How do you know you’re in Texas? Well, for one, it’s very hot, and there are long horns on the side of the road.

And you can eat burgers on Texas toast with a side of tater-tots in your car at Sonic:

Also, you might see a van with a cross strapped to the back hurtling down the highway!

Unrelated: Harrison was rather amused to see this Dairy Queen’s sign for the $500
Hungr Buster Meal.

Anyway, Texas is home to my uncle Richard and aunt Vera. I last visited them in 1994 right after my 8th birthday at their old house in San Antonio. They’ve since moved to a new lake house in Horseshoe Bay, TX. This was a very clever move because their house is (as they say) “a giant playground,” and their kids, grand-kids, and great-grand-kids love to come visit! Right when we arrived, their 12 weekend visitors were heading out. They said that the house once held 25!

Harrison and I are somewhat more subdued than a hoard of 2-to-18-year-olds, I suppose.

The house is right on an inlet of the Lake LBJ. This morning, they took us on a boat-ride around the lake:

Today was Richard’s birthday! He steered that boat like a true and seasoned captain.

By the way, we’ve decided to add to our list of property acquisitions. In addition to our spacious houses in LA, we’re purchased this summer home on Lake LBJ:

Don’t worry, you can stay in our guesthouse when you visit. (There’s room for all in our hypothetical future.)

After lunch, Richard showed us how to use the jetskis:

 

Go, Richard, goooooo!

Then it was time for my first (and Harrison’s second) jetski ride:

Pop-quiz time: Which of us was the faster driver who enjoyed riding the wake of speedboats and shooting across the lake? (Hint.)

And which of us was a slow and conservative (safe!) driver who got freaked out reading the entire WARNING label on the jetski?

Pretty sure you got that one right! I was impressed that we both topped out over 50mph. I also saw several turtles, which made the day even better!

The lake water was pretty warm (like bath water), so we took Vera’s advice and opted for the safer pool for swimming.

Did anyone else make the “George Washington” hairdo in the pool when they were younger? Harrison apparently was unfamiliar with this.

In the afternoon, we relaxed and got to chat with Richard and Vera and celebrate Richard’s birthday! They’ve done so many interesting things (were in San Francisco during the ’89 earthquake!) and traveled all over the world, though like us, road trips are their preferred mode of travel. It’s really neat to get to spend time with relatives that I haven’t gotten to talk to much in my adult life. I’m learning so much!

And now, we are worn out from the Texas sun and heat. Bed time for meeeee!