On Saturday we went to the local Bryan museum of natural history and then over to the George Bush Library in College Station. Both were great for the kids and the Bush Library is especially a valuable piece of history and well presented for all ages ... a great experience.
Then on a rainy Sunday we went southeast to the Navasota area, more specifically Washington on the Brazos, to see the location of the first capitol of the independent nation of Texas. On March 2, 1836, a bunch of really dedicated and crazy guys decided to declare Independence from Mexico and hoped to go about their business.
On March 6, the battle of the Alamo proved that the Mexicans didn't like the proposal, and then a short time later Gen Houston defeated Santa Anna and the dream became reality.
At the Washington on the Brazos site there is a working farm, continuous from 1850, simulating life as it was then. The volunteers were exceptionally talented and knowledgeable. Here is Andrew (slicing with help), Graham, Paul (green jacket) and Jennifer watching how a wooden spoon was carved in 1850 from a piece of cedar.
Then the interpreters described how sausage was done at the time and what preservation methods were needed without refrigeration ... a real challenge in this place of 100+ 100 degree days in the summer!
After the wonderful history experience we needed some lunch and headed down to Chappell Hill and a great biker bar there. We were the only ones there and the kids ... OK all of us (Kerry and Richard too) ... had a super time at the pool table before the chili, Fritos, and Shiner Bock arrived.
I had to include this one below of the bike garage. This steel overhang can hold over 300 bikes and is the primary draw for this particular bar. In the summer with the heat averaging over 100 degrees, that hog you just got off and left in the sun, is now approaching 300 degrees when you come back out after the cool beer and really not a nice, cool, ride ... hence the roof.
After our touring and museum trips it was time to sit at the house and indoctrinate the non-knowing into the sport of Mexican Train dominoes. The Boston clan did quite well, especially with 11 year old Graham ensuring that all present knew the rules.
And then as all departed back to Boston, I gave the obligatory tour of the Flying Scotsman. Here are Graham and Andrew who said ... "Can we ride the slide as it is coming in?"
We had a great time with our cousin and kids (once or twice removed I'll never figure out) and hope to see them soon in the future.
