San Antonio or Bust! Part 1

Last weekend we took the kids on a mini vacation to San Antonio.  We packed a lot into two days and had a great time!  Our first stop…the Alamo!

Here is our attempt at the family picture, but both kids were too interested in seeing “the bad guys and the fighters”. 

This picture will be saved for Sarah for her 4th grade Texas History project…:)

Carson checking out the map.

The soldier memorial that they have out front is fabulous!  My very long-distant {as in several cousins removed, but still cool!} relative’s name is on it…See it?  Tapley Holland. 

If you ever go to the Alamo, his picture is hanging up right inside the door and if you read the plaque under his name, it will tell you that he was one of the first men to cross the line when Col. William B. Travis stood before his men saying there was no longer hope for reinforcements.  He gave them the choice to try to escape before the battle began or staying to fight to the end.  When Col.William B. Travis drew the line with his sword and invited all who would stand beside him to cross over the line, after a moment of silence,young Tapley leaped over the line with a bound saying "Let me give a life for Texas."  Tapley Holland was the first to volunteer his life.  There is also a painting depicting the "line" scene hangs in the Alamo as well as the portrait of Tapley (mentioned above) and there is a brass marker of the line that Col. Travis drew right outside the Alamo’s doors. 

Oh how I wish I could talk to my papa and have him tell me the story of Tapley… again!  My papa was the “historian” of the family and I would listen to him tell me stories of my ancestors for hours.  He had the best memory!!!

After our short stop at the Alamo, we headed toward the river walk and Sarah’s eye caught the statue of the tallest man in the Ripley’s store.  

Then off to dinner at my all-time favorite Mexican restaurant EVER!!!!!  The Original Mexican Restaurant…original title I know…haa!!!

   

Then the kids wanted to take a boat ride on the river.  Sarah was excited and Carson was about to fall asleep. 

 

But, Carson was wide awake for our last stop of the night, Mr. Ice Cream, for something sweet.