Cougar Run ...

Our last day in Galveston we planned a boat tour on the "Cougar Run", an air boat that tours around the State Park and marshes on the back bay. The weather was threatening, but after a short delay, we had a good tour.

Headed out to the bay ... YIKES! ... look at those storm clouds!



Headed through Lake Como



Zach up in front, after switching seats.



Luke driving the boat



Once we cleared the "no wake zone" of Lake Como things got LOUD and windy! We all wore ear protection to cut down on the noise from the giant fan.



Here we are scaring a large group of pelicans!



Zach riding high.



This is a special kind of bird - that I have forgotten the name of - and they live way out at sea, but come into this one small area to lay their eggs (according to our guide). They have a huge wingspan.



One of the cool things about being in an air boat is "hovering" over the water and diving right over the marsh without even breaking a blade of grass.



I will admit to grabbing my seat and holding on for dear life the first few times we did this!



Beautiful scenery with the heavy clouds reflecting in the bay. I'm sure it's stunning when the sun is out or during sunset.



More views of the marsh grass



Cruising through the salt grass ...



Zach with his hair blowing in the breeze!



Luke getting a new hairdo ...



Another pretty view of the clouds reflecting in the bay



Pelicans in a row ...



... and flying in unison.



Not a clear shot of the pelican, since he was moving, but great composition.



Luke, Jason, Zach & Melissa as we head back into Lake Como.



Almost back at the dock.

Slumber Party!

Week before last, Luke & Zach spent the night with us while Jason and Melissa got the night off to go see the twins at Jeff & Kim's house. Brady came down to visit and have a slumber party with his cousins. We did lots of stuff, like eating pizza at Mario's on the seawall.



Watching Toy Story 2



... and Curious George



... and eating popcorn!



We played trains and built LEGO items while "staying up late".



The next morning the guys decided they should get mohawks, so we compromised on "FAUXhawks".



Close up of Brady's mini-fauxhawk



... and Zach's maxi-fauxhawk!



They gave each other "walking feet massages". I'm not entirely sure that Brady believed them when they said they wanted him to walk on their backs, but he did get into the spirit of things.



We ended the party with a little time at GCC - here's the group in the "baby pool" waiting on our lunch.



Fun was had by all, except possibly Brady's parents (read that Jeff) who were quite anxious to see him the next day. They might be disappointed to learn that their names never came up with all the excitement of spending time with Luke & Zach!

Grandpa and Grandma Nan had a good time with the boys and, although it might be YEARS before Jeff recovers enough to allow Brady to stay out overnight again, we don't think he'll be permanently damaged by the experience. That said, there could be a few extra requests for Ding Dongs and ice cream sandwiches around the other Brewer households.

Vacation in Galveston

I'm a little late in posting, since work took over last week, but we had a great time in Galveston with the Dallas Brewers. Here's Luke practicing his diving technique at the GCC pool ...



Good one!



Another good effort ...



CANNONBALL!



Zach executing one of his signature moves ...



Victory!



Identified the "mystery bird" that comes each night to perch on the top of the sailboat mast at the marina. It's an Osprey ... local bird of prey. This is a horrible photo, but I did manage to catch him in a position to see more of his body.



We were invaded by pirates ...



... saw man-o-war in Lake Como



Check out those long tentacles ... YIKES!



Jerry and Jason played golf at the former MUNI course - now known as Moody Gardens. Beautiful course, but the mosquitoes were horrible and we had several downpours during the round. This is a nice shot with a view of the new causeway in the far background.



Jerry on the tee box.



Jason teeing off on another hole.



These cute bunny rabbits were all around.



It stormed ...



... and we had beautiful sunsets.



Denny took advantage of his time at the beach ... who doesn't have a cat on their nightstand?



Elvis with his "summer do" out on the balcony.



Ike chilling out in his bedroom chair.