Residence Inn.  The people below us didn't want ANY noise so it was a long night.  We did eat some delicious food at an italian restaurant called Russo's New York Pizzeria.  Not only were the pizzas very yummy, but we had great salads and desserts that melted in all of our mouths.  After dinner, laundry was a priority so our evening activities consisted of folding laundry and watching The Little Engine that Could on the IPAD.  It was an adventure.

Then Saturday, March 30th we stopped for a quick visit with Dave's Uncle.  Then we traveled by ferry across the Houston Ship Channel.  David could find the parking brake when we were about to leave the ferry so it was a rather funny experience searching for the parking brake with cars waiting behind us.  The Battleship Texas was incredible.  We all enjoyed the experience of touring the very large ship.  Of course, the history was fascinating, but the knowledge that we were on a ship that many relatives had also traveled on was rather emotional.  Some in our family were terrified of the closed spaces under the ship while others had difficulty with the heights and wind at the top of the ship.  It truly was an adventure.

San Antonio What a Place!

On Thursday,  March 28th we traveled from Sea World to our hotel room.  We enjoyed a very LATE dinner at the Black-Eyed Pea.  We were rather weary from Sea World so we determined to avoid an evening sight-seeing trip to relax.  Unfortunately as we were preparing beds for the night in our two-connecting rooms, we noticed one of the bed was covered and wet with urine.  As gross as it was, we still laugh that we were short one bed so Callie slept with us and the other kids shared.  It cut the cost of one room to zero, but we probably won't return to that particular hotel anytime soon.

We traveled to the sights of the city and enjoyed seeing The Alamo, Tower of the Americas and the Riverwalk.  

Dallas Adventure

Monday, March 26 we arose from our soft beds to delicious smells in the kitchen.  Our favorite feature of their home was a staircase with leopard carpet.  It was so unique.  

Yes, Uncle Bobby was making waffles (quite a feat for a family of eight) and Aunt Laura had the best continental breakfast one could wish for.  As the primary chef at our house, I can tell you that it was a true gift of love.  Not only was it delicious but so enjoyable to visit and eat with each other.  To our surprise, during breakfast, Uncle Bobby and Aunt Laura surprised with a plan to visit a local indoor water park and resort called The Great Wolf Lodge.  We were not leaving their house until afternoon, so we took a tour of the neighborhood where we saw beautiful houses and even an injured coyote.  Aunt Laura and Uncle Bobby made us feel right at home and we enjoyed a beautiful day in Texas.  When Uncle Bobby returned from an appointment, we were packed and ready to go to The Great Wolf Lodge.  Much to our surprise, it was a huge facility with the dreams of adults and children alike.  We had a wait a bit for our room so we enjoyed the snacks and treats that Aunt Laura packed and prepared for us.  We must have looked pretty hilarious with luggage, six children and food for at least a week (we're not joking).