Days 5 and 6

After competing in all our musical categories and getting all of our media entries registered for judging, yesterday and today were a little easier but still very busy. San Antonio is a wonderful city with lots of attractions and everyone had some free time yesterday to explore.


Some visited the Alamo, also called "The Shrine of Texas". We all know the story of how Davy Crockett made his last stand here, holding out with a group of courageous Texans against an overwhelming assault force. Crockett and the others gave their lives here to hold the ground against impossible odds. The place is truly a shrine to the men who died here and also to the idea that some things are worth giving everything for.






We've had some fun times visiting the Riverwalk, or the Paseo Del Rio. The Riverwalk is one of San Antonio's most famous attractions. The river banks are lined with a variety of restaurants and other attractions. We ate here several nights and several of our group also took a boat tour, one of the favorite activities in San Antonio. My favorite restaurant here is Casa Rio, an authentic Mexican restaurant with the best salsa known to man. Amy and I are hoping they bottle it so we can bring some of it back. Nick and Machelle also enjoyed this restaurant.





I spent some time in El Marcao (Market Square). El Marcado is the shopping spot for all things Mexican, including some great pottery and carvings. It has become more "touristy" since the last time I was here, but still has some good items if you're willing to take the time to look for them.





Our kids really enjoyed the mall. The River Center Mall has more than 125 different shops covering four stories. I confess I didn't get to them all, but did have some fun at a shop called "Boot Hill", where we finished getting Elijah decked out in essential cowboy gear--boots and a belt with buckle to go along with his hat. He has generated lots of comments--and lots of photo ops--in his new duds. But I mean really, who could resist?







We'll have one more day with a little sight seeing and free time, but we'll be packing up tomorrow for the return trip home. We'll all attend the service at the Astrodome tomorrow night, then the teen talent awards will be announced in a wild, wide-open ceremony immediately after the service. We're all getting anxious to find out the results of our hard work. Please pray for all the kids from all over the church of God denomination who will be on pins and needles tomorrow night.


The trip has been wonderful, but we're looking forward to the trip home. We miss you all, and thank you for your support. We wouldn't be here without you.