Mid 30's mom of three wonderful kids and married to Trevor since '94. My occupations consist of: chauffeur, cook, maid, accountant, repair person, advisor, etc. I don't get paid for what I do, but I love my job and couldn't imagine doing anything else right now.
I showed the boys how hungry the seagulls were by throwing a chip up in the air. Austin wanted to try and the bird snatched the chip right out of his fingers.
Everyone headed for cover when a swarm of gulls flew over but Keith still got hit. At least it blended in with his shorts.
Best friends!
Just like sisters.
At the aqaurium.
Lena got to touch a star fish.
Rance looking at a king penguin.
Afterwards, we tried to find a place in Galveston to eat but they all were packed from Spring Breakers. We drove back to Lake Jackson and ate at our old stand by, the Red Snapper.
Lena was excited to order a traditional German dinner. She had Schnitzel with German potato salad and fresh fruit.
I had the Wienerwurst with sauerkraut and onion straws. Um, yummo!
(Oh, and check out my doodle guy eyeing my plate.)
My first lager, from Munich, Germany, all 16.9 oz. of it.
For dessert, Lena and I shared an Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), here is what was left of it before I remembered to take a picture. Definitely the best strudel I have ever tasted!
Since Lena has been staying with us for over a month, she has taught us soo much about her culture. Things such as they have 2 different schools to attend as youth enter the same as high school here. They have school for the ones that will continue to grow in their education and on into college, while others are sent to an 'easy' school to finish. The legal drinking age is 16. It cost over a $1000 to get a drivers' license. And so much more.
One of the customs we recently learned is that when a young person turns 18 it is a REALLY BIG DEAL. It's the equivalent of turning 16 or 21 here. So much so that they have birthday cards for turning 18. Of course here, I was unable to find a single card for 18, but plenty for 16 and 21.
Lena celebrated her 18th birthday in Star Harbor, Texas with us. She knew when she signed up the exchange program that she would not be in her home country to celebrate. I thought for a long while how to celebrate this momentous occasion. Of course there were obstacles...there usually are obstacles where I'm concerned. The 22nd of February was a school night and the girls had practices after school. That eliminated a trip to Dallas. Even Tyler would be difficult. Lena likes Asian food so she made it easy on us with a short trip to Athens. We tried out the new Hunan restaurant, sushi and grill. It was very good.
One of the things Lena remembers growing up is waking up to a 'teddy' cake for her birthday. I couldn't disappoint her... So I placed an order into Wal Mart. Sure wish I could have made it myself. Of course it had to be pink, that is her favorite color.
But what made the day even more special was the package she received all the way from Germany. Her mom, Brigitte, mailed it 2 weeks ago. It perfectly arrived the day of. Right before Lena opened it, she called up her mom and sister to get on Skype. They watched and chatted as Lena opened up the special gifts her family sent over. I have never seen her smile soo much before.
I thought it would be a nice memory to record the moment for her to relive once she is back home.
Be sure and pause the play list to the top left.
Yes, that was Rance in the background, screaming bloody murder from his room. Sigh, what can I say. Hey, he's still alive. ;)
