BIG Texas

We spent an entire week in Texas visiting Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Waco & Ft. Worth.  Things in Texas are bigger ... especially the l-o-n-g, flat stretches of land :)  I've always been a bit skeptical about Texas, believing that perhaps all that BIG state pride might be a bit misplaced.  Being there didn't exactly put that notion to rest, but we had a lot of fun exploring the state and especially catching up with friends and family.

I realized after we left Houston that I didn't take any pictures except of the oil refineries as we drove in ... oops.

So, our photo journey begins in San Antonio:

The Alamo

The Riverwalk

In Austin with Jason's Aunt, Uncle and Cousin.  The hibiscus in Texas were definitely the biggest I'd ever seen.  These steps are some that Jason's great grandmother climbed :)

In Waco with the lovely Winn family.

And lastly, Fort Worth.

We passed these gems on our way out of the state -- I thought the "24/7 Yum Machine" and drive-thru liquor stores pretty irresistible. 

AR --> LA --> Texas!

Shortly after hitting Louisiana, we were treated to a modern day chain-gang doing work along the road!

Gorgeous bayous.

We even got to see a couple gators -- or at least their eyes and snouts.

Houses and churches alike are up on stilts.




















At the Gulf of Mexico!!

The landscape that greeted us as we entered Texas, heading toward Houston ...

NC --> TN --> GA --> AL --> MS --> AR = El Dorado

We hit quite a few states on our way to visit some long-time family friends of mine in Arkansas.  Since we had a pretty long driving day, we didn't make too many stops, but we did see some pretty country. I love the lush landscape, vines growing over trees, etc.

Chickens at the gas station!

My friend, Melissa who I've been friends & pen pals with since I can remember and her Mom.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This breathtaking park actually straddles the border of N. Carolina & Tennessee.  It's the only National park that does not have an entrance fee ... meaning, it's very crowded! But worth fighting the crowds to see this beautiful piece of creation.