The Disney World of Waterparks

Last week we went to Texas and it was one of the most fun trips I've had in a while. We started at a friend's wedding just outside of Houston and I'm not one to be excited about going to Houston. I'm actually the one that says "Why???" when people tell me they are moving to Houston. I know that may be very ignorant of me but I fill my brain with plenty of other things so I don't feel the need to educate myself on the positive attributes of Houston. Plus, hating things is so much easier.

So we got my friend off and married in what I hope is the last bridesmaid dress I have to wear. Then we high tailed it to the Hill Country with the already married friends. And the next day we had on more clothes than our newly married friends, but maybe not much. I was telling someone today about the amazing tubing, waterslides, lazy rivers and wave pools at Schlitterbahn and the first thing she asked me was "so how does that work?" and she waved her hand up and down her body. Yep! We walked around all day barefooted and in just our bathing suits. Then we got to head back to my parents house totally exhausted and grill dinner on their patio.

I know it doesn't sound that exciting but combining great friends with my parents with Texas with an epic summer experience I couldn't have asked for a better trip.

Town and Country Restaurant

I've been staring at this picture on my desktop for months. We took it back in February to give everyone something to visualize when we talk about the restaurant. The place is broken into the main room and the "party room." Party room is where I'm standing. It's also where they had the Rotary meetings and where the overflow of people go during the rush hours. It's also the section of the restaurant that we shut down for some friends one Valentines in high school. We gave them a linen table cloth and a rose and called it a romantic dinner. It's also called the 50's if you're down with the restaurant lingo.

Anyway, now you can see all the cool retro light fixtures and diner tables and if you look close you can see the bar where all the coffee regulars sit and drink all day. No kidding - some of those guys sit there for longer than people sit at Panera working.

Keeping the Gas Companies in Business

Yesterday we were in the car driving for approximately 7 hours. If we were in Tennessee that could mean we were 3 states away. But no, this is Texas and so we didn't even get to Mexico.

Yes, it was a little more than normal but seems like if we aren't in the car for at least 3 hour we aren't really getting anything accomplished down here. Just to get you a little oriented this was our route.

"F" is the ranch. Pretty right?

We flew into San Antonio, had a quick meeting in Austin and then headed back to the Mathis house. A few hours later we had to go into the restaurant for a staff meeting and then dinner at my sister's house.

The Two T's Head Off

So we have spent an equal amount of our adult life in the two US states that begin with "T." One of the car games Joshua and I played on our fifteen hours south was a comparison of those states. Here are our findings:

Texas has Whataburger and Schlitterbahn

Tennessee has lots of tall trees and their leaves change colors

Texas is dead and dry most of the year

Tennessee has a poor public education system

In Texas there is state pride

In Tennessee you can open your windows for 2 months every year

Texas has access roads and frontage roads

Tennessee has great hiking trails and history

Texas has TexMex

Tennessee has the Smokey Mountains

You have to drive through Pigeon Forge to get to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee

You have to drive forever to get anywhere in Texas

Can you add anything to our list?

If you could only see one game

It is hard being in Tennessee where you can walk around having no idea that this weekend is the Texas/OU game. Joshua and I were minding our own business and just happened to turn on the TV to find the TX/OU game in full swing. We of course threw all our plans out the window and have been watching the game ever since.

Let me say it has been an amazing and crazy game which always seems to be what the Cotton Bowl tradition becomes. There have been awful calls, amazing passes and even stranger touchdowns. I think Joshua is glad we don't see many Texas football games because I think I might be losing my voice. Good or bad, I can't seem to sit on the couch and just watch. I have to scream at the TV, I have to jump up and down and I have to sing the fight song every time it gets played.

Well Texas made us proud and has pulled out a win when many (including the announcers) didn't think it would happen. HOOK 'EM HORNS!

(photo from SI Vault)