Don't mess with Texas ...

It didn't take me long to realize Texans like their state. Stars are popular decorations. The Texas flag flies where other states may be more likely to hang the U.S. stars and stripes. And, yes, two hotels -- one in New Braunfels and another in Fort Worth -- offered Texas-shaped waffles for breakfast.

That's all of us posing on the back deck of the house we stayed in for four nights.

We (meaning our family of three plus, Greg's parents, two brothers, two sisters-in-law, two nieces and one nephew) started our trip in New Braunfels, which is between San Antonio and Austin and is the home to Peggy's cousin and aunt.

It was fun hearing about Peggy's family. That's her cousin, Don, and his mom, Celeste.

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We took a couple trips into San Antonio. First for Sea World ...

Did you know flamingos are pink because they eat shrimp? Seriously.

Yes, it was hot. Like 102 degrees. (But I learned I'd take Texas' 102 for Kentucky's 95 and humid.) The heat required sunglasses and much water. And it was tiring.

Then it was on to the Alamo and Riverwalk ...

The sisters-in-law went shopping (with our mother-in-law) at these local shops. Our favorite was ScentChips.
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We got a small taste of Austin, starting with Rudy's BBQ, then continuing with visiting with Greg's cousin Alyssa and her husband, Stephen.

That's Alyssa (left) with Greg's youngest brother, John, and his wife, Christine. John and Christine were our vehicle buddies!
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More to come on our visit with the adoption agency in Fort Worth.

There are many, many more pictures in an album I created on Facebook. Even you non-Facebookers can view them. Just click here.